Water
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid waterlogging. During its dormant period in summer, reduce watering significantly to allow the tubers to rest. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Adam-And-Eve · Adder's-Root · Arum Lily
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Cuckoo-pint (Arum maculatum) is a woodland perennial with striking arrow-shaped leaves and a distinctive hooded spathe enclosing a spadix, blooming in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial to full shade
25% intensity
Prefers shady conditions, especially during hot summer months. Protect from intense direct sun.
Regular watering during growth, reduced during dormancy
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures during its active growth phase. Can tolerate some frost.
Light feeding
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals. The berries are particularly toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid waterlogging. During its dormant period in summer, reduce watering significantly to allow the tubers to rest. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning is minimal. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as they appear to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease.
Cut back flowering stalks after the spathe has faded if desired, though leaving them can provide visual interest.
Propagation is primarily by seed or division of tubers. Sow fresh seeds in autumn or spring. Tubers can be divided during their dormant period in summer.
Ensure each division has at least one bud and healthy root system for successful establishment.
Repot Arum maculatum every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes pot-bound. This is best done during its summer dormancy.
Use a well-draining potting mix, and choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one to accommodate tuber growth.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cuckoo-Pint (Arum maculatum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Arum |
| Species | Arum maculatum |
Similar in genus Arum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
