Description
- Common names:
- Angel Wing, Angel Wing Plant, Indian Kale, Alocasia lindenii, Caladium lindenii, Oreja de Elefante, Planta Ángel
- Botanical name:
- Xanthosoma lindenii 'Magnificum', Xanthosoma lindenii
- Description:
- Native Colombian stunner with dramatic white-veined arrow-shaped leaves. This communicative houseplant clearly shows its needs, making it perfect for attentive plant lovers seeking tropical elegance.
Features
- Rarity:
- Hard-to-Find Gem
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Variegated Leaves, Architectural, Rosette
- Origin:
- Colombia
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room Focal Point, Modern Interior Design, Tropical Style Décor, Bright Bathroom Statement, Office Desktop Display
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
While generally easy-going and expressive about its needs, this plant requires consistent humidity and attention to watering schedules. It rewards attentive care with stunning foliage, making it ideal for plant parents ready to move beyond beginner plants.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or north-facing window where it receives bright, filtered light throughout the day. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate white veining, while too little light causes leggy growth and faded variegation.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel slightly dry to the touch, maintaining consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes dramatic leaf drooping—thankfully, this communicative plant recovers quickly when watered promptly.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Thrives in humidity levels above 60%, ideally 65-80% for optimal leaf development and to prevent crispy leaf edges. Place on a pebble tray, group with other plants, use a humidifier, or position in a naturally humid bathroom with bright light.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm conditions between 18-27°C / 65-80°F, with ideal temperatures around 21-24°C / 70-75°F. Avoid cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and temperatures below 15°C / 60°F, which can cause leaf damage and stunted growth.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 10-12+
Hardy outdoors year-round only in USDA Zones 10-12 where temperatures remain consistently warm. In cooler zones, grow as a houseplant or move outdoors to a shaded patio during summer months when nighttime temperatures stay above 15°C / 60°F.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once monthly during the active growing season (spring through early fall). Reduce feeding to every 6-8 weeks in winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots begin circling the pot or growing through drainage holes. Use a well-draining aroid mix with peat, perlite, and orchid bark, and choose a pot only 2 inches larger to prevent excess moisture retention.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe leaves monthly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust that blocks light absorption and diminishes the striking white variegation. This also allows you to inspect for pests and keeps the foliage looking pristine.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by carefully dividing the rhizome during spring repotting, ensuring each section has at least 2-3 growing points and healthy roots. Plant divisions in moist, well-draining soil and maintain high humidity until established.