Anthurium 'Ace of Spades'

DESCRIPTION
The Anthurium 'Ace of Spades' is a striking tropical houseplant from the Araceae family, native to the rainforests of Central and South America. 🌿 This cultivar gets its name from its dramatic, deep burgundy to near-black foliage that resembles the iconic playing card. While anthuriums are known for their glossy heart-shaped leaves and waxy flowers, the 'Ace of Spades' stands out for its moody, gothic aesthetic. It's an intermediate-level plant, requiring some attention to humidity and light conditions but rewarding growers with its bold presence. Fun fact: anthuriums are among the longest-blooming houseplants, with some flowers lasting up to eight weeks.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This anthurium grows in an upright, clumping habit with leaves emerging from a central crown. The foliage is large and arrow-shaped with a pronounced heart-like indentation at the base. Leaves display a rich burgundy to blackish-purple colour with a subtle sheen that catches light beautifully. The texture is smooth and leathery, with prominent veining that adds depth to the dark colouration.
FLOWER DETAILS
The 'Ace of Spades' produces the classic anthurium inflorescence consisting of a waxy spathe and spadix. The spathe is typically deep red or burgundy, complementing the dark foliage, while the spadix is a contrasting cream or pale yellow. Flowers have no fragrance but offer a glossy, almost plastic-like appearance that adds architectural interest. This plant blooms reliably throughout the year when conditions are right, with individual flowers lasting four to eight weeks. To encourage flowering, maintain consistent warmth, bright indirect light, and regular feeding during the growing season.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves. Needs 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. Tolerates medium light but flowering decreases.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water when top inch feels dry, roughly once a week in summer, every 10 days in winter. Water at the base, avoiding leaves to prevent spots.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60-80% humidity. Average home humidity (40-50%) works but benefits from a humidifier or pebble tray, especially in winter.
🪴 Soil: Requires well-draining, airy mix. Combine orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and coco coir. Avoid dense potting soil which causes root rot.
🏺 Potting: Use plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes, slightly snug around roots. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, moving up one pot size.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth. Produces 2-4 new leaves over six months under good conditions. Reaches 45-60 cm tall and wide at maturity in 2-3 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20). Reduce to every 8 weeks in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats and dogs, causing mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The 'Ace of Spades' works well in living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms where its dramatic foliage becomes a focal point. Place near east or north-facing windows with sheer curtains, or a few feet back from south or west-facing windows. It thrives in bathrooms with natural light due to higher humidity. Avoid placing near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty doorways. Keep away from floor areas where pets might chew on leaves.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
sought-after