Adelonema wallisii
Adelonema wallisii · Araceae
📷 Chhe (talk) · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant adelonema wallisii: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (discrete spathes)
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm tall
- Growth
- Moderate to rapid in optimal conditions
- Hardiness
- Tropical, min. 15–18 °C
- Origin
- South America (Amazon basins)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist without waterlogging, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter but don't let it dry out completely. Adelonema appreciates humid air: mist the foliage regularly or place the pot on a tray with damp pebbles.
Light exposure
Prefer indirect and filtered light, away from direct rays that risk scorching the leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window works well. It tolerates partial shade but grows more vigorously with good brightness.
Pruning and cleaning
No strict pruning is necessary. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base to encourage a neat shape. Gentle cleaning of the foliage with a damp cloth removes dust and improves photosynthesis.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during growth (spring-summer). In autumn-winter, space out or stop applications. Respect recommended dosages to avoid salt buildup that harms roots.
Substrate and repotting
Use a well-draining mix: leaf mold, coconut fiber, and perlite. Repot in spring every 2 years if the plant becomes crowded. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root suffocation.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, favored by dry air. Increase humidity and spray if there's a light infestation. Root rot occurs with excess water: ensure optimal drainage and let dry slightly between waterings.
Did you know?
Adelonema wallisii is named after Belgian botanist and explorer Gustave Wallis, who traveled through tropical America in the 19th century collecting exotic plants. This aroid remains little known to the general public but is appreciated by houseplant collectors for its elegant foliage and discretion.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.