TankBud

Schismatoglottis prietoi

Also known as Prieto's schismatoglottis, Schismatoglottis sp. Cebu, Dwarf schismatoglottis

FreshwaterRhizomeRunnersDivision

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
3.1 in
8 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Foreground
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
3–12 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
Endemic to fast flowing lowland rivers on Cebu Island in the Philippines, where it roots in sandy and gravelly riverbeds.

Overview

Schismatoglottis prietoi is a small collector aroid for the foreground or low midground, growing only a few centimeters tall. It is slow and rates medium difficulty.

Did you know

Schismatoglottis prietoi is named for its discoverer, Esquerion Prieto. It is the only Schismatoglottis known to truly live underwater rather than just on wet banks.

Caring for Schismatoglottis prietoi

Plant Schismatoglottis prietoi with its roots in the substrate and the rhizome at the surface, or attach the rhizome to hardscape. Either way, keep the rhizome and its growing tip uncovered.

Modest light suits it, and it grows without injected CO2, though CO2 speeds it along. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It stays small and settles in slowly at first. Once rooted it fills in a broad patch, and you can cut a runner plant free or split a large clump to spread it. Keep the water stable, since many rheophyte aroids melt after a move.

Good to know

Schismatoglottis prietoi is an aroid in the family Araceae, described only in 2015. Its green, oblong leaves have gently wavy edges and pointed tips. It spreads clonally by stolons.

In the wild

Schismatoglottis prietoi is endemic to fast-flowing lowland rivers on Cebu Island in the Philippines. It roots in sandy and gravelly riverbeds and forms dense, low stands much like a miniature Cryptocoryne.

Common questions

Does Schismatoglottis prietoi need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Push the roots into the substrate and keep the rhizome at the surface or just under it, with the growing tip uncovered.

Does Schismatoglottis prietoi need CO2?

No, but it helps. Schismatoglottis prietoi can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Schismatoglottis prietoi need?

Schismatoglottis prietoi is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Schismatoglottis prietoi need root tabs?

They help. Schismatoglottis prietoi takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Schismatoglottis prietoi?

Schismatoglottis prietoi propagates by runners and division. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it. Split a large clump into smaller ones and plant them separately.

How tall does Schismatoglottis prietoi grow?

Schismatoglottis prietoi grows to about 3.1 in (8 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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