Anthurium bakeri

🌿 Anthurium bakeri is a lesser-known species from the Araceae family, originating from the cloud forests of Central and South America where it grows as an epiphyte on trees and rocks. This compact anthurium stands out from its flashier cousins with elongated, strap-like foliage and a distinctive textured appearance that feels almost leathery to the touch. It's suited for intermediate plant keepers who want something unusual without the fussiness of rare aroids. Here's a fun fact: unlike the typical heart-shaped anthuriums sold in garden centres, Anthurium bakeri produces narrow leaves that can reach up to 30 centimetres long, giving it an almost prehistoric look that collectors adore.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This anthurium grows in an upright, rosette form with stiff, lance-shaped leaves that emerge from a central crown. The foliage is deep green with prominent veining and a slightly pebbled texture that catches the light beautifully. Each leaf has a semi-glossy finish and the entire plant maintains a compact, architectural shape that won't sprawl or climb like some of its relatives.
FLOWER DETAILS
Anthurium bakeri produces small, cream-coloured to pale green spathes that aren't particularly showy compared to the classic red anthuriums most people know. The flowers have a subtle, almost undetectable fragrance and appear sporadically throughout the year when conditions are right. While the blooms won't win any beauty contests, they add an interesting textural element to the plant. To encourage flowering, maintain consistent warmth, high humidity, and bright indirect light year-round. The real appeal here is the foliage, not the flowers, so don't expect a floral spectacle.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves. Tolerates medium light but grows slower.
💧 Water: Keep substrate lightly moist spring through autumn, allowing top 3-5 centimetres to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Water at the base, avoiding the crown to prevent rot. Use room-temperature water.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60-80% humidity. Tolerates average home humidity (40-50%) but leaf edges may brown. Use a humidifier or pebble tray in dry months.
🪴 Soil: Chunky, well-draining mix. Combine orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal. Needs excellent aeration around roots.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, sized just slightly larger than root ball. Terra cotta or plastic both work. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots fill container.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Expect 2-4 new leaves over 6 months under good conditions. After a year, plant may increase in width by 5-8 centimetres. Mature size reaches 30-40 centimetres tall and wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly spring through early autumn with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength. Skip winter feeding.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. All anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Anthurium bakeri thrives in bathrooms with natural light, where humidity stays elevated naturally. It also does well on kitchen counters near east or north-facing windows, or in bright living rooms positioned a metre or two back from south or west windows. Group it with other tropical plants to create a microclimate that boosts humidity. Avoid placing it in cold drafts from air conditioning units, near heating vents, or in dark corners where it will languish and refuse to grow.