Schismatoglottis sp. 03

Origin and identity of Schismatoglottis sp. 03

Schismatoglottis sp. 03 is an unnamed cultivated form whose exact species identity is still uncertain. The number distinguishes this form from other unnamed Schismatoglottis in cultivation.

Growing Schismatoglottis sp. 03

• Potting mix: Use a loose mix that stays lightly moist, with bark and pumice or perlite to keep air around the roots.
• Water: Water when the surface has begun to dry while the deeper mix still feels lightly moist.
• Light: Give medium to bright filtered light. Keep strong direct midday sun from reaching the leaves.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the container or the clustered plant becomes crowded in the pot.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep it warm and humid, away from cold draughts, radiators and dry vents.
• Feeding: Feed with a complete houseplant fertiliser according to the label while new leaves are developing. Pause feeding when growth slows.
• Propagation: Separate a rooted side section after it has formed its own growing point.
• Handling: Keep the plant away from children and pets and wash your hands after pruning or division.

Health problems in Schismatoglottis sp. 03

• Fine stippling spreads across the leaves and the surface looks dusty: Mites may be present. Check the undersides and leaf bases for mites or fine webbing. Isolate a confirmed infestation and use a product labelled for mites on ornamental plants, repeating treatment at the interval stated on the label.
• Leaf edges curl or crisp as the mix dries quickly: Dry roots or hot, dry airflow may be responsible. Water thoroughly and move the plant away from radiators, vents or other sources of dry air.
• Yellowing develops while the base remains wet: Root or base tissue may be decaying. Remove every soft section back to firm healthy material with a clean tool, discard the decay and repot in fresh airy mix.
• New leaves open creased or smaller: Repeated drying, crowded roots or low light can affect new growth. Water consistently while a leaf is opening, repot if roots have filled the container, and use brighter filtered light if the plant is growing in a dim position.

Schismatoglottis sp. 03 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.

Who first published Schismatoglottis, and what does the name mean?

Schismatoglottis means “split tongue”.

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