Xanthosoma silverstonei Croat

• Genus: Xanthosoma
• Botanical Background: Named by aroid specialist Thomas B. Croat in honor of Phillip Silverstone-Sopkin, a botanist who contributed significantly to plant research in Colombia.

• Geographical Range: Native to western Colombia
• Environment: Found in moist, shaded tropical forests with rich, organic soils. Prefers high humidity, moderate temperatures, and consistent rainfall throughout the year.

Leaves

• Large, sagittate (arrow-shaped) leaves with smooth green surfaces and visible venation
• Held aloft by upright petioles, the foliage adds a dramatic tropical presence

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Inflorescence consists of a pale green to yellowish spathe surrounding a thick, cylindrical spadix
• Pollination mechanisms are not well documented but likely involve beetles

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial, tuberous plant forming upright clumps
• Not vining or epiphytic and relies on its underground tuber for anchorage and storage

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid full, direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Requires evenly moist soil and high humidity
• Regular watering is needed, especially during active growth
• Allow slight drying between waterings to prevent rot

Soil & Potting Mix

• Optimal growth occurs between 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Optimal growth occurs between 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season

Division

• Propagated through division of tubers
• Division should have at least one growing eye or shoot

Seeds

• Propagation is undocumented
• Unlikely in cultivation due to rarity and limited seed availability

Typical Issues

• Mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal infections from overwatering
• Good airflow and clean conditions help prevent pest outbreaks

Treatment Recommendations

• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for pest control
• Proper soil drainage and avoid waterlogging to reduce risk of rot

• Named after Phillip Silverstone-Sopkin for his contributions to Colombian botany
• Species is of interest to researchers and plant collectors for its restricted distribution and understudied biology

• Highly desirable among collectors for its bold foliage and rarity
• Suitable for tropical-themed plant collections or shaded greenhouse displays

Wild Population Status

• Not formally assessed by the IUCN
• Limited known range in western Colombia suggests potential vulnerability to habitat loss and environmental change

Market Availability

• Very rare in cultivation
• Not typically available through commercial nurseries. Mostly held in botanical collections or academic institutions