Apoballis 'Purple Sword'
Best exotic foliage for intermediate indoor plant enthusiasts.
Discover the Apoballis 'Purple Sword', a captivating collector's tropical plant from House Plant Shop. This unique foliage plant boasts deep green leaves adorned with striking silver markings. Its undersides, ribs, and stems feature a beautiful purple hue, adding to its exotic appeal. Arriving potted and ready to display, it's an ideal choice for indoor tropical settings, bringing a touch of the extraordinary to your home. This medium-growth plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires high humidity, making it a rewarding addition for intermediate plant enthusiasts.
$39.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9317
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-23%
Below average
Pot Diameter
6
/ "
Who it's for
- Rare plant collectors hunting for unique, standout specimens
- Interior decorators seeking dramatic, high-contrast botanical accents
- Apartment dwellers needing compact plants for tight shelving
Who should skip it
- Casual gardeners living in dry, low-humidity climates
- Busy owners preferring the convenience of standard tap water
- Beginners intimidated by frequent pest monitoring and maintenance
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
Deep green leaves and vibrant purple undersides create a stunning visual contrast.
Care Accessibility
Demanding humidity requirements make this better suited for experienced plant keepers.
Display Readiness
Arrives fully potted and ready for immediate placement in your home.
Growth Predictability
Maintains a steady, manageable pace suitable for indoor tropical collections.
Collector Appeal
A unique, exotic cultivar that stands out in any curated collection.
Environmental Flexibility
Strict light and humidity needs limit placement options within the home.
Key Specs
Pot Diameter
6"
Plant Type
Foliage Plant
Cultivar
'Purple Sword'
Scientific Name
Apoballis acuminatissima 'Lavallaei'
Pot Included
Yes
Soil Included
Yes
USDA Hardiness Zone
Indoor only
Care Level
Intermediate
Features
- Striking dark green foliage with silver markings
- Distinctive purple coloration on undersides
- Unique collector's plant variety
- Arrives potted and ready for display
- Suitable for indoor tropical settings
- Requires high humidity
- Intermediate care level
- Medium growth rate
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Apoballis Purple Sword for its stunning visual appeal, noting its deep purple undersides and silver stripe often look better than advertised. A key driver of satisfaction is the exceptional quality of shipping; the plant consistently arrives healthy, robust, and mature. While the initial product quality is superb, some owners report minor difficulties during acclimation, requiring attention to humidity and watering to prevent leaf crisping. Despite these slight care hurdles, the plant's rarity and the shop's consistent specimen quality maintain a high perceived value and strong customer loyalty.
Know before you buy
This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, or in low-light corners where it may lose its vibrant coloration.
It is classified as an intermediate-level plant. Because it has specific humidity requirements, it is best suited for those who have some experience maintaining tropical houseplants.
You can increase humidity by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray, or placing it near a humidifier. Bathrooms with good natural light are often excellent spots for this variety.
It arrives potted in soil and is ready for display immediately. You do not need to repot it upon arrival; it can stay in its current container until it outgrows it.
The 'Purple Sword' features an upright growth habit, making it a great choice for tabletops or shelves where you want a vertical, architectural look.
Yes, the deep purple undersides, ribs, and stems are natural characteristics of the cultivar. These colors remain a permanent feature of the plant's foliage.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40