Arum italicum aka Italian Arum

Taxonomy

Arum italicum, also known as Italian arum and Italian lords-and-ladies, is a species of flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the family Araceae. Native to the British Isles, Mediterranean region, Caucasus, Canary Islands, Madeira, and northern Africa, it has also been naturalized in various locations including Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Argentina, North Island New Zealand, and scattered areas in North America. This unique plant stands out with its glossy green leaves adorned with paler veins. Its breathtaking colors and distinctive shape make it a favorite among gardeners. The Italian arum, part of the Araceae family, is not limited to Italy and can be found in many countries surrounding the Mediterranean sea. Its dark green leaves with white highlights, reddish-orange nonedible flower clusters, and long green stems make it easily recognizable.

Common names

Italian Arum, Italian Lords And Ladies, Large Cuckoo Pint

How to care for Italian Arum

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Italian Arum is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Italian Arum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Italian Arum loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Italian Arum prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Italian Arum to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Italian Arum should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Italian Arum is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Italian Arum’s native range is Southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia