How to Grow Cyrtosperma Johnstonii

Cyrtosperma johnstonii are large, showy tropical plants. They are notable for their red-veined, distinctively shaped leaves, which hang in the form of an upside-down "V," and for their thick, thorny stems. C. johnstonii is the only cultivated species of the 12 types of Cyrtosperma, according to the International Aroid Society. Due to its need for warm temperatures and its creeping habit, the plant is often grown in containers. They are also good pond plants, as they thrive in wet soil. In the wild in their native New Guinea, the plants are often found growing in swamps.

Loose, loamy soil
Container with drainage holes
Insecticidal oil or soap

Instructions

- 1
  Grow your Cyrtosperma johnstonii in loose soil. The soil should not be dry and hard, but warm, loamy and moist. If you are planting it in a container, use a pot that has drainage holes.
- 2
  Keep the soil wet. These plants grow best in warm, wet soil. They can also be planted along the soft edges of a pond.
- 3
  Locate your in-ground or container C. johnstonii in a warm but shady location. Direct sunlight can scorch the broad leaves. Container plants should be moved indoors if the weather gets cool. These plants are very sensitive to cold weather and do best in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 4
  Inspect the leaves for insect pests such as aphids and mites. This is especially important for indoor plants. Fungus gnats, for example, are a common pest of houseplants and thrive in the moist, warm soil preferred by this plant. Rid your C. johnstonii of insect pests by taking it outside and hitting it with a strong stream of water or by spraying it with an insecticidal oil or soap.

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