Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei' ('Purple Sword')

A Sumatran aroid sold as ‘Lavallaei’ or ‘Purple Sword’

‘Lavallaei’ and ‘Purple Sword’ are horticultural labels applied to plants placed within Apoballis acuminatissima. The name ‘Lavallaei’ derives from the former botanical name Aglaonema lavalleei, now treated as a synonym of A. acuminatissima.

The accepted species is native to Sumatra, where it grows close to the ground in warm, humid rainforest. Heavy rain and moisture-laden air surround the roots, while decomposing leaves collect across the forest floor and taller vegetation filters direct equatorial sun.

Care for clumping aroid roots and foliage

Growth habit and leaf care

Apoballis acuminatissima ‘Lavallaei’ (‘Purple Sword’) forms a low self-supporting clump and should not be staked through the rhizome. Cut a fully yellow leaf stalk near the base and leave resistant old sheath tissue until dry.

Humidity and airflow

Apoballis acuminatissima ‘Lavallaei’ (‘Purple Sword’) benefits from moderate to high humidity, although an established plant can adapt to ordinary household air. Pair higher humidity with gentle airflow around the clump and moist substrate.

Light

Keep Apoballis acuminatissima ‘Lavallaei’ (‘Purple Sword’) near an east or north-east window, or a short distance from a brighter south or west exposure with hot rays filtered. Mild morning sun can be introduced gradually.

Watering

Water Apoballis acuminatissima ‘Lavallaei’ (‘Purple Sword’) when the upper layer of the substrate has dried and the lower root ball remains lightly moist. Soak every side and let runoff escape.

Temperature

Cool wet roots can cause a rapid setback even while leaves remain upright.

Repotting

Repot Apoballis acuminatissima ‘Lavallaei’ (‘Purple Sword’) when roots fill the pot, the rhizome presses against the side, drying becomes unusually fast or old mix stays muddy. Work in stable warmth during active growth, return the rhizome to its former level and divide only a natural outer section with its own roots and growing point.

Grey-green blotching, purplish-red backs and genuine damage

• Leaves show dull whitish-grey-green blotching above and purplish-red beneath: This two-sided colour contrast is normal for ‘Lavallaei’, also sold as ‘Purple Sword’. It is not mildew while the upper pattern is flat, dry and integral to the leaf.
• A new leaf catches or tears while opening: The blade can be damaged by uneven hydration, handling or pests before it unfurls. Do not pull it open; keep watering steady and inspect the rolled leaf for thrips.
• Yellowing moves upward while the mix remains wet: A compact, saturated root zone can cause root rot. Delay watering, confirm free drainage and remove soft brown roots if the pot smells sour.
• Fine pale dots spread across the purplish-red underside: Look for spider mites with a magnifier. Isolate the plant, clean both surfaces and repeat treatment using our spider-mite guide
• Round dark spots enlarge on wet foliage: Leaf-spot disease is favoured when leaves stay wet in stagnant air. Remove badly affected foliage with clean tools, keep water off the blades and increase gentle air exchange without chilling the plant.

Apoballis acuminatissima ‘Lavallaei’ (‘Purple Sword’) is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does Apoballis acuminatissima mean, and who first published it?

Apoballis combines Greek apo, meaning away, with ballein, meaning to throw. Acuminatissima means very sharply pointed and describes the leaves’ long-tapered tips.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Apoballis in 1858 in Österreichische Botanische Zeitschrift, volume 8, page 318.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described it as Schismatoglottis acuminatissima in 1864 in Annales Musei Botanici Lugduno-Batavi, volume 1, page 281. Sin Yeng Wong and Peter Charles Boyce later placed it in Apoballis as Apoballis acuminatissima in 2010 in Botanical Studies (Taipei), volume 51, page 253.