The Orange Candleflower, otherwise known as the Arum Italicum is a pretty well known perennial plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world.
Best known for its low maintenance and moderate growth, this perennial will likely liven up your house (or garden) with its variegated colored leaves. But, only if you learn how to take proper care of it for it to thrive.
This is why all the topics you need to know in order to achieve this will be covered in this Orange Candleflower Care Guide. Ready? Let’s go!
In order to take proper care of your Orange Candleflower you’ll need to keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Water: The Orange Candleflower needs soil that is constantly moist through regular watering.
- Light: Keep your Arum Italicum in an environment where it can receive full to partial shade on a daily basis.
- Soil: Make sure to keep the Orange Candleflower in soil with well-draining properties, so ideally, one that is made of sand, chalk, and loam.
And as with many other plants, these are the only three care factors you need to remember to make sure your Orange Candleflower is, for the most part, healthy and well to survive.
Scientific / Botanical Aspects
In botanical terms, the Orange Candleflower belongs to the Araceae family, the genus Arum and the species Italicum, hence its scientific (or botanical) name Arum Italicum (AIR-um ee-TAL-ih-kum).
As with other Arum’s, the Orange Candleflower is a herbaceous plant, which means it will die back to the ground every year.
Growing Region
The Orange Candleflower is a plant native to Europe.
You might be wondering why your Orange Candleflower’s native region is important. Well, if you know where your plant originally came from, you’ll know which environmental conditions it prefers, and with it, knowledge on how to replicate it at home.
With this in mind, the Arum Italicum will be most used to the heat zones in the 3 – 9 region, and in climate zones that range between 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.
Growth and Size
Growth
In terms of size and growth, the Orange Candleflower is a relatively moderate grower, which makes things somewhat easy for any plant enthusiast.
Size
But, what size of Orange Candleflower are we talking about? What can you expect in terms of height, spread and spacing? Let’s dig in…
The Arum Italicum can grow up to 1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm) in 1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm) and 1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm) in 1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm).
These dimensions make the Orange Candleflower a relatively medium perennial compared to others, so it’s best to keep this fact in mind since it will affect where you want to keep yours at home.
This is why experts recommend keeping an area of approximately 18″ (45cm) free so the Orange Candleflower can spread to its best extent.
Watering
In terms of watering, the Orange Candleflower is a fairly complicated plant to take care of. This is mostly because it has a not so straightforward watering schedule and somewhat regular watering needs.
Specifically, most experts agree that the Arum Italicum needs soil that is constantly moist through regular watering.
Which is why it is considered a plant with relatively low to average needs in terms of water.
As a rule of thumb, you should remember to keep your Orange Candleflower in soil with well-draining characteristics, as these will guarantee the right conditions for your plant to grow and thrive.
But, if you want a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to watering your Orange Candleflower then you should consider the famous ‘finger’ test. To perform this test, you just need to put your finger in your plant’s soil and determine if it’s moist or not. If it is, then don’t water; if it isn’t, then please do. In any case, this test will allow you to know if your Orange Candleflower needs or does not need water, every time.
Soil Mix
The Orange Candleflower’s ideal soil potting mix is made out of sand, chalk, and loam.
In addition to this, expert gardeners recommend having preferably alkaline, acid or neutral soil.
Light and Exposure
In terms of light & exposure, the Orange Candleflower requires full to partial shade in order for it to thrive under the right conditions.
Most experts agree that this perennial will do well as long as you keep it in partial sun to shade, and it will be able to grow properly.
Specifically, we recommend that you place your Arum Italicum in
Season
Being a herbaceous plant, the Orange Candleflower will die back to the ground every year. But, you can expect it to have its ‘prime-time’ during the spring (early, mid, late), the fall, and during the winter.
Flowers
In particular, this perennial is well known for its showy flowers around the plant enthusiast community.
The Orange Candleflower produces some orange flowers around this time of year.
Foliage
The leaves from the Orange Candleflower have a beautiful variegated color during most of the year.
Attracts, Tolerance and Resistance
The Orange Candleflower is well known for its tolerance to wet soil, so don’t worry if any of these come along, your Arum Italicum will be fine.
Garden
Now, let’s talk garden and how your Orange Candleflower will look best in it.
Most Arum Italicum owners agree that this perennial will look great in most cottage and rustic gardens of all types.
Other owners consider that they complement well most gardens of informal and cottage, and in prairie and meadow styles.
In particular, the Orange Candleflower’s best location within your garden is in beds and borders, and in underplanting roses and shrubs, others use it for landscaping in a woodland garden.
Orange Candleflower Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Orange Candleflower poisonous?
Yes, the Orange Candleflower plant is poisonous. The leaves and stems contain a poison that can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested. If you come into contact with the sap, it can cause skin irritation. If you are unlucky enough to get the sap in your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness. So, it’s best to avoid this plant if you’re not looking to add a little excitement to your life.
How do you propagate Arum italicum?
The easiest way to propagate Arum italicum is by division. When the plant is dormant (usually in late winter or early spring), use a sharp knife or spade to divide it into 3 or 4 pieces, making sure each piece has at least one growing point (eye). Replant each piece in a pot of damp soil and keep it in a cool, shaded area until new growth appears. You can also propagate Arum italicum by taking stem cuttings in late summer or early fall.
How do you get rid of Arum italicum?
The best way to get rid of Arum italicum is to physically remove the plant. However, this can be difficult, as the plant has a very strong root system. Some people recommend using an orange candleflower plant to kill Arum italicum. The orange candleflower produces a chemical that is toxic to Arum italicum. To use this method, you need to dig up the Arum italicum plant and then carefully place the orange candleflower plant on top of it. The chemicals from the orange candleflower will then kill the Arum italicum plant.
Is Arum italicum invasive?
Yes, Arum italicum can be considered invasive. This is because it has a tendency to spread rapidly and easily via its rhizomes (underground stems that grow horizontally just below the soil surface). It can also produce a very large number of small seeds that are easily dispersed by wind and animals. This plant can quickly dominate and crowd out other native plants in an area, which is why it’s important to be cautious if you’re thinking about planting it in your garden. It’s not all doom and gloom though! While this plant can cause problems in natural areas, it can also be quite beautiful in a more controlled setting, such as a garden.
How does Italian arum spread?
The Italian arum, also called the orange candleflower plant, spreads by underground rhizomes. These stout, fleshy stems grow horizontally from the central stalk of the plant and send up new shoots with leaves and flowers. The rhizomes can be quite long, often reaching several feet in length. Each year, a number of new plants will sprout up around the original plant as the rhizomes spread out.
When can you transplant Italian arum?
The ideal time to transplant Italian arum (Arum italicum) is in the early spring, before the plant begins to actively grow. This allows the roots to establish themselves in their new location before being subjected to the stresses of hot weather and strong sunlight. Ensure that the transplant site receives partial shade, as too much sun can scorch the leaves of this plant. Italian arum can be transplanted either by division or by root cuttings; both methods are fairly simple and straightforward. division is the easiest method, and can be done by simply breaking up an existing clump of plants into smaller pieces, each with its own root system.
Should I get rid of Italian arum?
Whether or not to get rid of your Orange Candleflower is a decision that ultimately depends on your personal preference and gardening goals. If you don’t mind its spreading habit, then there’s no need to get rid of it. However, if you’re looking for a more tidy garden, then getting rid of it may be the best option.
However, it can be a bit of a nuisance if left unchecked. Thankfully, getting rid of Italian arum is relatively easy. All you need to do is trim back the plants early in the season and then mulch heavily around them. Mulching will smother the plants and prevent them from spreading. You can also pull up the plants by hand, although this is a bit more work. If you have an infestation of Italian arum, don’t despair! With a little effort, you can get rid of them and enjoy your garden once again.
Is Italian arum poisonous to dogs?
Yes, it is poisonous to dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. In severe cases, ingestion of this plant can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even seizures. If you believe your dog has ingested Italian arum, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is Italian arum poisonous to cats?
Yes, it is possible for cats to be poisoned by eating Italian arum. This plant contains toxins that can cause serious health problems in cats, including liver damage and even death. If you think your cat may have eaten Italian arum, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is Italian arum poisonous to touch?
Yes, the Orange Candleflower plant is poisonous to touch. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation and a burning sensation. Swallowing any part of the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can even lead to death.
Where do Italian arum grow?
Italian arum (Arum italicum) is a flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Italy and Sicily. Italian arum plants typically thrive in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are very drought tolerant and can even tolerate some light shade. An ideal spot for planting Italian arums would be next to a wall or fence that can reflect heat back onto the plants. These plants are also relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance once established.
Does the Arum italicum flower?
Yes, the Arum italicum flower. It is a beautiful orange flower that can be found in Italy and other parts of Europe. The plant is also known as the Orange Candleflower because of its long, tapered blooms that resemble candles.
Conclusion
And we’ve come to an end. Fortunately, that’s everything you need to know about your Orange Candleflower to keep it safe and sound in your garden or home. Enjoy planting!
