The Velvet Leaf Anthurium (Anthurium clarinervium) is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. This striking plant features large, heart-shaped leaves that are deep green with a unique velvety texture. Prominent, contrasting silvery-white veins create an intricate, almost painted pattern across each leaf, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
Understanding Velvet Leaf Anthurium
Anthurium clarinervium originates from the tropical regions of Mexico and Central America, where it typically grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte. It naturally attaches to trees or rocks rather than growing directly in the ground. Its leaves often reach 6 to 9 inches in length. They have a thick, stiff, velvety texture, contributing to its common name, “Velvet Cardboard Anthurium.” While the plant can produce small, understated flowers, its primary allure lies in the dramatic appearance of its foliage.
Velvet Leaf Anthurium Care
Light
Velvet Leaf Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near an east-facing window or in a room with filtered light from a south or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as it can scorch leaves. Insufficient light may lead to slower growth and duller leaf venation.
Watering
The plant prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry out before watering again. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering results in wilting and crispy leaf edges. Using filtered water or rainwater is beneficial, as these plants are sensitive to hard, highly mineralized tap water.
Humidity and Temperature
This plant requires high humidity, ideally between 70% and 80%. Maintaining at least 50-60% humidity is important for its well-being. Methods to increase humidity include using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping plants together to create a localized humid environment. Optimal temperatures range from 70 to 90°F (21-32°C) during spring and summer, with slightly cooler temperatures in winter, but never below 60°F (15°C). Exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can cause significant damage.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter is important for Anthurium clarinervium. An aroid mix, often composed of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss, provides the necessary aeration and moisture retention. This chunky substrate prevents water stagnation around the roots, important for this plant that grows epiphytically. Plastic or glazed pots retain moisture, while terracotta pots offer more breathability. Repotting is needed every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in the spring.
Fertilization
During its active growing season in spring and summer, Anthurium clarinervium benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength applied every two months or every few waterings is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormancy in fall and winter, as this can lead to salt buildup and root burn. Signs of over-fertilization include burnt leaf tips, while under-fertilization might manifest as slow or stunted growth.
Propagating Velvet Leaf Anthurium
Propagation is most commonly achieved through division or stem cuttings. Division involves carefully separating a mature plant into smaller sections, ensuring each new plant has its own root system and at least one healthy leaf. This method is performed during repotting in the spring. Gently tease apart the root ball and pot each section into appropriate well-draining soil.
Stem cuttings can also be used, particularly from side shoots or pups with aerial roots. Make a clean, sharp cut below a node, ensuring the cutting has at least one leaf. The cutting can then be placed in a rooting medium such as moist sphagnum moss, perlite, or a well-draining potting mix. Maintaining high humidity and warmth around the cutting will encourage root development.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or a nutrient deficiency. Adjusting watering frequency to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings and ensuring proper drainage resolves overwatering. If the issue persists, a balanced fertilizer may be needed.
Brown, crispy leaf tips or edges indicate low humidity, underwatering, or mineral buildup from tap water. Increasing ambient humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, adjusting watering to prevent dryness, and using filtered water helps. Dull or faded foliage suggests too much direct light or a nutrient deficiency.
Slow or stunted growth may be due to insufficient light, lack of nutrients, or the plant being root-bound. Adjusting light exposure, regular fertilization during the growing season, and repotting if root-bound encourages healthier growth. Common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can affect Anthurium clarinervium. These can be managed by rinsing the leaves with water or treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.