Anthurium 'Legacy of Spade'

🌿 Anthurium 'Legacy of Spade' is a striking hybrid cultivar belonging to the Araceae family, developed for its distinctive heart-shaped foliage with dramatic dark venation. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Anthuriums have adapted to thrive as understory plants in humid, warm environments. This particular cultivar is considered an intermediate-level plant, requiring some attention to humidity and watering but rewarding growers with its bold presence. Fun fact: Anthuriums are among the longest-blooming houseplants, with individual flowers lasting up to eight weeks when conditions are right.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This Anthurium grows in an upright, clumping habit with leaves emerging from a central crown. The foliage displays deep green, velvety heart-shaped leaves with prominent veining that creates a striking contrast against the leaf surface. Each leaf has a subtle sheen and a slightly quilted texture that catches light beautifully. The leaves can reach impressive sizes as the plant matures, creating a lush tropical statement.
FLOWER DETAILS
While 'Legacy of Spade' is primarily grown for its foliage, it can produce the characteristic Anthurium spadix and spathe flowers. These blooms typically appear in shades of cream to light green, with a waxy texture and subtle elegance. The flowers have no strong fragrance but add an interesting architectural element to the plant. Blooming occurs sporadically throughout the year when the plant receives adequate light and care. To encourage flowering, maintain consistent warmth, provide bright indirect light, and keep humidity levels high while allowing the plant to establish a strong root system.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal, avoid direct sun which scorches leaves. Needs 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. East or north-facing windows work well.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall, reduce slightly in winter. Water when top inch feels dry. Bottom watering or slow soaking works best to avoid crown rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60-80% humidity. Struggles below 50%. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group with other plants.
🪴 Soil: Needs chunky, well-draining mix. Combine orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal. Must not stay waterlogged.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, terracotta or plastic both work. Size up only when roots emerge from drainage holes, typically every 2-3 years. Prefers being slightly rootbound.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower, adding 2-4 new leaves over 6 months. In one year, expect noticeable size increase. Mature plants can reach 18-24 inches tall and wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly spring through summer with diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter. Use balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich formula.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals. Causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This Anthurium thrives in bathrooms with natural light, where humidity levels naturally stay elevated. It also does well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices near east or north-facing windows, away from heating vents and air conditioning drafts. Consider placing it on a plant stand or shelf where its foliage can be admired at eye level. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near cold windows in winter, or in rooms with low humidity like basements or near fireplaces. Keep away from areas where pets might nibble on leaves.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
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