Podolasia N.E.Br.

• Genus: Podolasia
• Botanical Background: Described by botanist N.E. Brown in 1882; floral morphology links it to Cyrtosperma while vegetative traits resemble Lasia.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to peat‑swamp and wet tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and NW Borneo.
• Environment: Thrives under high humidity (≥70%), low‑light understory conditions, and acidic, water‑retentive peat soils in warm (22–30 °C) climates.

Leaves

• Coriaceous, sagittate to hastate blades (20–40 cm long), dark green with pronounced basal ribs
• Petioles long and spiny

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Single white spathe that darkens to purple from tip downward as male flowers mature
• Spadix cylindrical and stipitate
• Likely insect‑pollinated

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial perennial herb with erect to decumbent aerial stems arising from a creeping rhizome

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate consistently moist
• Maintain high humidity (≥70%)

Soil & Potting Mix

• Acidic, peat‑based mix with good drainage
• Wide container for rhizome spread

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Optimal 22–30 °C
• Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during active growth

Division

• Divide rhizomes in spring; ensure each section has ≥2 growing points

Seeds

• Viable but rarely used
• Germinate in warm, moist peat under shaded conditions

Typical Issues

• Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil
• Mealybugs and spider mites in low‑humidity conditions

Treatment Recommendations

• Improve drainage, reduce watering for rot
• Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil

• Produces large, edible‑looking red berries that are ecologically important as wildlife food
  

• Rare in cultivation
• Prized for unusual fruit display and foliage architecture

Wild Population Status

• Not formally assessed
• Habitat loss in peat swamps poses potential threat

Market Availability

• Rare

• Occasionally offered by specialist aroid nurseries