Adelonema wallisii

Common Names

King Of Hearts, Camouflage Plant, Lipstick Plant, Selby Homalomena, Calla Wallisii

Summary

Adelonema wallisii is a small, compact trailing perennial in the Araceae family, native to tropical regions of Central and Northern South America, including Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. It grows from rhizomes, reaching about 15–25 cm in height with leaves 13–20 cm long, elliptic to ovate-oblong, often bright green with yellow marbling; cultivars such as Adelonema wallisii 'Camouflage' feature green, white, or yellow marbled foliage. Synonyms include Homalomena wallisii and Curmeria wallisii.

In cultivation, Adelonema wallisii thrives in warm, humid indoor settings with bright indirect light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water generously during active growth and avoid stagnant water; fertilize every two weeks during the growing season and taper to monthly in the dormant season. Propagation is by division of rhizomes; stem cuttings or seed propagation are less common. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, requiring gloves when pruning and keeping away from pets; occasional pests such as mealybugs and spider mites may appear.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-10 inches

Spread

6 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, moisture-retentive loamy soil enriched with organic matter

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Bloom Color

Burgundy spathe with a white spadix

Foliage Color

Green with marbled yellow markings

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Division, Cuttings, Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts beetles and other pollinators, no mention of attraction for bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, or birds