Schismatoglottis sp. Borneo 'Silver'

Bornean Origin and Botanical Background

Schismatoglottis sp. Borneo ‘Silver’ is a cultivated Bornean forest aroid. Borneo is one of the richest centres of diversity for Schismatoglottis and related genera.

Members of the genus are concentrated in humid Southeast Asian forests. Many occupy shaded ground, stream banks and other moist sites beneath the canopy, where warmth, high humidity and filtered light remain relatively stable.

Care for clumping aroid roots and foliage

Repotting, feeding and propagation: Keep the basal growth at its original depth when repotting and increase the pot size only after roots have filled the existing volume. Feed gently during active growth rather than forcing soft leaves with heavy fertiliser. Remove damaged leaves at the base without cutting into the rhizome. If the plant forms rooted offsets, divide only those with their own roots and a sound growing point.

Light, watering and root care: Schismatoglottis sp. Borneo ‘Silver’ prefers light, consistent moisture around its roots, but the centre of the pot must not remain waterlogged. Plant it in a fine-textured, moisture-retentive aroid mix with enough mineral or coarse organic material to keep it airy. Water when the surface just starts drying, then drain fully. During low winter light, allow a slightly longer interval while keeping the pot warm; cold, wet substrate is more hazardous than a modest reduction in moisture.

Light, temperature and humidity: Keep Schismatoglottis sp. Borneo ‘Silver’ where it receives abundant indirect light, away from intense direct sun. Protect the warm root zone from cold glass, and pair moderate humidity with gentle air movement.

Solving Common Growing Problems

The silver colouring on Borneo ‘Silver’ is normal when it repeats across flat, firm leaves. Dry brown areas concentrated on the side facing strong sun are scorch. Mite damage appears as very fine pale specks, while thrips leave rough silvered scars, tiny black droppings and sometimes distorted growth. Inspect both sides of the leaf before treating, since the natural pattern should not be rubbed or sprayed away.

Drooping alone does not show what is happening below the mix. A light pot with pale firm roots needs a thorough watering. A heavy pot containing soft brown roots needs the rotten parts removed, warmer conditions and a fine mix with more air. A short modest dry period is safer than leaving this plant cold and constantly wet.

If a soft wet patch spreads across a leaf, set Borneo ‘Silver’ apart from nearby plants. Keep splash water away from nearby plants. Preserve every firm part of the roots and rhizome and remove only clearly rotten tissue. Differences in leaf size or silver distribution should be judged across several healthy leaves, not from one newly opened blade.

Schismatoglottis sp. Borneo ‘Silver’ 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.

What does the name Schismatoglottis 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.