Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' ('Purple Sword')

Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' ('Purple Sword')

Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei', also known as 'Purple Sword', is a compact tropical aroid with long, pointed leaves and deep purple tones on the undersides and petioles. The plant grows from a rhizomatous base, producing a tight cluster of upright leaves that gradually broadens as new shoots develop.

The upper leaf surface shows a muted mix of green, grey-green and darker markings, while the underside gives the plant its stronger colour contrast. The narrow leaves rise above the pot in an upright cluster, making the coloured reverse visible from different angles.

Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' key details

• Long, sword-shaped leaves with sharply tapered tips
• Grey-green upper surface with darker patterning
• Purple to burgundy tones on leaf undersides and stems
• Rhizomatous aroid growth with a clumping indoor habit
• Warm-growing tropical plant for airy substrate and even moisture

Foliage and growth habit

Apoballis acuminatissima is an Araceae species native to Sumatra, where it grows in wet tropical conditions. The species was formerly treated under Schismatoglottis.

In pots, 'Lavallaei' forms a compact clump of pointed leaves. The leaves rise on slender petioles from the base, so evenly moist substrate prevents fast leaf droop, while air around the roots reduces rhizome rot.

Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' care

• Light: Give bright, indirect light or gentle filtered morning light. Strong direct sun can scorch the thin leaf surface.
• Watering: Keep the mix lightly moist during active growth. Water when the upper layer starts to dry, then let the pot drain fully.
• Substrate: Use an airy aroid mix with fine bark, coco chips, coco coir or peat-free base, plus perlite, pumice or another mineral component.
• Drainage: The rhizome and roots need oxygen around them, so choose an open, free-draining mix and empty cachepots after watering.
• Temperature: Keep temperatures around 18–27 °C. Growth slows in cooler rooms, and cold wet conditions can damage the root system.
• Humidity: New leaves unfold with fewer crisp edges in moderate to high humidity. Use a humidifier, grouped plants or a bright cabinet in dry rooms.
• Feeding: Feed modestly with a balanced fertiliser during active growth. Flush the potting mix occasionally if mineral deposits appear on the surface or pot edge.
• Repotting: Repot once the plant has filled the pot or the mix has broken down. Keep the rhizome sitting close to the surface with the crown clearly above the mix.
• Semi-hydro suitability: It can adapt to inert or semi-hydro substrates when transitioned carefully from healthy roots and kept warm.
• Propagation: Division is the clearest method once the plant has produced separate rooted growth points.

Reading problems on Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei'

• Drooping leaves: Check moisture and root health. The plant reacts quickly to a dry root ball, but a soggy mix can also weaken uptake.
• Yellowing lower leaves: Occasional older leaf loss is normal; repeated yellowing can point to low light, overwatering or exhausted substrate.
• Brown tips: Often linked to drying out, mineral build-up, low humidity or inconsistent watering.
• Soft stems near the base: Inspect the rhizome and roots for rot, then improve drainage, warmth and airflow around the pot.
• Pests: Spider mites, thrips and mealybugs can hide along the midrib and petiole bases. Check both sides of the leaves regularly.

Extra notes for Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei'

New shoots gradually build a small clump from the rhizome. Remove tired leaves at the base with clean scissors, and avoid disturbing the rhizome once the plant is established.

Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' safety

As an aroid, Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' should be kept away from pets and children. Chewed plant tissue can irritate the mouth and throat, and the sap may bother sensitive skin, so gloves are sensible when dividing or repotting.

Apoballis name background

Apoballis acuminatissima belongs to Araceae. The species epithet acuminatissima means “very sharply pointed” or “most acuminate”, referring to the strongly tapered leaf tips.