PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect to partial sun; tolerates full sun in cool climates, avoid intense midday sun in hot regions
Watering
Requires consistent shallow standing water (5–15 cm depth) to support rhizome health
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures; avoid frost, as rhizomes will die below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large arrowhead-shaped glossy green leaves with reddish-purple undersides
- Flower: Dense erect spikes of bright scarlet bracts enclosing small white tubular flowers
- Stem: Thick fleshy upright stems emerging from submerged rhizomes
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain 5–15 cm of clean standing water; refresh 20% of water weekly to prevent algae buildup
Fertilization
Diluted aquatic plant fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use slow-release aquatic fertilizer tabs inserted into the planting medium for steady nutrient delivery
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days, dilute 1:20, and pour into pond margins to feed rhizomes; avoid raw peels to prevent water foulingPruning
- Remove yellowing leaves and spent flower spikes to maintain tidy appearance
- Thin overcrowded rhizomes in early spring to reduce competition for nutrients
- Trim damaged or decaying stems at the base to encourage new growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental pond plant; adds vibrant color to water gardens
