Apoballis sagittifolia (Alderw.) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce

• Genus: Apoballis
• Botanical Background: Originally described as Schismatoglottis sagittifolia by Alderwerelt in 1922, the species was transferred to Apoballis by Wong & Boyce in Botanical Studies.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to the island of Sumatra, with records primarily in western and central regions
• Environment: Occurs in primary lowland to hill forests, often on wet podsols, and occasionally as a rheophyte along streams; thrives in high‑humidity, warm conditions.

Leaves

• Simple, arrowhead‑shaped (sagittate) blades borne on D‑shaped petioles
• Margins entire with a small apical mucro

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Inflorescences nodding on slender peduncles
• Spathe limb narrowly lanceolate, semi‑persistent, enclosing a cylindrical spadix with a basal row of sterile staminodes

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial herb forming clumps via underground rhizomes
• Non‑climbing and hapaxanthic (shoots die after flowering)

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun which can scorch the foliage

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry
• Maintain humidity above 60 % to prevent leaf edge browning

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining aroid mix (e.g., bark, perlite, peat) to ensure oxygenated roots

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–28 °C
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Divide healthy rhizomes with at least two growth points; pot divisions in fresh substrate with high humidity

Seeds

• Fruit set is rare in cultivation; seeds require warm, moist conditions and may take several weeks to germinate—techniques are mainly employed by specialist growers

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids

Treatment Recommendations

• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until pests abate

• The species epithet “sagittifolia” refers to its arrow‑shaped leaves
• Apoballis was long grouped under Schismatoglottis until molecular studies prompted its resurrection

• Valued by collectors for its sculptural foliage and unusual, rarely opening spathes
• Suited to terrariums or shaded understory displays

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Market Availability

• Rare in general trade; occasionally offered through specialized aroid nurseries and plant societies