Xanthosoma Lindenii - The Angel Wing Showstopper
Prepare to be captivated by the Xanthosoma Lindenii, one of the most visually striking aroids you can grow! This rare Colombian beauty features large, arrow-shaped leaves in deep green, dramatically highlighted by bold creamy-white veins that radiate from the centre. In certain lighting, the leaves reveal subtle turquoise undertones that add another dimension to this already stunning plant. It's pure jungle elegance.
Also known as the 'Angel Wing' or 'Magnificum', this plant has quite the botanical mystery surrounding it. For over 150 years, taxonomists have debated its proper classification, and you'll find it sold under various names including Caladium lindenii, Xanthosoma lindenii, and Phyllotaenium lindenii. The World Flora Online currently accepts Caladium lindenii, but regardless of what you call it, this plant is unmistakably gorgeous!
Native to the wet tropical rainforests of Colombia and Panama, this aroid grows as an understorey plant where it receives dappled light and high humidity. It's a tuberous geophyte, meaning it grows from an underground tuber (similar to other Caladiums), though unlike many of its cousins, it can remain evergreen year-round in the right conditions rather than going fully dormant. Named after the famous Belgian botanist Jean Jules Linden, this plant is a true collector's piece.
Light Requirements
Xanthosoma Lindenii thrives in bright, indirect light, which brings out the vibrant contrast between the dark green leaves and those striking white veins. An east-facing window is ideal, or position it a metre or two back from a north or west-facing window. The brighter the indirect light, the more impressive the colouration and the sturdier the growth.
While it can tolerate medium light conditions, growth will slow and stems may become leggy as they stretch toward the light. Very low light will cause the beautiful veining pattern to fade and leaves may struggle to support themselves. Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch those gorgeous leaves and cause brown patches.
Watering
Coming from rainforest floors, Xanthosoma Lindenii appreciates consistently moist soil but absolutely cannot sit in waterlogged conditions. Water when the top 5-7cm of soil feels dry, allowing water to flow through the drainage holes and discarding any excess that collects in the saucer.
This plant is prone to root rot if overwatered, so always check the soil before watering. Interestingly, it will show you when it's thirsty by developing a noticeably droopy appearance, a behaviour called 'flagging'. However, if the soil is wet and leaves are drooping, root rot may be developing, so always check. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when growth slows. Use room temperature water if possible, as cold water can shock the roots.
Humidity and Temperature
As a rainforest native, Xanthosoma Lindenii is a humidity lover. It performs best at humidity levels between 50-80%. If your home is on the drier side (particularly in winter with heating), you may notice brown, crispy leaf edges developing. Combat this by grouping plants together to create a humid microclimate, using a pebble tray, placing a humidifier nearby, or positioning the plant in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
Temperature-wise, keep things warm between 18-29°C. This plant does not tolerate cold and will struggle below 15°C. If temperatures drop consistently, it may enter dormancy and lose its leaves (don't panic, this is natural and it will regrow when conditions improve). Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating sources which can cause stress.
Potting Medium
A rich, well-draining aroid mix is essential. The soil should retain some moisture while providing excellent aeration to the tuberous roots. A blend of quality potting mix, perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir works wonderfully. The ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5).
Choose a pot with drainage holes. Xanthosoma Lindenii actually prefers to feel somewhat snug in its pot, so don't rush to repot. When it does outgrow its container, move up only one size and repot in spring when growth is active.
Feeding Your Xanthosoma Lindenii
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed regularly with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3-5ml per litre at every watering to support that impressive foliage production. Add Growth Technology Rootzone at 0.5-1ml per litre every 2-4 weeks to strengthen the tuberous root system.
Stop fertilising in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilising can damage the roots and cause leaf tip burn, so more is definitely not better with this plant.
Growth Habits and What to Expect
Xanthosoma Lindenii is a fast grower during spring and summer, producing impressive new leaves on long petioles (leaf stalks) that can have distinctive fuzzy brown hairs. Mature plants can reach 60-90cm tall and wide indoors, with individual leaves growing up to 30-40cm long. It makes an excellent statement floor plant as it matures.
About dormancy: If your plant experiences consistently cool temperatures or reduced light, it may enter a dormant period and lose its leaves. This is natural behaviour for tuberous plants. If this happens, move the pot to a cool, dry location, reduce watering to minimal (about once a month just to prevent complete drying out), and wait. After 2-4 months, new shoots should emerge. Once growth resumes, return to normal care.
Older leaves will naturally yellow and die back as new ones emerge. Simply trim these at the base to keep the plant looking tidy.
Toxicity Warning
Important: Xanthosoma Lindenii contains calcium oxalate crystals throughout all parts of the plant and is toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested. Chewing or swallowing any part can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. The sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Keep this plant well out of reach of curious pets and children, and wash hands after handling.
Perfect For
- Statement Seekers: Those dramatic white-veined leaves demand attention!
- Aroid Collectors: A must-have with fascinating taxonomic history!
- Humid Spaces: Thrives in bathrooms, kitchens or rooms with humidifiers!
- Indoor Jungles: Pairs beautifully with other tropical foliage!
- Floor Plant Needs: Grows to impressive size as a statement piece!
- Pattern Lovers: That white vein contrast is simply stunning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Xanthosoma's leaf edges turning brown and crispy?
Brown, crispy edges typically indicate low humidity. Increase humidity around the plant using a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping plants together. Also ensure the plant isn't near heating or air conditioning vents.
My plant has lost all its leaves - is it dead?
Not necessarily! Xanthosoma Lindenii can go dormant if exposed to cool temperatures or reduced light. Check the tuber is still firm (not mushy). Move to a cool, dry spot, water sparingly, and wait 2-4 months for new growth to emerge.
Why are the leaves drooping even though the soil is moist?
Drooping with wet soil often indicates overwatering and potential root rot. Check the roots and repot in fresh, dry mix if they appear dark or mushy. Reduce your watering frequency going forward.
Please Keep in Mind
Every Xanthosoma Lindenii is unique! Leaf size, vein prominence, and overall shape can vary from plant to plant. The intensity of the white veining may also vary with light levels. The photos shown are representative examples of the quality and appearance you can expect, but individual plants will have their own character.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
