Bau hendrikii

A Malesian forest aroid now placed in Bau

Bau hendrikii was formerly known as Schismatoglottis hendrikii. It now belongs to Bau, a group of ground-dwelling aroids from tropical Southeast Asia whose leaves rise from compact stems near the forest floor.

The genus ranges from Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia across Sumatra, Borneo and Sulawesi. Its natural setting is warm evergreen forest, where rain returns frequently, organic material gathers over the soil and taller vegetation filters direct tropical sun. The foliage develops within this moist, sheltered lower layer.

Light, moisture and root care

Repotting

Repot Bau hendrikii when roots fill the drainage area, the base presses against the pot, watering becomes unusually frequent or old mix stays dense and wet. Work in stable warmth during active growth and return the rhizome to exactly the same level.

Light

Keep the plant close to an east- or north-facing window, or a short distance from a brighter south or west window. Gentle early sun is acceptable after gradual acclimation.

Watering

Water when the surface has just begun to dry but the root ball below is still lightly moist. Stronger light, warmth and a root-filled pot speed drying, while cool rooms and oversized pots slow it markedly.

Temperature

Maintain Bau hendrikii in steady warmth, with the root zone preferably away from chilling temperatures.

Humidity and airflow

Ordinary heated-room air is often too dry for consistently clean growth on Bau hendrikii. Moderate to high humidity helps new leaves open without catching or browning, provided air still moves gently around the crown and pot surface.

Fertilising

Feed the plant with a complete foliage fertiliser at a low dose while it is producing leaves or roots. Reduce or pause when leaf production stops and the pot dries more slowly.

Troubleshooting Bau hendrikii

The silver-grey quilted leaves become flat and dull

A new leaf may deepen in tone as it hardens, but a persistent dull film should be checked. Mineral residue or dust wipes away; fine pale feeding points, webbing or moving specks suggest mites. Clean the leaf gently, inspect the recessed veins with a lens and isolate the plant before using a treatment labelled for the pest found.

A cordate leaf hangs while the substrate is still moist

Warm forest aroids can droop in a cold position even when water is available. If the petiole remains firm, restore steady warmth and let an overly wet mix drain and begin to dry. A limp leaf attached to a dark, soft petiole base instead calls for an immediate root and rhizome inspection.

The next leaves are smaller and less strongly quilted

Repeatedly reduced growth can follow weak light, a cold root zone or roots held in dense, exhausted substrate. Provide brighter filtered light and check the root system before feeding. Young leaves may gain texture as they harden, so judge the trend across several leaves rather than one fresh blade.

A rolled leaf opens torn or scarred

A clean split can result from friction or irregular hydration while the leaf expands. Silvery abrasions, black specks or repeated distortion are more suspicious for thrips hidden in the roll. Do not pull the leaf open; stabilise moisture and treat only after pest evidence is found.

The creeping base turns translucent or soft

Translucent softness means decay is active and needs prompt action. Unpot Bau hendrikii, remove decomposed roots and cut the rhizome back to uniformly firm tissue with a sterile blade. Restart only sound sections in a clean, aerated mix and keep the crown at the surface rather than burying the growing point.

Keep Bau hendrikii away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

Why is it called Bau hendrikii?

Bau is the Malay word for smell, chosen for the strong scent released when the plant's tissues are crushed. The epithet hendrikii honours Hendrik Fusca, who collected the type material.

Sin Yeng Wong and Peter Charles Boyce established the genus Bau in 2024 in Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography (Webbia), volume 79, page 263.

Sin Yeng Wong and Peter Charles Boyce first described it as Schismatoglottis hendrikii in 2017 in Aroideana, volume 40, issue 3, page 28. Sin Yeng Wong and Peter Charles Boyce later placed it in Bau as Bau hendrikii in 2024 in Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography (Webbia), volume 79, page 266.