Family: Araceae
Common Name: Green Shield Schismatoglottis
Botanical Name: Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield'
The highlight of the Schuiismatolottis wallichii or the Wallichii “Green Shield” plant, is its leaves! The Green Shield plants leaves are large, glossy, and oval to shield shaped (which is where the nickname “Green Shield” stems from). Make sure you provide this plant with bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged!
Light
Your Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield' will do best in bright, indirect light. Don’t expose this plant to direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves. You can supplement its lighting with artificial grow lights that are made for houseplants if natural light is limited. We suggest placing this plant by a window that has filtered sunlight or several feet away from a window with bright, indirect light!
Water
Make sure your Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield' is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The potting mix should always be damp but never soggy. This plant may require watering every 1 to 2 weeks. During the active growing season (spring and summer), this plant may need to be watered more often than the dormant period, which is the fall and winter months.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix that lets extra water to flow away from the roots for your schismatoglottis . The mix that we suggest is one that is designed for epiphytic or tropical plants. Adding in some organic matter is also a good idea as peat moss. Or coir can give the necessary moisture retention while still letting it drain. You should aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level ranging from around 6.0 to 7.0.
Temperature
Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield' prefers temperatures that range between 65 to 85 degrees. This range helps replicate the environment of where this plant originated from. If you are growing your plant outdoors, make sure it is protected from any extreme coldness or frost. The ‘Green Shield plant’ is not frost-tolerant and exposure to overly cold temperatures can damage or even kill the plant.
Humidity
This indoor plant should be in humidity levels that range from 50% to 70%. This plant appreciates humidity levels that are higher since it originates from a tropical environment. For growing your schismatoglottis indoors, you can increase humidity levels surrounding the plant by grouping plants together, using a humidity tray, providing your plant with a humidifier, or regularly misting the plant. However, if you mist your plant, ensure that you avoid soaking the leaves excessively.
Fertilizer
Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield' doesn’t require frequent or heavy fertilization. However, you should fertilize your plant monthly o bimonthly during the spring and summer months. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formulation. In the fall and winter, you can reduce or even pause on fertilizing your plant, as it won’t require as many nutrients during this time. After applying fertilizer to your plant, we suggest that you water the plant thoroughly to help spread the nutrients through the potting mixture.
Growth Rate
Typically Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield' can reach a mature height that ranges from 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm). This plant is relatively low-growing and compact, which makes it great for various indoor and outdoor settings.
Pet Friend or Foe
Schismatoglottis wallichii 'Green Shield' is non-toxic to pets! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Keep the potting mix for your Schismatoglottis Green Shield moist, but not waterlogged!
- Prune off any damaged leaves on your plant to keep its look and health. You can prune your plant using sharp scissors or pruning shears!
- This plant doesn’t require re-potting often. You should only repot this plant when it outgrows its container or when the potting mixture has gotten to be compacted.
- Make any adjustments to its care routine as needed based on the plant’s growth and overall health!