Anthurium Clarinervium : Basic Caring Knowledge

Content Index

If you want a jungle vibe in your house, then a tropical plant will be the best complement. The anthurium clarinervium is a perfect choice due to its unique foliage. This exotic plant has velvety leaves with dark-green color and white vines, creating some unique patterns on the foliage. The plant has a heart-shaped leaf.

Due to the characteristic, often the anthurium clarinervium is considered the same as the anthurium crystallinum.

This plant is from the Araceae family and grows as an epiphyte. It is originated in southern Mexico, hiding away in the tropical forest. It is found in Panama too, specifically in the nouthern part of Chiapas.

Overview

  • Botanical Name: Anthurium Clarinervium Matuda
  • Popular Name: Velvet leaf anthurium, Velvet cardboard anthurium
  • Mature Size: Up to 30 inches
  • Plant Type: Perennial
  • Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
  • Soil Type: Aroid soil
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
  • Toxicity: humans and pets

Care Guide

Just like most indoor plants, the anthurium clarinervium needs special treatments to keep it healthy. Proper care will make sure the plant has an ideal growth and live longer.

This plant is sensitive to heat, which means you cannot place the plant under direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. And make sure you place it in an area with a temperature below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. For the soil, place the anthurium in a well-draining pot. The soil mix must be loose and can hold moisture. Soggy soil mix can damage the plant.

anthurium-clarinervium-indoor-outdoor-house-plants
source

Water Requirement

Watering the anthurium is similar to watering other houseplants. You don’t want to overdo it and dehydrate it at the same time.

Overwatering can lead to root rot which can kill the plant within days. This is why you need to make sure you are using a pot with good draining holes too.

Meanwhile, not giving sufficient water can starve the plant and stop it from doing photosynthesis.

In the growing seasons like summer and spring, you want to make the soil moist enough but not soggy. Just make sure the first 2-3 inches of the top soil is moist.

In short, the watering habit can cause a lot of issues when it is not done properly.

Light Requirements

The velvet cardboard anthurium is very sensitive to lights and heat. You don’t want to place the plant under direct sunlight because it will burn and scorch the foliage.

The best environment for this plant is a medium bright light, with an indirect sunlight area. You can place this plant near the window with an east-facing window. The north-facing window works great too.

You also need to give special care to the plant during the summer season to prevent damage from heat.

Humidity

In the original habitat, the velvet cardboard anthurium lives with high humidity levels. This is important to provide the same environment when you get this plant at home. Make sure you place this plant around the area with a humidity level between 60-80%.

A good humidity level can speed up the growth with brighter veins and greener leaves.

Somehow, you might think it is difficult if you live in a country with a low humidity level. But don’t worry! There are methods that you can do to increase it.

The first and the easiest one is using a humidifier. You can buy this tool online.

If you just don’t want to spend some money on a humidifier, you still have another option which is using pebbles and a tray. Fill the tray with pebbles and then add water. Make sure the water is below the pebbles.

After that, place the plant on top of the pebbles. In this case, the water will evaporate and it will increase the humidity which later goes straight to the plant.

Temperature

In terms of temperature, it always depends on the seasons. During the growing seasons, it is best to place the plant in an area with a temperature between 64 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18C-21C). This range is the best if you want the plant to thrive well.

Interestingly, this anthurium can survive 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 29C during summer. But you don’t want to go beyond this number as it will scorch the plant.

In the winter and fall, this plant can still live with a temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit or 12C. But you shouldn’t go below this number too.

Fertilization

Unlike other plants, the cardboard velvet anthurium doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. Besides, fertilizing will also depend on the season.

When the growing season comes, which is every spring and summer, you will need to fertilize the plant. It just needs fertilizer every two months.

Here, you will use the half-strength indoor plant fertilizer. The phosphorous must be richer compared to the other elements.

When it comes to fertilizing, you will face a problem here which is mineral salt buildup. This is why you need to flush the soil every 3-4 months. It is very simple. Just run the water through the soil for around 2-3 minutes.

Grooming/Pruning

Regular pruning can maintain the plant’s appearance and promote healthy growth. The plant has thick and sturdy stems which make it able to survive with only 4 stems. However, it is not suggested to prune it vigorously. It will cause damage.

A quick tip on pruning the plant: observe and remove discolored leaves. You also need to cut the burning leaves and the ones that are too long. The wilted blossoms should be cut off too so their appearance is still beautiful. Additionally, prune the leaves that have spots to prevent disease spread.

Read also : Anthurium Veitchii : The King Anthurium

Repotting

Repotting should be done during the springtime. It is the best time to repot the plant because at this phase the plant show steady growth.

Here, you shouldn’t repot the anthurium unless you see the plant is too big for the pot. Generally, it takes every 2-3 years for the plant to grow. However, you need to check the plant regularly to ensure the plant still has enough space.

In choosing the pot, make sure it has some drainage holes to help the water drain out perfectly. Also, don’t choose a pot that is more than 2-3 inches. This will submerge the plant with water which can lead to root rot.

To make sure that you unpot the plant safely, you can do the following steps:

  • Make sure you treat the plant gently
  • Water the plant before unpotting because hydrated soil will be easier for the plant to be unpotted.
  • Make sure to use a similar soil mix when repotting the plants.
  • Try to bury the plant at the same level as before. As you bury the crown, it will lead to root rot.
  • Once you have done planting the plant, water it and add more mix to fill the gaps.
  • Next, place your plant under the dimmer light so it can recover.
  • You are not allowed to fertilize it until you see new growth.

Note: You probably will see the plant look wilt and poor for a few days. It is normal when you do repotting. Just be patient and keep observing the plant in case you see some problems. Besides, never try to give extra water.

Toxicity

The anthurium clarinervium is mildly poisonous to humans but it is dangerous to pets. It contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe irritation around the mouth and also the digestive tract.

The signs that you might be intoxicated are drooling and having a low appetite and oral pain.

When the intoxication is serious, it will cause vomiting and swelling in the upper respiratory system. Even though the serious case is uncommon, you still need to be careful with the plant.

Use gloves when treating the anthurium and wash your hands afterward. Besides, place the plant away from your pets and children.

anthurium-clarinervium-small-plant

Pest and Disease

Because the anthurium clarinervium lives in a high humidity place, it becomes a hot spot for pests. This is why it is crucial to do regular checks.

One of the common pests that often attack this plant is mealybugs. This bug often sucks the sap of the plant which is very important for its growth. It steals the nutrients in the sap.

As the sap is stolen by the pest, this cause droopy and yellow leaves. In worse cases, it can stunt the growth and kill it.

Another common pest that attacks the anthurium clarinervium is the spider mites. It is an arachnid that is often confused as an insect.

This eight-legged pest also steals the sap of the plant. It prevents the plant from doing photosynthesis. Besides, it can multiply very quickly so it will not take a long time for the pest to grow and interrupt the plant’s growth.

The last common pests that attack the cardboard velvet anthurium is the brown scale insect. It has an oval shape with long antennas. This insect is also wingless. Using its needle-sharp mouth, this pest will suck the sap, making the plant lose its vibrant. As a result, the plant will wilt and droop.

However, it is very rare for the plant to die from the brown scale. To remove this pest, you can use neem oil or chemical pesticides.

Varieties

There are some varieties that you might love from the anthurium clarinervium, this includes:

  • Anthurium clarinervium pagoda – This variety has velvety foliage with white veins that create a unique pattern, piling up and forming a heart shape like its foliage.
  • Anthurium clarinervium king – This variety has heart-shaped foliage with white vines that creates layer following its foliage shape. In between the vines, there are smaller white patterns which makes this variety different.
  • Anthurium clarinervium hybrid – This one is a hybrid plant with heart-shaped foliage and white vines that form a pattern like a heart too.
  • Anthurium clarinervium variegated – This type has similar foliage features to the regular cardboard velvet anthurium, but the difference is it has a yellowish part on its leaf. The plant also has white vines that form a heart shape which makes it more beautiful to look at.

Growth Rate

The growth of the anthurium clarinervium always depends on the environment. On average, when it is given a good environment, the growth can reach up to 30 inches. For the width, it can grow between 15-40 inches. However, it all depends on the species too. For the leaves, the plant can grow between 5-12 inches.

Leaf, Flower, Stem, And Seeds

  • Leaf– it has a green color and heart-shaped form with remarkable white veins that follow the foliage shape. However, it also depends on the species. Each species brings a unique pattern and color.
  • Flower – it is also called flamingo flowers that produce a typical anthurium spadix. The flower often comes in pale green with various violet hues. For its size, it can reach up to 3-4 inches.
  • Stem – It has thick and strong stems, making it a hardy plant that can live with four stems alone.
  • Seeds – The seeds come from the berries that are developed from pollination. The dark green berries will turn to orange and they will drop off when they are ready. After that, you can open this berry and find the seed.

Propagation

There are three ways of propagating the plant which are through seeds, division, and stem cuttings.

Propagating Through Seeding

Propagating through seeds isn’t efficient because it is slow growing. Besides, you have to manage the pollination which you might need a year to wait for the berries to ripen.

It begins from the dark berries that turn to orange as they get matured. When the berries ripen, they will drop off and you can open the berries to get the seeds. After that, you can plant it.

When planting a cardboard velvet anthurium using the seeding method, you use the finer soil mix instead of the chunky mix. You should keep the soil moist and provide the same light with a high humidity level.

Propagating through division

Propagating using the division method is the most efficient. What you need to do is just separate the smaller offsets when unpotting the plant. Just make sure each of them has roots and one leaf. Next, you can divide the portion in a good soil mix and water it as usual.

Propagating using stem cuttings

Stem cutting is said to be trickier because this method is prone to root rot. You have to be more diligent.

  • First, you need to take 4-6 inches from the tips of the new growth and make sure it has aerial roots.
  • It is better to dust the cut using cinnamon or fungicide to prevent infection. Besides, consider powdering the end using rooting hormone.
  • Next, plant the stem using similar soil that the mother lives in. Don’t forget to use support from the plant to help it stand up.
  • Make sure you provide sufficient sunlight and be patient. Note that the cutting can be wilt and it needs several weeks for the roots to start growing.

Read also : Anthurium Regale : Complete Guide To Grow

Soil Requirements

Here, the soil is an essential part of the cardboard velvet anthurium. It needs well-draining and aerial soil. The plant’s roots want constant access to oxygen in moist soil. In this case, using a chunky mix is better because the soil mix let the plant breathe after a good soaking.

Though the retail potting soil isn’t close enough to meet this condition, you still can use the orchid mix if you don’t have the material to make your own.

If you want to make your soil mix, it is better. Gives the plant a soil mix with an acidic range between 5.5-6.5. Here is some mixture that you can use.

  • Crushed lava rock
  • Long-fiber sphagnum moss
  • Coarse sand
  • Coconut coir
  • Charcoal (or aquarium charcoal)
  • Perlite
  • Gravel
  • Quality leaf mould
  • Pumice
  • Orchid bark

How to mix the components:

  • Mix 1/3 of coconut coir or peat moss, perlite, and orchid mix.
  • Begin with quality potting soil. Use 1/4 of peat moss and orchid media and then add 10% of perlite.
  • Some growers start with lava rock, gravel, or pumice base and then they add organic elements like peat, orchid mix, or potting soil.
  • Other growers also use peat moss. However, it can be harder to rehydrate and damp peat will attract soil gnats. Besides, you will need to pay attention to nutrition.

Note: exact measure isn’t needed but you need to eyeball the proportion. You need to add a small amount of compost to any recipe and then mix the ingredients.

anthurium-clarinervium-baby-plant

FAQs

Does Anthurium Clarinervium Have Flowers?

Yes, the anthurium clarinervium has flowers. Though it is not the prettiest flower, it is unique. It grows about 3-4 inches long like spadix. The flower usually comes in pale green with various hues.

Is Anthurium Clarinervium Toxic?

Yes, it is! The anthurium clarinervium is a toxic plant if it is ingested. This plant is toxic to humans and pets and causes severe irritation around the mouth and throat. Sometimes, it will make you vomit too in worse cases.

How Do You Care About The Cardboard Velvet Anthurium?

Treating the cardboard velvet anthurium should be done carefully. You need to provide an environment that mimics the natural habitat. Make sure you place the anthurium in an environment with the right humidity level, light, and temperature. Besides, watering habit is important too.

Other than these, you need to provide the right soil mix with a good amount of fertilizer. In this way, you will have the plant grow healthily.

Can Anthurium Clarinervium Be Grown Indoor?

Of course, you can grow the plant indoors. However, you need to provide the right condition. The main factors that determine the plant’s growth include lighting, fertilizer, humidifier, soil mix, watering, and fertilizer.

Why Is My Anthurium Turning Yellow?

When you see the plant show yellowing leaves, it means that your plant is stressed out. Two main factors influence this condition. This can be underwatering or overwatering.

In this case, you need to check the condition of the soil. Often, the plant owners think that yellowish leaves mean the plant needs water. Well, it is not always the case. It is often the opposite. The plant has little access to get oxygen.

When the plant is submerged in water, the root will get little access to oxygen. It is because the oxygen pocket in the soil is filled by water. Therefore, you need to reduce your watering habit.

The same thing with underwatering. You can check the soil. If the 2-3 inches are dry, and the leaves are yellow, water it immediately. Make sure the soil is moist and not soggy. Let the water drain perfectly before rewatering again.

Why Is My Anthurium Turning Brown?

The anthurium leaves will turn brown when they don’t receive enough humidity. Remember that the plant originated from a tropical forest. Therefore, it is important to mimic its natural habitat. Otherwise, this plant will not thrive as you want them to.

One of the important areas is humidity. As we said before, you should make sure the plant is placed in an area with a humidity level between 60%-80% for optimal growth.

Why Is My Anthurium Foliage Looking Dull?

The main reason why the anthurium looks dull is that it doesn’t get sufficient sunlight. Due to this reason, it will lose its signature look and variegation.

Another symptom that is caused by lack of light is slow growth. It will not be able to do the photosynthesis process which means it cannot create the nutrition needed.

In this case, you also don’t want to use direct sunlight. The best way is using filtered sunlight. This plant is sensitive to heat too and sudden temperature changes.

What Kind Of Soil Mix To Use For Anthurium?

The best soil mix for anthurium is a well-drained soil mix. The plant needs soil that is consistently moist but still has the access to oxygen. Avoid overwatering the plant and let it drain between watering. If you don’t want to make your soil mix, you can use orchid soil mix, it is the closest.

How Many Times Should I Water My Anthurium?

Watering will depend on the seasons and the condition of the soil. Check the top 2-3 inches of the soil. If it is dry you will need to give it a drink soon.

During the warm season, the watering habit might be more frequent because the water is quickly evaporated.

1 thought on “Anthurium Clarinervium : Basic Caring Knowledge”

Leave a Comment