The Anthurium warocqueanum, known as the Queen Anthurium, is prized for its long, dark, velvety leaves. Native to Colombian rainforests, its unique beauty makes it a coveted specimen among enthusiasts. Despite its striking appearance, it is a demanding plant, requiring precise environmental conditions to flourish. Its specific care contributes to its reputation among dedicated growers.
Anthurium Warocqueanum Essential Care
Light Requirements
As an epiphyte or hemiepiphyte, the Queen Anthurium naturally grows under tree canopies in its native habitat, receiving dappled sunlight. Indoors, it requires bright, indirect light. A north-facing window, or several feet from an east or west-facing window, provides adequate illumination. Direct sunlight, even briefly, can scorch or bleach leaves, causing a washed-out or speckled appearance. Insufficient light leads to stunted growth, smaller new leaves, or a leggy appearance.
Watering Practices
Watering the Queen Anthurium requires a balanced approach to prevent overwatering and prolonged dryness. The plant thrives when its soil dries slightly between waterings, typically when the top one to two inches feel dry. Saturate the potting mix until water drains from the bottom, ensuring the entire root ball receives moisture. Using filtered tap water, rainwater, or distilled water is beneficial due to fewer dissolved minerals that can accumulate and harm the plant. Ensure adequate drainage holes to prevent standing water and root rot.
Humidity Needs
High humidity is important for the Anthurium warocqueanum, mirroring its rainforest environment. Ideal humidity ranges from 70% to 85%, though it tolerates 50-60% once acclimated, albeit with slower growth. Indoors, a humidifier provides consistent moisture. Grouping plants or using pebble trays can also increase ambient moisture. Misting leaves is generally not effective for long-term humidity and can leave spots on dark foliage.
Temperature Ranges
Maintaining a consistent temperature range is important for the Queen Anthurium. The plant flourishes between 65°F and 86°F (18°C to 30°C), with some sources suggesting an optimal 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 95°F (35°C) hinder growth and cause adverse effects. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, as these stress and damage foliage.
Ideal Soil Mix
As an epiphyte, the Queen Anthurium requires an airy, well-draining, organic-rich potting mix, mimicking its natural growth on other plants. A successful mix prevents waterlogging while retaining moisture and providing aeration. Common components for such a blend include:
Orchid bark
Perlite
Coco coir or coco chips
Charcoal
Sphagnum moss
Some growers add pumice or worm castings for texture and nutrients. Dense or heavy potting soils are detrimental, suffocating roots and leading to rot.
Fertilizing Guidelines
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the Queen Anthurium benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or one-quarter strength, is recommended. Applying this diluted solution every two to four weeks, or following a “weakly, weekly” schedule, provides consistent nutrient uptake without overwhelming the plant. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, manifesting as brown or yellow leaf edges. During cooler fall and winter months, when growth slows, reduce or cease fertilization.
Repotting and Structural Support
Repotting an Anthurium warocqueanum is necessary every one to three years, or when it outgrows its container. Spring is the preferred time, as the plant enters its active growth phase. When repotting, select a pot only slightly larger (one size up) to avoid excess moisture retention. Carefully remove the plant, gently shaking off loose soil and inspecting roots for damage or rot. Minimal root disturbance reduces transplant shock.
Structural Support
As an epiphytic plant, the Queen Anthurium naturally climbs and attaches to surfaces. Providing structural support, such as a moss pole, benefits its growth and overall health indoors. This support allows aerial roots to anchor, mimicking its natural climbing habit and encouraging larger, more mature leaves. Supporting the long, pendulous leaves also prevents damage or bruising from touching surfaces. Regular inspection helps determine if additional ties or adjustments are needed as it grows.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves on an Anthurium warocqueanum can signal several issues. Overwatering is a common cause, as persistently wet soil deprives roots of oxygen, leading to yellowing and root rot. Conversely, underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow and crisp. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, can result in general yellowing, especially in older leaves. Low humidity and excessive direct sunlight are additional environmental factors contributing to yellowing foliage. Addressing these issues involves adjusting watering frequency, ensuring proper fertilization, or relocating the plant to a more suitable light and humidity environment.
Brown Leaf Tips and Stunted Growth
Brown leaf tips or edges often indicate insufficient humidity, causing delicate leaf tissue to dry out. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers or grouping plants can alleviate this symptom. Over-fertilization can also lead to brown tips due to nutrient burn, requiring reduced fertilizer strength or frequency. Stunted or leggy growth, characterized by small new leaves or stretched stems, often points to inadequate light or insufficient nutrients. Ensuring bright, indirect light and a consistent feeding schedule during the growing season promotes more robust development.
Pests
Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites cause tiny yellow stippling and fine webbing, while mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses. Scale insects manifest as small bumps on stems or leaf veins. Regularly inspecting the plant, particularly undersides of leaves, is crucial for early detection. Treatment involves wiping affected areas with a soft cloth, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage. Good air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues that thrive in stagnant, humid conditions.
Propagating Your Anthurium Warocqueanum
Propagating Anthurium warocqueanum is most commonly achieved through division, typically performed when repotting. This process involves carefully separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own root system and foliage. Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully tease apart the root ball to identify natural divisions. Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, cut through the rhizome to separate sections, ensuring each new division has healthy roots and at least one growth point or leaf.
Stem Cuttings and Seed Propagation
Once divided, each new plantlet can be potted into its own container using the recommended airy, well-draining potting mix. After planting, water thoroughly and place newly potted divisions in an environment providing bright, indirect light and high humidity for successful establishment. While division is the most practical method for home growers, Anthurium warocqueanum can also be propagated from stem cuttings, which involves rooting a section of stem with a node in a high-humidity environment. Seed propagation is another possibility, though more advanced and time-consuming, primarily utilized by experienced cultivators or for breeding.