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Being a genus with more than 1,000 different variations of flowering plants, Anthurium is one of the wealthiest members of the arum family, Araceae. If we measure by its number and diversity of looks, of course. They can be found from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. Also, they are present in some parts of the Caribbean as well. This enchanting plant can be kept anywhere, as long as you are familiar with its requirements.
It has utterly charming names such as Flamingo flower, a painter’s palette, Bird’s nest, Ace of Spades, and even a single look at them will explain why do people call them like that. You will be thrilled to hear that they can re-bloom all year round if you know how to take good care of them.
So, which are the most popular types of Anthurium? Not all the varieties are kept as house plants, but the following ones are among the most frequently seen Anthurium types:
The list is even longer than this, and the new ones keep coming as the gardeners like experimenting and crossing the species. However, I shall focus on these, as they are among the most beloved ones.
Now, let’s check out one by one and find out some unique tips and tricks about Anthurium plants! Plus, I’ll give you a full guide on how to take care of them, so stay tuned!
1. Anthurium Superbum (Bird’s Nest)
This gorgeous plant is usually found in rainforests, and it collects nutrients mainly from humid air and rainwater.
This one comes with elliptical leaves, which are green on the front side, but dark purple on the back, and grows in a way to form a rosette.
It’s a sturdy plant and can be grown in either pot or a hanging basket, as you prefer, but don’t expose it to frost, and extremely cold temperatures.
When it comes to light, it requires much less of it than some other varieties, but what Anthurium Superbum has in common with others is a huge desire for humidity.
BONUS TIP: You will probably find people referring to this one as Ironclad Bird’s Nest. The former part of its nickname comes from its distinctively rigid and strong leaves.
2. Anthurium Veitchii (King Anthurium)
Unlike Superbum and a majority of other varieties, Anthurium Veitchii is more tolerant to direct sunlight and can withstand larger amounts of it.
Its leaves can reach the length of 30cm when the plant is kept indoors, outdoors can be really humongous.
The upper part of the King’s leaves is dark green and it has metallic shine, while its underside is lighter green. Sometimes, it can be pale pink.
This one got its name from John Veitch, a famous owner of a London-based plant nursery who brought this variety to Europe.
BONUS TIP: When in its natural environment, this plant can grow really gigantic- hence the nickname King. To make sure its lengthy, pendulous leaves which grow downwards are not crowded, or so not to damage them, the best container for this one is- a hanging basket.
3. Anthurium Warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium)
This variety has long and narrow leaves, which are dark green and velvety.
As the leaves Anthurium Warocqueanum grows in the same direction as the King’s, hanging containers are a much better choice.
The combination the plant likes the best is high humidity and warm temperature, which will make your Queen thrive. Its maintenance is not complicated at all.
In the most ideal conditions, its narrow and sophisticated leaves can grow up to up to 6 ft. (2 m), so mind where you will place it.
BONUS TIP: Unlike King, Queen’s got noticeable veins on the leaves. Their color varies from white to silver, and that’s what gives this one a distinctive look.
4. Anthurium Crystallinum (Ace of Spades)
Just like the Queen, it has distinctive veins all over its dark green leaves, which are shaped like heart, hence the name Ace of Spades.
Anthurium Crystallinum usually reaches the size of 60-90 cm.
It requires partial to full shade, and constantly moist soil. It should never dry out, so check it regularly, especially during summer days.
BONUS TIP: Even though flowers are often the most adorable part of the plant, in the case of Crystallinum, they are nothing special at all. To make sure your plant receives enough nutrients, I suggest you prune them off, so as not to drain the energy. You will have even more stunning foliage.
5. Anthurium Andraenaum (Painter’s Palette)
This is one of the most distinctive variants, due to its vividly painted bract which is not seen on other types of Anthuriums.
The bract is shaped like a heart and there’s a straight spike in the middle of it- that’s the spadix.
The leaves of Anthurium Andraenaum are also heart-shaped and when you take good care of them, you will have quite bushy foliage, which will make the impressive bract look even more gorgeous.
BONUS TIP: Some people refer to this type as an oilcloth plant. That’s because of its red and waxy bract, which does look a bit plastic. Some call it flamingo flower, but another type is actually better known by this name.
6. Anthurium Clarinervium (Velvet Cardboard)
Most notable for its dark green leaves and white to silver veins, you need to place it somewhere bright, but avoid direct sunlight.
With this one, you should do the same as with Ace of Spades, remove the flowers, so that the foliage would receive enough nutrients and be lush and enchanting.
Anthurium Clarinervium tends to become root bound quickly so pay attention, otherwise, your plant will stagnate.
BONUS TIP: This one is also a climbing type of plant, so if you place it in a moss pole, you can create a true masterpiece in your room, and add a touch of tropical atmosphere to your home.
7. Anthurium Scherzerianum (Flamingo flower)
Similar to the painter’s palette, they have waxy bracts that kinda look plastic, and they also have an orange curly spadix in the middle.
It’s extremely decorative, and suitable for smaller homes as well, as it’s not as gigantic as some other variants. The leaves are lance-shaped, and the average length is around 8 inches.
Misting is essential for Anthurium Scherzerianum for two key reasons- to make sure it receives enough humidity and to keep those adorable bracts perfectly clean.
BONUS TIP: To be sure you know how to differentiate flamingo and painter’s palette, mind the plant’s size and the spadix. Flamingo flower is smaller, and it has straight spadix, while the painter’s palette has a slightly bent one.
8. Anthurium Forgetii
Native to Colombia, Anthurium Forgetii is the one with dark green leaves and white veins, which make it look shinier.
This one has a spathe which is quite different from those seen on flamingo or painter’s palette- it’s green-colored with purple edging.
When the plant produces flowers, the spike gets covered in small purple berries, which is also one of its most distinctive features.
BONUS TIP: If you have noticed something peculiar about the leaves’ look, your feeling is right, there’s no sinus. It’s a small space between two lobes, present in almost all other Anthuriums, except for this one. That’s why it’s not shaped like heart, like many other members of the family.
9. Anthurium Watermaliense (Black Anthurium)
With its dark purple colored bract, it’s more than clear why A. Watermaliense is one of the most extraordinary looking members of the family. Some people even refer to it as the color of chocolate.
Combined with darker green and shiny leaves, which don’t have veins like some other varieties, it’s a true beauty.
This specie is found anywhere from Costa Rica to Colombia, so it likes a warmer climate.
It has one thing in common with Superbum, it’s foliage also grows in the rosette form.
BONUS TIP: Due to its unusually colored bract, which looks extremely sophisticated and elegant, this one has earned several more beautiful nicknames. Some gardeners call it black queen, black love, or even a black beauty.
10. Anthurium Hookeri
Speaking of bird’s nest, here’s one more which also develops in the rosette form, which is why some people use this nickname for it.
A. hookeri leaves often resemble giant spoons, and there are no veins on it, but it has shorter internodes and it may produce white berries.
Also, the accent is on rich foliage, not on flowers, so even if it produces some, it’s better to remove it and allow your plant to focus all the energy on leaves.
BONUS TIP: It’s not a rare case for people to mix these varieties, but each one has something that differs it from the rest of the family. This one, for example, has the leaves covered in characteristic tiny black dots.
BONUS TIP: It’s not a rare case for people to mix these varieties, but each one has something that differs it from the rest of the family. This one, for example, has the leaves covered in characteristic tiny black dots.
11. Anthurium Magnificum
If you prefer Anthuriums with velvety, and oval leaves with distinctive veins, then this one could be just the right choice for you.
Even though the jungle is its natural habitat, with adequate maintenance, Anthurium Magnificum can make your place look like a tropical paradise.
Its approximate size is 60 to 90 cm, and check this out- they bloom throughout the entire year. That’s because they are bisexual flowers.
If you cross them with Crystallinum, you will get a marvelously looking and unique Anthurium, with unique features.
BONUS TIP: If you gave spotted new brownish-burgundy leaves, don’t worry, it’s natural. They change the color to dark green as they grow older.
12. Anthurium Pendulifolium
If you happen to have some knowledge of Latin, then you will easily assume how to do the leaves of this one look.
They are pendulous and lengthy, with the ability to grow up to 1.2, in length, and few inches in width. The upper side of the leaves may be either of one color or slightly bi-colored.
Therefore, a hanging basket is an ideal home for Anthurium Pendulifolium.
Like all other sorts of Anthurium, this one has a geniculum, a small organ whose main duty is to allow the leaf to rotate so that it can absorb the desired amount of the light.
BONUS TIP: The native tribes of Ecuador use this type of Anthurium to make a bath from boiled. As they claim, it’s very helpful with bone aches and rheumatism.
13. Anthurium Pachyneurium (Big Red Bird)
This is one more type that belongs to the bird’s nest Anthuriums, and one of the most beautiful features it possesses is the leaves with wavy edges.
One typical detail about the new leaves is the rolling pattern. While the majority of other members from the family look like a spiral, leaves of this one are rolled inward, in two opposite spirals, from both margins.
Its leaves are long and lanceolate-shaped. A.Pachyneurium has no veins on its leaves.
BONUS TIP: This unusual name comes from the color of the leaves which tends to change depending on the light or temperature. When the light is brighter or temperatures cooler, it turns.
14. Anthurium Scandens (Pearl Laceleaf)
Found in rainforests in Southern Mexico and Brazil, this one is equipped with lance-shaped leaves, but there are variants with an oval as well.
Their usual length is between 6 to 13 cm, and their color is matte green.
It produces aerial roots, so it doesn’t require soil substrates.
Anthurium Scandens is not a difficult one to maintain, as long as you follow the guideline, and make sure the environment is humid enough.
BONUS TIP: The delicate name comes from the berries which grow in clusters. They hang from the stems and are pearly white. Plus, this is a climbing vine, so if you want something exquisitely decorative, this is a perfect candidate for you.
15. Anthurium Vittarifolium
This type features strap leaves which are very long, and their length can reach up to 2 meters.
As for the color of the leaves on A. Vittarifolium, it’s dark green, and some species will have yellowish variegated marks, which look as if someone made brush strokes on them.
If you water it regularly, and find some good place to keep it, you will have a beautiful and satisfied plant which will add a touch of rainforest to your home.
BONUS TIP: This one can become quite colorful and spectacular when it blooms. You will spot pink berries and red flowers, and that in combination with variegated leaves looks breath-taking.
Some other less seen varieties include:
- Anthurium Argyrostachyum/ Pandurifolium
- Anthurium Bakeri
- Anthurium Coriaceum (Paddle-leaf)
- Anthurium Crenatum (Scalloped Laceleaf)
- Anthurium Gracile (Red Pearls)
- Anthurium Guayanum
Can Anthuriums be Classified by their Shape?
Absolutely, they are so diverse and numerous, that it is actually possible to categorize them by the shape. It refers to either the shape of their leaves or flowers.
In addition to this, there are solid and multi-colored, larger and smaller, so you can group them in countless combinations.
Here are the most common ones:
Tulip-shaped
As you can assume from the name, the shape of these variants resembles a tulip. Among the most representative examples are the Marea and Facetto cultivars.
Ribbon-shaped
The name comes from the narrow ribbon-shaped of their flowers. This detail makes them look extremely elegant. Deep purple Zizou and the macaroon-pink Lilli are the most illustrative varieties from this category.
Heart-shaped
If you were to ask random people what do leaves of Anthuriums look like, chances are 95% of them would say “heart”. Andraeanum and Esmeraldense are just some of them.
Cup-shaped
Peruzzi variety (green or pink) is one of the most beautiful examples of this shape. This cup-shaped cultivar has a gorgeous and delicate gradation of warm colors.
Veined flowers
The Tequila and Livium variants are the most prominent ones from this group. The spathes produced by these bicolored sorts feature a red spadix and red veins.
Solid and multicolored
Available in a wide spectrum of colors, some variants produce flowers in a single color while others like deliver multicolored flowers (take Kaseko as an example). Adios Summer also has a marvelously looking multicolored spathe than graduates from green to pink.
Mini Anthuriums
Aside from the large ones, there are mini sorts as well. The length of their stems is around40 cm, while the flower diameter is around 7 to 9 cm. Their have a rather lengthy vase life, approximately 27 days.
Small and large-flowered
Some of the variants with smaller flowers include Lilli, and Million Flowers Red. The white and green Denali, as well as red Impulz and Marea are among the popular ones with large leaves.
FAQ
1. Can the Anthurium plant purify the air?
Yes, and even NASA confirmed that this plant is an air-purifying one. It does so by removing some harmful chemicals from the air, such as formaldehyde, toluene, ammonia, and xylene.
2. Can I keep Anthurium in my bedroom?
Knowing that purifies the air, it’s absolutely okay to have one in your bedroom. The only thing you need to provide is humidity.
3. Are Anthurium plants toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets?
If you have curious four-legged friends, it’s better to keep the plant out of their reach. There are certain substances in the majority of Anthurium varieties which can cause the irritation of gastrointestinal tract and vomiting.
4. Is the Anthurium plant poisonous to people?
Small kids can be curious as well, and they will try to bite or chew the plant, and it can cause stomach problems, nausea, irritation, and similar.
Also, when transplanting Anthurium, wear gloves to protect the skin.
5. Are Anthuriums lucky flowers?
As far as the Feng Shui says, they are. It is believed that they bring good luck, especially in relationships. So, having one or more in your place is beneficial for multiple reasons.
6. Do Anthuriums like being root-bound?
No, they don’t. Good thing is that it doesn’t happen quickly if you repot it regularly (every several years, based on how quickly it grows).