Anthurium clarinervium 'Queen'

The Anthurium clarinervium 'Queen' is a stunning foliage plant from the Araceae family, native to the rainforests of southern Mexico. This tropical beauty is beloved for its large, velvety heart-shaped leaves with striking white veining that looks almost hand-painted. It's an intermediate-level plant, meaning you'll need some experience to keep it thriving. Here's a fun fact: the white veins on its leaves are actually raised, creating a three-dimensional texture you can feel with your fingertips. 🌿
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This anthurium grows in an upright clumping habit, with leaves emerging from a central rosette. The leaves are thick and velvety to the touch, with a deep green base colour that contrasts beautifully against the prominent white or silver veining. Each leaf can reach about 15-20 centimetres wide at maturity, creating a dramatic display. The texture is almost suede-like, giving the plant a luxurious feel that sets it apart from glossy-leaved tropicals.
FLOWER DETAILS
While grown primarily for foliage, mature Anthurium clarinervium can produce flowers consisting of a pale green or purplish spathe surrounding a cream-coloured spadix. The flowers aren't particularly showy or fragrant compared to other anthuriums, but they add interest when they appear. Flowering happens sporadically throughout the year, usually once or twice annually in ideal conditions. To encourage blooming, provide consistent warmth, high humidity, and avoid moving the plant frequently. The real star of this plant remains its incredible foliage rather than its modest flowers.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is essential, about 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the velvety leaves. An east-facing window works perfectly.
💧 Water: Water when the top 3-5 centimetres of soil feel dry, roughly once a week in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Use room temperature water and water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Bottom watering works well to avoid wetting the leaves.
🌡️ Humidity: Requires 60-80% humidity to thrive. This is higher than average home humidity, so a humidifier or pebble tray is often necessary.
🪴 Soil: Needs a chunky, well-draining mix. Combine orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal for ideal aeration and drainage.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, preferably terracotta or ceramic, sized just 2-3 centimetres larger than the root ball. Repot every 2-3 years in spring.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate grower. Expect 2-4 new leaves over six months, 4-8 leaves per year. Maximum mature size is around 40-50 centimetres tall and wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in autumn and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. All anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested, causing oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Anthurium clarinervium 'Queen' looks spectacular on a plant stand in a living room or bedroom where you can admire its detailed veining up close. It works beautifully in bathrooms with windows, where natural humidity levels support its needs. Display it on a shelf or table where indirect light filters through sheer curtains. Avoid placing it near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature changes and dry air will damage the leaves. Keep it away from high-traffic areas where the delicate foliage might get bumped or touched frequently. Don't place it in dark corners or rooms without natural light, as it will decline quickly.
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