Cyrtosperma johnstonii (Alocasia Black Jack)

Cyrtosperma johnstonii, also known as "giant swamp taro" or "Singha Mora," is a tropical perennial plant from the Araceae family, native to the Solomon Islands but cultivated as an ornamental in Southeast Asia and other tropical regions. It is valued for its large, dramatic leaves and spiny, colorful petioles, which give it an exotic, almost prehistoric appearance. The plant is often used in tropical gardens, ponds, paludariums, or as an indoor plant in warm climates due to its specific humidity and heat requirements.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are large, arrow-shaped (hastate or sagittate), with a thick, glossy texture, and can grow up to 60-120 cm long (or more under ideal conditions). When young, the leaves have pinkish or bright red veins that gradually fade, becoming dark green at maturity, sometimes with a brown-reddish underside. The leaves are supported by long, spiny petioles up to 2-2.5 meters, with variegated patterns in shades of pink, brown, green, and white, resembling reptile skin.
• Flowers: The flowers are typical of the Araceae family, consisting of a black-purple spathe surrounding a white or cream spadix, supported on tall stalks. They bloom intermittently, especially in warm and humid conditions, but are not the main attraction of the plant.
• Fruits: The infructescences are rare, but when present, consist of small fruits grouped in a downward-facing fruiting head, typical for many Cyrtosperma species. These have no significant ornamental value.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: It can reach 3-5 meters tall under optimal conditions, with a width of 1-2 meters, forming a dense cluster of leaves and petioles. In greenhouses or as an indoor plant, it remains more compact, usually between 1-2 meters.
• Vigor: Moderately slow but steady growth in tropical conditions. It has a thick, tufted rhizome that stores water and nutrients, adapting the plant to swampy environments.
• Type: Perennial, herbaceous plant with underground rhizomes, which can go dormant in cooler climates or dry conditions.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, and insufficient light dulls the vibrant colors. Ideal near east- or west-facing windows with filtered light, or under LED grow lights.
• Soil: Grows in rich, moist, well-drained soils, but also tolerates swampy or semi-aquatic conditions. A mix of perlite, peat, and compost (2:3) is ideal. Can be grown in shallow water basins or passive hydroponic systems.
• Watering: Requires constantly moist or even partially submerged soil. The plant loves swamp-like conditions and does not tolerate soil drying out. Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid lime buildup.
• Temperature: Grows best at 20-30°C and does not tolerate temperatures below 15°C. In temperate zones, it should be grown in warm greenhouses or as an indoor plant. Hardy in zones 10-11.
• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-80%). In dry conditions, leaf edges may dry out. Use a humidifier or trays with water and pebbles.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Resistant to most pests but may attract mites or aphids in dry conditions. Sensitive to cold and poorly drained soils, which can cause rhizome rot. Tolerates brackish water, making it suitable for coastal areas.
• Fertilization: Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) monthly during the growing season (spring-summer). Over-fertilization can damage leaves.
• Pruning: Remove dry or damaged leaves to maintain aesthetic appearance. Does not require extensive pruning.
• Propagation: Propagated by dividing rhizomes in spring or by seeds, although the latter is rare and slow.
• Toxicity: The plant is moderately toxic if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal irritation. Keep away from pets and children.

   

• 🌱 Secret Garden recommendation:

  👉 For healthy roots and lush foliage, use Secret Garden professional substrate for tropical plants (Araceae Mix) — a balanced mix of peat, pine bark, perlite, and coconut fiber, specially designed for Alocasia, Philodendron, Monstera, and other tropical plants sensitive to excess water.

Usage

Cyrtosperma johnstonii is used as an ornamental plant in tropical gardens, ponds, paludariums, greenhouses, or as an indoor plant in warm climates. Its dramatic leaves and spiny petioles make it a focal point in exotic landscapes or indoor jungles. It can be grown semi-aquatically, in shallow water basins, or as a swamp plant. In some Pacific cultures, the rhizomes are consumed as a starch-rich food but require cooking to remove toxins. It pairs well with other tropical plants such as Alocasia, Colocasia, or ferns for a lush effect.

Origin

Native to the Solomon Islands, Cyrtosperma johnstonii naturally grows in wet areas, swamps, edges of swampy forests, or along rivers where soils are rich and water abundant. It was first described in 1882 and is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and tropical regions as an ornamental plant. It is sometimes confused with Alocasia and sold under the name "Alocasia Black Jack" due to its similar appearance but belongs to the Cyrtosperma genus.

Note: Cyrtosperma is a sensitive plant. Therefore, you may receive these plants with some leaf defects, but these do not affect the plant's viability.

Height including pot: approx. 40 cm

Decorative pot not included in the price.