Schismatoglottis Sp. Mamasa

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Mamasa schismatoglottis

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Indonesia (Sulawesi)

Habitat

Humid tropical forest floors and stream banks in Southeast Asia, growing terrestrially or as a riparian plant along moist, well-draining soils

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

10 in (25 cm)

Spread

8 in (20 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground

Water

Temperature

65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C)

Light

Low

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Variegated

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Elongated green leaves marked with silvery patterning form a low, compact rosette rarely exceeding ten inches. This Sulawesi aroid grows terrestrially or as a riparian plant, making it a candidate for terrariums, paludariums or ripariums rather than fully submerged aquascapes. Growth is slow, so keepers should expect a long-term display piece rather than fast-filling cover.

Care

This aroid is grown mainly as a terrestrial or riparian specimen rather than a true aquatic, doing best in terrariums, paludariums or ripariums where it can stay above the waterline or only partly submerged. It wants warm temperatures, moist but well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and steady humidity, with brief submersion tolerated but not sustained. Moderate, indirect light suits it well, and stagnant, overly wet substrate should be avoided to prevent rot at the base.

Planting & trimming

Plant with the rhizome resting on or just above the substrate surface rather than buried, similar to how Anubias is handled, since burying it invites rot. It can be mounted on wood or rock in a humid paludarium setup, or planted in a loose, well-draining soil mix for terrestrial display. Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base to keep the rosette tidy.

Fertilizing

Root tabs or a nutrient-rich soil mix support steady growth, since this plant draws much of its nutrition through the roots rather than the water column. In paludarium or terrarium setups a diluted liquid fertilizer applied occasionally to the soil can help maintain leaf color and vigor. Pale or small new leaves usually point to insufficient nutrients or light rather than a specific deficiency.

Propagation

Propagation is by division of the rhizome, separating offshoots that have developed their own root mass from the parent plant. Each division should retain enough roots and at least one healthy leaf to establish independently. New divisions are best kept in high humidity until they show fresh growth.

Problems

Rot at the crown or rhizome is the most common issue, usually caused by burying the rhizome or keeping the substrate too saturated. Low humidity can cause leaf tip browning in open-air terrarium setups, so misting or a covered enclosure helps prevent this. It is not particularly prone to the sudden collapse and melt seen in some other aroids and crypts as long as conditions stay stable.

Sources

1. Schismatoglottis Sp. Mamasa - Buce Plant
2. SubstrateSource Live Plant - Schismatoglottis sp. 'Mamasa'

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