Nephthytis swainei

This plant pictured is the plant for sale. Shipped in a 4” pot.

     Nepthytis swainei is a seldom seen, diminutive aroid from tropical West Africa. This charming little plant has small, heart-shaped leaves with highly pronounced lobes. These leaves have a beautiful silver-blue sheen to them, resembling a miniature Anthurium diabloense. Like other Nepthytis, this species is a crawler and makes a short underground rhizome. In a pot, the rhizome will circle the perimeter of the container. In a terrarium, it will creep along the ground and make a lovely bed of bluish leaves. Every so often N. swainei will flower, which, if pollinated, is followed by very large orange berries that stand just above the foliage. The contrast between the blue leaves and bright orange fruit is incredibly attractive.  

     For a while I struggled to grow this plant, until I learned that it likes ‘wet feet’. The bottom of the pot should be sitting in 1-2 inches of water at all times. Place the plastic pot into a container with no drainage for best results. If you want to put it in a terrarium, place it somewhere wet. Full shade for this one.