Italian arum (Arum italicum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Italian arum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Araceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Italian arum
Arum italicum, commonly known as Italian Lords-and-Ladies, is a perennial woodland plant noted for its attractive, arrow-shaped leaves, often variegated with creamy-white, which emerge in autumn and persist through winter. In spring, it produces a greenish spathe enclosing a yellow spadix, followed by a stem of bright red berries in summer. It's ideal for partial shade gardens, under trees, or in woodland borders, adding a wild and elegant touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.
Care tips
It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Watering should be moderate, keeping the substrate slightly moist during its active growth period (autumn to spring) and reducing it in summer when the plant goes dormant. Avoid waterlogging, as its tubers are prone to rot. A common mistake is disturbing the plant during its summer dormancy or attempting to grow it in full sun in warm climates.
How to save a dying Italian arum
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, soft, drooping leaves; limp stems. Root rot is likely.
- First aid
- Remove plant, inspect roots; cut off soft, rotten ones. Repot in fresh, well-draining substrate. Water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering. Arum prefers moist but never waterlogged soil, especially during dormancy.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Rot spreads fast. Ensure good drainage and ventilation.