Anthurium forgetii Dark Form

🌿 The Anthurium forgetii Dark Form is a stunning foliage tropical from the Araceae family, native to the cloud forests of Colombia. This intermediate-level houseplant is prized for its dramatic, velvety leaves that seem to absorb light rather than reflect it. The 'Dark Form' refers to its exceptionally deep green to nearly black foliage, which develops best under proper growing conditions. Here's something you might not know: the dark pigmentation in this variety is an adaptation to maximize photosynthesis in the low-light understory of its natural rainforest habitat, making it surprisingly efficient at using whatever light it receives.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This Anthurium grows as an upright, clumping plant with a compact habit that works well on shelves or tabletops. The leaves are elongated and heart-shaped, sometimes reaching 30-40 cm in length when mature. What sets the Dark Form apart is the rich, almost black-green colour that develops across the entire leaf surface, paired with subtle lighter veining that creates a beautiful contrast. The texture is thick and velvety, with a soft matte finish that feels luxurious to the touch and catches shadows in interesting ways throughout the day.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most Anthuriums, this plant produces a characteristic spadix and spathe flower structure, though it's grown primarily for foliage rather than blooms. When flowers do appear, they're typically cream to pale green, small and understated compared to the showier Anthurium andraeanum types. The flowers have no noticeable fragrance but add a subtle architectural element when they emerge. Flowering happens sporadically throughout the year under good conditions, usually once or twice annually in a home setting. To encourage blooming, maintain consistent warmth, provide bright indirect light, and keep humidity levels high while ensuring the plant isn't stressed by irregular watering or temperature fluctuations.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates medium light conditions. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves and fade the dark colouration.
💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during spring and summer. In fall and winter, reduce watering slightly, allowing the top 2-3 cm to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly at the base, avoiding the leaves to prevent spotting.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60-80% humidity. Will tolerate average home humidity (40-50%) but thrives and shows best leaf colour in higher moisture levels.
🪴 Soil: Needs a loose, chunky, well-draining mix. Use orchid bark, perlite, peat or coco coir, and charcoal to create an airy medium that retains some moisture without compacting.
🏺 Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes, slightly wider than deep. Terracotta or ceramic works well. Repot every 18-24 months in spring when roots fill the current container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Expect 2-4 new leaves over six months under good conditions. In one year, the plant may add 6-8 leaves. Mature specimens can reach 40-50 cm in height and width.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce to monthly or stop altogether in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Anthurium forgetii contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This plant does beautifully in bathrooms with natural light, where steam from showers boosts humidity. It's equally at home in a bright living room corner, on a shelf near an east or north-facing window, or in a bedroom away from heating vents. Office spaces with fluorescent lighting can work if supplemented with a grow light. Avoid placing it in drafty areas, near air conditioning units, beside radiators, or in direct afternoon sun from west-facing windows. Keep it away from cold windowsills in winter and out of reach of curious pets.