Also known as Black Calla · Blood Red Penumbra · Painted Arum
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Arum pictum, the Autumn Arum, is a striking perennial with arrow-shaped, dark green leaves and a hooded, deep purple spathe in autumn. Native to the Mediterranean.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
50% intensity
Prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Avoid direct, hot sun.
Moderate during growth, low during dormancy
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings, especially during summer dormancy.
Well-drained, humus-rich
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10-20°C during growth. Can tolerate cooler temperatures. Avoid extreme heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly only during the active growing season with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly during its active growth period in autumn and winter. Reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy in spring and summer. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Overwatering during dormancy is the most common cause of failure.
Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as they appear during the active growing season. Cut back spent flower stalks after flowering. Generally, minimal pruning is required.
Allow the plant to naturally die back as it enters dormancy.
Propagate from offsets or corms. Carefully separate offsets from the parent plant during its dormant period (late spring to early autumn). Replant them in well-draining soil. Corms can also be divided when dormant.
Seeds are rarely used for home propagation.
Repot in late summer or early autumn, just as new growth begins. Use a well-draining, gritty compost mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current root ball.
Repotting is typically needed every 2-3 years, or when the corm has outgrown its container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Autumn Arum (Arum pictum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Arum |
| Species | Arum pictum |
Similar in genus Arum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
