Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum is a highly sought-after hybrid, captivating enthusiasts with its distinctive foliage. It is a cross between Anthurium warocqueanum (the Queen Anthurium) and Anthurium waterburyanum, inheriting unique aesthetic qualities from both. Its elongated, velvety leaves often display pronounced veining from its warocqueanum lineage, while retaining a broader leaf shape characteristic of waterburyanum. These dark, velvety leaves can grow quite large, making it a striking addition to any indoor plant collection.
Essential Care Requirements
Understanding the fundamental needs for light, water, humidity, and nutrients is important for maintaining the health and vigorous growth of Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum. These elements mimic its natural habitat.
Light
Achieving optimal light conditions for Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum involves providing bright, indirect light. This plant naturally thrives under the canopy of tropical rainforests, where sunlight is filtered by taller trees. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, or setting it back from a south or west-facing window, can offer suitable illumination. Too much direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorch, damaging the delicate foliage. Insufficient light, conversely, may result in stunted growth and smaller leaves.
Watering
This Anthurium hybrid prefers consistently moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top one to two inches of potting mix to dry out slightly before watering again. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, ensuring the entire root ball is hydrated. Using filtered or rainwater is beneficial, as it prevents mineral buildup from tap water.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity levels are important for Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum. Aim for humidity between 70% and 90%, with 70-80% being ideal. Maintaining adequate humidity can be achieved using a humidifier, especially if indoor humidity is below 50%. Grouping plants together can also create a localized humid microclimate. Misting leaves is generally not effective for increasing humidity and can lead to bacterial or fungal issues, particularly on velvety leaves.
The hybrid thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 29°C (65°F to 85°F). Temperatures below 15°C (60°F) can cause damage, and the plant will not survive below 4°C (40°F). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, as they can stress the plant. Adequate air circulation is important, especially in high-humidity environments, to prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
Potting Medium
An appropriate potting medium is important for Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum, given its epiphytic or semi-epiphytic nature. A chunky, airy, and well-draining mix is recommended to provide aeration to the roots and prevent waterlogging. Typical components include orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, horticultural charcoal, pumice, and worm castings. These enhance drainage, aeration, and nutrient supply.
A common mix might involve two parts pine bark, one part perlite, and one part coco coir, with smaller amounts of worm castings and horticultural charcoal. This composition allows water to drain quickly while retaining some moisture, simulating the plant’s natural growing conditions. Some growers also use sphagnum moss, either alone for root development or as a top layer to retain moisture.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports the growth and vibrancy of Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum. During the active growing season (spring and summer), a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer is recommended. Fertilizers with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 are suitable, diluted to half or quarter strength. Some sources suggest a higher phosphorus content, such as a 10-30-20 ratio, to promote foliage growth.
Apply fertilizer once every two to four weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to root burn, stunted growth, and detrimental mineral buildup in the soil. During cooler winter months or when growth slows, reduce or stop fertilization. Signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, may indicate a need for adjusted feeding.
Potting and Ongoing Care
Beyond environmental maintenance, specific physical care practices contribute to the long-term health of Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum. These practices ensure the plant continues to grow and develop its impressive foliage.
Repotting
Repotting Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum is needed when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes. This occurs every one to two years, or when the plant outgrows its container. When repotting, choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excess moisture retention. Terracotta pots provide good breathability, while clear plastic pots allow for observation of root health.
Minimal disturbance to the root system is important to reduce plant stress. Use the same airy, well-draining potting mix for repotting. After repotting, water thoroughly to help the new medium settle around the roots.
Providing Support
As Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum matures, providing physical support is beneficial due to its large leaves and climbing habit. In its natural environment, many Anthurium species grow as epiphytes, attaching to other plants for support. Moss poles or trellises offer suitable structures for the plant’s aerial roots to cling to, mimicking its natural growth pattern. This support helps stabilize the plant, encourages larger leaves, and promotes overall vigor.
Leaf Cleaning and Minor Pruning
Regularly cleaning the leaves of Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum helps maximize light absorption and deter pests. Gently wipe the velvety leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Pruning should be minimal, focusing on removing yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. Use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts, taking care not to harm delicate stems or healthy foliage.
Propagation
Propagating Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum allows enthusiasts to expand their collection or share this hybrid. The most common method for propagating Anthurium hybrids is through stem cuttings or division. The ideal time for propagation is during the plant’s active growing season (spring and summer), when warmer temperatures promote faster rooting.
To take a stem cutting, select a healthy stem section with at least one node and ideally some aerial roots. Make a clean cut with sterilized shears, ensuring the cutting is about 6-10 inches long. Remove any leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting to prevent rot when submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in various media, including sphagnum moss, perlite, or water. Planting the cutting directly into moist, well-draining potting mix is also an option; new growth typically appears in six or more weeks. Maintaining high humidity around the cuttings is important for successful rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with diligent care, Anthurium warocqueanum x waterburyanum can encounter issues. Recognizing symptoms and understanding their causes helps in effective troubleshooting. Many problems stem from environmental imbalances, which can be adjusted to restore health.
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. If the soil remains soggy, it suggests overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Conversely, dry, wilted foliage might signal underwatering. Brown leaf tips or edges often signal low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water. Increasing humidity and using filtered water can alleviate these symptoms.
Stunted growth can result from insufficient light, inadequate nutrients, or the plant being root-bound. Adjusting light exposure, providing appropriate fertilization, and repotting when necessary can address these issues. Pests that may affect this Anthurium hybrid include spider mites and mealybugs. These can be managed with organic treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensuring good air circulation also helps prevent pest infestations and fungal problems.