The Velvet Cardboard Anthurium (Anthurium clarinervium) is a popular houseplant, prized for its distinctive foliage. Its striking leaves, with their unique texture and intricate patterns, are the primary reason for its appeal.
Unique Characteristics
The Velvet Cardboard Anthurium earns its name from its unique physical attributes. Its leaves have a velvety texture. These dark green, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves are distinguished by prominent, contrasting white or silver venation. This venation creates a raised, corrugated pattern, contributing to the “cardboard” effect.
The foliage is thick and stiff. Mature plants typically reach about 12 inches in height indoors, with leaves growing 6 to 8 inches long.
Cultivating Velvet Cardboard Anthurium
Light Requirements
Anthurium clarinervium thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window for optimal illumination. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch leaves and cause dehydration. If natural light is insufficient, grow lights can supplement to ensure the plant receives necessary intensity.
Watering Practices
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Consistent moisture is beneficial, but prevent waterlogging to avoid root rot. Using filtered or distilled water is advisable, as high levels of chloride and fluoride can negatively impact the plant. If using tap water, allow it to stand for at least 24 hours to help dissipate these chemicals.
Humidity and Temperature
This tropical plant thrives in high humidity, ideally above 60%. Optimal temperatures range between 65°F and 80°F (18-27°C). To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, a humidifier, or group plants together. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress the plant and lead to brown leaf tips.
Soil Mix
The Velvet Cardboard Anthurium requires a well-draining, airy potting mix. An ideal blend includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, with a small amount of potting soil. This coarse, porous mixture ensures proper aeration around the roots and prevents water from becoming stagnant. Horticultural charcoal can also be added to help mitigate overwatering issues.
Fertilization
During the active growing season, feed your Anthurium clarinervium with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding. Fertilization should occur every two weeks to once a month during this period. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Propagation Methods
Propagating the Velvet Cardboard Anthurium is done through stem cuttings or division. For division, remove the plant from its pot and separate the root ball into two or more sections, ensuring each new section has sufficient roots and leaves. This method is best performed during repotting in spring.
When using stem cuttings, select a healthy pup or stem a few inches long, ideally with some aerial roots attached. Make a clean cut with a sterilized knife or scissors, then allow the cutting to callus for a day or two to reduce infection risk. The cutting can then be placed in a moist, airy substrate like sphagnum moss or perlite, or rooted in water, until new roots develop. Maintaining high humidity around the cutting promotes successful rooting.
Addressing Common Issues
Common issues with Anthurium clarinervium include yellowing leaves, which often indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. If soil remains too wet, it can lead to root rot, causing leaves to yellow and potentially develop brown halos. Prolonged dryness can also cause yellowing.
Brown leaf tips or edges frequently signal low humidity, underwatering, or mineral buildup from hard water. Increasing ambient humidity through pebble trays or humidifiers can prevent this. Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale can also affect the plant. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage these issues.