Photo: Aleksei BaushevCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Eastern Arum Plant Care
Arum orientale M.Bieb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its striking funnel-shaped purple spathes that surround a spadix. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Arum orientale is a desirable addition to plant collectors' gardens due to its unique and exotic appearance that adds a touch of mystery and elegance to any landscape.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Eastern Arum?
Water Eastern Arum every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Eastern Arum Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Eastern Arum?
Eastern Arum (Arum orientale) belongs to the Araceae family within the Arum genus. Eastern Arum is native to southeastern Europe as far west as Vienna and in Turkey. Eastern Arum is also known as Oriental Arum.
Eastern Arum displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Eastern Arum produces unique hooded spathes in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Eastern Arum?
Arum orientale requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Eastern Arum Need?
Eastern Arum thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Eastern Arum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Eastern Arum Prefer?
Arum orientale grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Eastern Arum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Eastern Arum?
Rich, well-draining peat-based soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Eastern Arum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Eastern Arum?
Feed Eastern Arum every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Eastern Arum?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Eastern Arum?
Eastern Arum can be propagated through division of rhizomes, offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to italian arum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Eastern Arum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Eastern Arum?
Eastern Arum is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Eastern Arum Need?
Eastern Arum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Eastern Arum is native to southeastern Europe as far west as Vienna and in Turkey.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Eastern Arum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Arum genus — compare its care with other Arum species on PlantoScan.
Arum is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Eastern Arum copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Arum Species
Other Arum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Arum orientale M.Bieb., family Araceae (first published in Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 2: 207 (1808)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Eastern Arum is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Aleksei Baushev, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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