This Anthurium's striking, velvety leaves lend it a dramatic air thanks to their striking size and stunning silver vein patterns. A hemiepiphyte in its rainforest home, this plant likes to climb and can be trained to grow on moss poles or other structures in the home. It will thrive best in high humidity environments, so to treat it like the queen it is, make sure you can give it a nice, damp spot where it can grow its best. With your care and the right spot, you can watch its leaves grow huge and enjoy their most stunning colour and texture.
Scientific Name
Anthurium warocqueanum (Warocqué's flower-tail)
This plant was first published in 1878, and the species name has remained undisputed.
Common Name
Queen Anthurium, Tailflower
Origin
Native to Columbia, South America, where it grows in wet tropical forests.
Light
Your Queen Anthurium is used to having a little shelter from the forest canopy, so give it bright but indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the leaves but if it's too shady, it will grow much more slowly.
Water
Keep your plant's soil slightly moist. This means water when the top inch or so of soil feels dry, so that the middle never totally dries but the plant is not drenched all the time. Use lukewarm water so you don't shock the plant.
Humidity
This plant needs high humidity. It will prefer 70-90% humidity, which will help its leaves grow healthy and fabulous. A glass cabinet, like a large terrarium, will be a good environment; you can also use a humidifier or a pebble tray to increase local humidity around your plant. If you prefer misting, take care as wet leaves can develop fungal issues if they don't dry out quick enough.
Soil
Use a well-draining, chunky aroid mix. One designed for Anthuriums or orchids would be perfect here. A combination of orchid bark, perlite and coco coir works well. Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot.
Food
Fertilise about once a month in the growing season, this can be reduced in autumn and winter. Make sure to water at the same time to look after this plant's sensitive roots!
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 18-26°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C or exposure to cold drafts, which can damage the leaves.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans. Keep out of reach of curious fingers and claws.
Sprouts Top Tips
Protect the delicate leaves from dust by gently wiping them with a damp, soft cloth. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning towards the light.
Anthurium warocqueanum is an epiphyte in its natural habitat, often growing on trees. Mimicking this environment by using a moss pole or mounting it can encourage healthier growth and more robust foliage.
