The Anthurium superbum, often called the Bird’s Nest Anthurium, is a striking tropical plant primarily celebrated for its distinctive foliage. Its robust, leathery leaves grow in an upright, rosette-like pattern, creating a visually appealing centerpiece. While many Anthurium varieties are known for vibrant, showy flowers, the Anthurium superbum presents a subtle yet fascinating floral structure, often overlooked due to its prominent leaves.
The Unique Anthurium Superbum Flower
The Anthurium superbum flower differs significantly from the brightly colored, heart-shaped spathes of other Anthurium species. Its inflorescence consists of a spathe and a spadix, often mistaken for new leaf growth or a bract. The spathe, a modified leaf, is typically green to pale green and not designed for vibrant display. This subtle spathe wraps around the central spadix, where the true, tiny flowers are located.
The spadix is typically creamy white, sometimes with a faint purple tinge, and may turn rose or lavender as it matures. Its texture is bumpy, with many flowers per spiral, giving it a textured appearance unlike a smooth leaf. The entire structure is erect and usually shorter than the plant’s leaves, contributing to its inconspicuous nature.
Flowering Cycle and Development
Anthurium superbum plants can bloom year-round under optimal conditions, with each bloom lasting two to three months. A well-cared-for plant may produce up to six flowering seasons annually. The flowering process begins with the emergence of the inflorescence, initially encased by the spathe.
The “flower” is not the colorful spathe, but the tiny, true flowers borne on the central spike-like spadix. The spathe protects the spadix and attracts pollinators. Once unfurled, the spadix enters different phases, typically starting with a female phase receptive to pollen, followed by a male phase producing pollen. The spadix color can change as it matures, often becoming lumpy as individual flowers develop.
Encouraging Anthurium Superbum Blooms
Promoting blooms involves replicating the plant’s native tropical environment. Bright, indirect light is beneficial for bloom production; too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves and inhibit flowering. Place the plant near a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains for diffused light. Under very low light, the plant prioritizes foliage growth over flower production.
High humidity is another important factor, with ideal levels ranging from 60% to 80%. Regular misting, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping with other humidity-loving plants helps maintain these levels. Consistent watering is also important; the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings helps prevent root rot. During the growing season, water weekly, reducing frequency in cooler months.
Fertilization supports bloom production. Anthurium superbum benefits from diluted phosphorus-rich fertilizer during its active growing season. While a balanced fertilizer is generally suitable for anthuriums, a higher phosphorus content encourages more vibrant, longer-lasting blooms. Fertilize every three to four weeks during spring and summer, applying at half the recommended strength to avoid root burn.
Identifying the Flower From Leaves
Distinguishing a developing Anthurium superbum flower from a new leaf can be challenging due to its subtle appearance. New leaves typically unfurl from the plant’s rosette center, appearing rolled or tightly folded before expanding. Mature leaves are characterized by their robust, leathery texture and prominent central veins. Young leaves may also exhibit a purplish hue on their undersides.
The inflorescence, or flower stalk, emerges from the plant’s center, bearing the green spathe and creamy white spadix. While new leaves expand into broad, D-shaped or oblong-elliptic foliage, the spathe remains compact and wraps around the spadix. The spadix itself has a distinct textured appearance from numerous tiny flowers, unlike a smooth leaf. Observing growth patterns and subtle color changes helps differentiate between emerging foliage and a developing bloom.