Schismatoglottis calyptrata

Natural range and habitat of Schismatoglottis calyptrata

Schismatoglottis calyptrata is native to tropical Asia. It grows in warm, humid tropical forest, where the plant receives filtered light and regular moisture at ground level.

How to care for Schismatoglottis calyptrata

• Water: Keep the mix around the roots lightly moist. Water when the surface begins to dry, soak the pot evenly and let excess water drain.
• Light: Give medium to bright filtered light. Keep the plant just back from strong midday window sun.
• Potting mix: Use a loose mix that holds some moisture and drains freely. Fine bark with pumice or perlite keeps air around the roots and underground stem.
• Repotting: Choose a wider pot when roots fill the container or new crowns begin reaching the edge.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep the plant warm and humid, away from cold draughts and dry heat.
• Feeding: Feed with a complete houseplant fertiliser according to the label while new leaves are developing. Pause feeding when growth slows.
• Propagation: Propagate from seed or separate a rooted runner once it has established roots and new growth of its own.
• Handling: Sap and chewed tissue may irritate skin and mouth. Keep the plant away from children and pets and wash your hands after pruning or division.

Common problems with Schismatoglottis calyptrata

• Leaves droop and the mix feels dry: The roots have dried too far. Water thoroughly, let the pot drain and check moisture a little earlier before the next watering.
• Several leaves yellow while the base stays wet: Persistently wet mix with too little air around the roots can damage the roots and underground stem. Check for soft dark tissue, cut back to firm healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the decayed material and repot in fresh airy mix.
• Dark or translucent patches appear after cold exposure: Cold damage is likely. Move the plant to stable warmth and remove fully dead tissue with a clean tool once the damaged area is clear.
• New leaves show silver scars, stippling or distortion: Check emerging growth and leaf undersides for thrips or mites. Isolate the plant if pests are confirmed and use a product labelled for that pest on ornamental plants in your country, repeating treatment at the interval stated on the label.

Schismatoglottis calyptrata is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

The meaning and history of Schismatoglottis calyptrata

Schismatoglottis means “split tongue”. Calyptrata means “hooded” or “capped” and refers to a covering over part of the flower.

Heinrich Zollinger and Alexandre Moritzi established the genus Schismatoglottis in 1846 in Systematisches Verzeichnis der auf Java gesammelten Pflanzen, page 83.

William Roxburgh first described it as Calla calyptrata in 1832 in Flora Indica, 1832 edition, volume 3, page 514. Heinrich Zollinger and Alexandre Moritzi later placed it in Schismatoglottis as Schismatoglottis calyptrata in 1846 in Systematisches Verzeichnis der auf Java gesammelten Pflanzen, page 83.