Vomit-root Plant Care

Vomit-root (Synandrospadix vermitoxicus) belongs to the Araceae family within the Synandrospadix genus. Vomit-root is native to Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

Vomit-root displays a tall, upright evergreen growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Vomit-root produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a spadix.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vomit-root every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Vomit-root thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Vomit-root in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Synandrospadix vermitoxicus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Vomit-root prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Vomit-root to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Vomit-root every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vomit-root is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Vomit-root can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Vomit-root while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Vomit-root is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Vomit-root can be propagated through division of offsets, air layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Vomit-root 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.

Vomit-root grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Vomit-root is native to Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Vomit-root as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.