Anthurium Queen Dark Form

🌿 The Anthurium Queen Dark Form, scientifically known as Anthurium warocqueanum, belongs to the Araceae family and hails from the humid rainforests of western Colombia. This stunning aroid is prized for its elongated, velvety leaves that display deep emerald tones with striking pale venation running down each blade. Often called the Queen Anthurium, this plant grows as an epiphyte in its natural habitat, clinging to tree trunks in filtered light and high humidity. It's considered an intermediate to advanced plant, requiring attention to humidity and moisture levels to truly thrive. Here's a fun fact: the leaves of a mature Queen Anthurium can reach over three feet in length, making it one of the most dramatic foliage plants you can grow indoors.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This anthurium grows upright with a climbing tendency, sending out long, narrow leaves from a central stem. The foliage has a quilted, almost suede-like texture that catches light beautifully. Leaf colour ranges from deep green to near-black in certain lighting, with pale silver or cream-coloured veins creating a stunning contrast. The velvety surface gives the plant an almost luxurious appearance, and new leaves unfurl in shades of burgundy before maturing into their characteristic dark green.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers of the Anthurium Queen Dark Form are not its main attraction, but they do appear occasionally when the plant is mature and happy. The blooms consist of a narrow green to brownish spadix with a thin, greenish-white spathe that's subtle compared to the showier hybrid anthuriums. There's no noticeable fragrance, and the flowers don't contribute much to the overall aesthetic appeal since the foliage is the real star. Flowering happens sporadically throughout the year if conditions are ideal. To encourage blooming, maintain consistent high humidity, provide bright indirect light, and keep the plant well-fed during the growing season.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light works best. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Aim for 10-12 hours of filtered light daily, such as near an east or north-facing window with sheer curtains.
💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry, usually every 4-7 days in warmer months and less frequently in winter. Use room-temperature water and ensure good drainage. Bottom watering or slow watering from the top works well.
🌡️ Humidity: High humidity is essential, ideally 70-80%. Use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray, or group it with other tropical plants to maintain moisture in the air.
🪴 Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining mix with orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal. The soil should stay airy and never become compacted.
🏺 Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes, preferably terracotta or plastic, sized just slightly larger than the root ball. Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots begin to crowd the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to slow. Expect 2-4 new leaves over six months under ideal conditions. In one year, the plant may add 6-8 leaves. Mature specimens can reach 2-3 feet tall with leaves up to 3 feet long.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding in autumn and stop in winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. All parts of this plant are toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Anthurium Queen Dark Form thrives in a bathroom with a window, a greenhouse cabinet, or any room where you can maintain high humidity. It also does well in a bright kitchen or near a humidifier in a living room or bedroom. Avoid placing it near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows, as dry air and temperature fluctuations will stress the plant. Keep it away from direct sunlight and low-light corners.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
sought-after