Anthurium carlablackiae

🌿 The Anthurium carlablackiae is a striking tropical foliage plant from the family Araceae, native to the cloud forests of Central America where it grows as an epiphyte on moss-covered trees. This species is prized by collectors for its deeply textured, velvety leaves that emerge in shades of bronze before maturing to dark green with prominent pale veining. Care difficulty falls into the intermediate to advanced category, as this plant requires specific humidity and light conditions to thrive. Here's a fun fact: unlike many anthuriums grown for their bright spathes, carlablackiae is valued almost exclusively for its magnificent foliage, making it a favourite among leaf collectors.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This anthurium has an upright growth habit with leaves emerging from a central crown. The foliage is oval to heart-shaped with a velvety texture that catches light beautifully. Leaf colour ranges from deep emerald green to nearly black-green depending on light exposure, with striking silvery-white or pale green venation creating a quilted appearance. The thick, leathery leaves have a slight sheen and develop more pronounced texture as they mature.
FLOWER DETAILS
Anthurium carlablackiae produces small, inconspicuous flowers typical of the genus, consisting of a spadix and spathe. The spathe is usually pale green to cream coloured, and the flowers lack fragrance. While the blooms aren't particularly showy compared to hybrid anthuriums, they do add a subtle architectural interest when they appear. Flowering can occur sporadically throughout the year under ideal conditions. To encourage blooming, maintain consistent warmth, high humidity, and provide adequate bright indirect light along with regular feeding during the growing season.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the velvety leaves. Needs about 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. East or north-facing windows work well.
💧 Water: Keep the growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch feels dry, roughly every 5-7 days in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Use room temperature water and water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
🌡️ Humidity: Requires high humidity between 70-85%. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or place in a naturally humid room like a bathroom.
🪴 Soil: Needs a chunky, well-draining mix. Combine orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal. The mix should be airy and hold some moisture without becoming compacted.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with excellent drainage holes. Terra cotta or orchid pots work well. Repot every 18-24 months or when roots emerge from drainage holes. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth. Expect 3-5 new leaves in six months under good conditions. Over a year, the plant may add 6-10 leaves. Maximum mature size reaches about 45-60 cm tall and 40-50 cm wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Use a formula like 20-20-20 or one designed for aroids. Reduce feeding in fall and stop in winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Anthurium carlablackiae is toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Anthurium carlablackiae does best in bright bathrooms with natural light, greenhouse cabinets, or dedicated plant rooms where humidity can be controlled. It also works well near east-facing windows in living rooms or bedrooms if you can provide supplemental humidity through a humidifier. Avoid placing it in dry rooms with forced air heating, near air conditioning vents, or in dark corners. Keep it away from cold drafts and fluctuating temperatures. This isn't a plant for low-humidity spaces or rooms without adequate natural light.