Red Sword

Red Sword (Apoballis acuminatissima), long sold as Schismatoglottis acuminatissima, is a broad leaved indoor plant with deep green leaves spotted in silver grey on red stems. It grows to about 60cm high and 50cm wide, and its red new growth unfurls into variegated leaves. It comes from the forests of Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra.

Why you'll love it

• Silver spotted leaves on red stems. Deep green leaves splashed with silver grey sit on red stems, and the underside of each leaf has a faint metallic purple sheen.
• Red new growth. Fresh red shoots unfurl into variegated leaves, so the plant keeps changing as it grows.
• An uncommon aroid. It is a rare and handsome relative of alocasia, caladium and dieffenbachia, and not a plant every neighbour will have.
• Made for shade. It thrives in humid, shaded spots where many other plants sulk, indoors or on a frost free patio.
• Simple routine. Regular water, a little feed and a damp mist keep it happy, with a tidy up of old leaves now and then.

Where it works best

Indoors and interior schemes. Bright indirect light and a humid room suit it. Use it on a console, in a corner or in a bathroom with a window.

Shaded, frost free patios. In a pot under cover it brings dark, spotted foliage to a tropical style patio.

Underplanting in tropical gardens. Plant 45cm apart beneath trees and large leaved plants in a shaded, frost free garden.

Growing Red Sword in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a humid, shady spot with bright indirect sunlight, and keep it out of direct sun. It needs a frost free home, so it grows outdoors in tropical and subtropical gardens and indoors anywhere in the country. It likes high humidity.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix suits it. The plant prefers to be moist but not wet around the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks, then only when the soil seems dry. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength every few weeks while it establishes, then every second month. Indoors, a regular spritz on the leaves keeps it happy.

Pruning. Remove dead leaves for a quick tidy up. There is no other pruning to do.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Sword as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back. A tube is a small plant, and its leaves take time to reach the full spotted pattern.

Plants travel upright and settle fast. Pot up soon after delivery in a good potting mix and keep it in bright, indirect light.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Elephant ears and alocasias
• Browse house and indoor plants
• More tropical plants
• Growing tropical foliage at home

Common questions

Is Red Sword safe for pets?

No. Like other aroids, including dieffenbachia and alocasia, it is toxic if chewed. Keep it where pets and young children cannot reach it.

Why is it called Apoballis now?

The plant was long sold as Schismatoglottis acuminatissima, and has since been reclassified as Apoballis acuminatissima. It is the same plant under a newer name.

Does it need humidity?

Yes. It comes from humid rainforest, so high humidity suits it. Indoors, regular water and a spritz on the leaves keep it happy.