Cultivating Anthuriums: The Kings of Velvety Foliage

Anthuriums are arguably the most coveted genus in the rare plant hobby right now. With
species like the Anthurium warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium) and Anthurium veitchii (King
Anthurium), their long, textured, and often velvety leaves are unmatched. However, they
can be notorious divas.
Essential Care Rules for Anthuriums
Airy Substrate: Anthuriums are epiphytic, meaning they naturally grow on trees, not
in dense dirt. Your soil mix must be incredibly chunky. Use a blend heavy in orchid
bark, coarse perlite, tree fern fiber, and horticultural charcoal. The roots need high
oxygen flow to avoid rot.
High Humidity: Velvety leaves act like sponges. If the air is too dry, the edges will
quickly brown and crisp. Aim for at least 65-75% humidity, ideally inside a grow tent
or a dedicated plant cabinet.
Consistent Moisture: While they hate sitting in muddy soil, they also despise drying
out completely. Water them thoroughly as soon as the top layer of the chunky mix
feels dry.
Give them an airy mix and high humidity, and these exotics will reward you with massive,
dramatic foliage.