Water
Water thoroughly when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to die back in late spring or early summer, allowing the plant to enter dormancy.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Shadow Arum
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Dioscorides Arum (Arum dioscoridis) is a striking herbaceous perennial with elegant spathes, often intricately patterned. It thrives in shady, moist conditions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial shade
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Protect from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Can tolerate deeper shade but may flower less profusely.
Moderate to low during growth, very low during dormancy
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, but keep moist during active growth. Reduce significantly when foliage yellows.
Well-drained, humus-rich
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 10-20°C during the growing season. Tolerates cooler conditions in winter dormancy, down to 5°C. Avoid extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season. Cease feeding when foliage dies back.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation and swelling if ingested or touched. The sap can also cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to die back in late spring or early summer, allowing the plant to enter dormancy.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Remove dead or yellowing leaves as they appear to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease. Cut back the spent flower stalk after blooming. No significant structural pruning is usually required for this species.
Easily propagated from offsets or corms. Carefully divide the corms when repotting in late summer or early autumn. Ensure each division has at least one eye or bud.
Pot in well-draining soil and water sparingly until new growth appears.
Repot every 2-3 years, preferably in late summer or early autumn, just before new growth emerges. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of loam, peat, and perlite.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Dioscorides Arum (Arum dioscoridis)
Where Dioscorides Arum (Arum dioscoridis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Arum |
| Species | Arum dioscoridis |
Similar in genus Arum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
