Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure packing
The Schismatoglottis sp. 'Borneo Silver' is a stunning aroid prized for its unique foliage, featuring deep green leaves with striking silvery patterns, often around the midrib. Native to the humid rainforests of Borneo, it thrives when its natural habitat conditions are mimicked indoors. While it's considered somewhat rare and a favorite among collectors, its care is manageable if you pay attention to its specific needs.
Here's a detailed care guide for your Schismatoglottis sp. 'Borneo Silver':
1. Light:
Bright, indirect light is ideal. This plant naturally grows in the shaded understory of rainforests, receiving dappled light filtered through the canopy.
Place it near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a brighter south or west-facing window.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, as this can scorch its delicate leaves and cause the beautiful silver variegation to fade or bleach.
It can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth may be slower, and the silvery patterns might be less pronounced.
2. Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. The key is to avoid both drying out completely and sitting in standing water.
Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feel slightly dry to the touch.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Crucially, ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, which is a common issue for aroids that are overwatered.
Reduce watering frequency in cooler months or during periods of slower growth.
Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is often preferred, as tap water chemicals or mineral buildup can sometimes cause browning leaf tips.
3. Humidity:
High humidity is essential. Schismatoglottis sp. 'Borneo Silver' thrives in humidity levels of 60% or higher, mimicking its rainforest origins. This is perhaps the most critical factor for its success indoors.
Signs of low humidity include browning or crispy leaf edges and tips.
To increase humidity:
Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is on the pebbles, not in the water).
Use a room humidifier nearby, especially in dry climates or during winter heating.
Group it with other humidity-loving plants.
It's an excellent candidate for terrariums or enclosed plant displays where humidity can be easily maintained.
While misting can offer a temporary boost, it's generally not sufficient for sustained high humidity and can sometimes encourage fungal issues if leaves remain wet for too long.
4. Temperature:
Maintain warm temperatures, ideally between 21-29°C (70-85°F).
This plant is sensitive to cold. Avoid temperatures below 16°C (60°F), as well as sudden temperature drops or cold drafts from windows or air conditioning units.
5. Soil and Potting:
Schismatoglottis requires a loose, airy, and well-draining potting mix that allows for good aeration around the roots.
An excellent aroid mix would be:
A base of high-quality potting mix (peat-based or coco coir-based).
Ample additions of chunky amendments like perlite, orchid bark, charcoal, and pumice. A common ratio might be 60% potting mix, 15% bark, 10% coco coir, 10% charcoal, and 5% perlite.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring. When repotting, handle the rhizomes (underground stems) gently.
6. Fertilization:
Feed your 'Borneo Silver' during its active growing season (spring and summer).
Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 strength) every 2-4 weeks.
Reduce or cease fertilization in the fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.
Always apply fertilizer to damp soil to prevent root burn.
7. Pruning:
Pruning is minimal. Simply remove any yellowing, browning, or damaged leaves with clean, sharp scissors at the base of the stem. This keeps the plant tidy and directs energy to new growth.
The plant is primarily grown for its foliage; flowers are rare indoors and not particularly showy.
8. Propagation:
Schismatoglottis sp. 'Borneo Silver' can be propagated by division of its rhizomes.
Gently separate clumps or offsets from the mother plant, ensuring each division has at least one root system and a growth point.
Plant the divisions in appropriate moist, airy potting mix and maintain high humidity to encourage rooting.
9. Pests and Diseases:
This plant is generally resistant to pests, but keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Spider mites can be a particular problem in low humidity environments.
Inspect your plant regularly. If you find pests, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The most common disease issue is root rot, which is directly linked to overwatering and poor drainage. Ensuring the correct soil mix and watering habits is the best prevention.
10. Toxicity:
Like many Aroids, Schismatoglottis sp. 'Borneo Silver' is toxic if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it out of reach of pets and children. Its sap can also cause skin and eye irritation in sensitive individuals, so it's wise to wear gloves when handling.
By providing these care conditions, your rare Schismatoglottis sp. 'Borneo Silver' should thrive and be a captivating addition to your indoor plant collection.
