Anthurium warocqueanum

Queen Anthurium

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Taxonomy

Description

Anthurium warocqueanum, the famed Queen Anthurium, is adored for its extraordinarily long, velvety dark-green leaves with striking silver veining. It thrives with warmth, humidity, and gentle light, rewarding attentive care with regal foliage that can become the centerpiece of any collection.

Common Names

Queen AnthuriumWarocqueanum

Context

nativeRegion

Colombian rainforests (Andean foothills and Pacific slope), often as a hemiepiphyte in humid, shaded canopies.

usdaZones

10b–12 (outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; otherwise grow indoors or in a greenhouse).

companionPlants

Anthurium crystallinum, Philodendron melanochrysum, Monstera adansonii, Epipremnum pinnatum, Scindapsus pictus, Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’

culturalUses

Highly prized ornamental for conservatories and indoor collections; displayed on planks or moss poles for dramatic foliage.

Care

Care Requirements

LightBright, indirect light; no harsh direct sun. Can tolerate medium light but grows best with strong filtered light.

WateringKeep evenly moist but never soggy. Let the top 1–2 inches of mix dry before watering. Use soft/filtered water and ensure excellent drainage and airflow.

SoilVery airy aroid mix: chunky orchid bark, perlite/pumice, sphagnum, and a bit of high-quality potting mix or coco; optional charcoal for purity.

FertilizerHalf-strength balanced or foliage-leaning fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in active growth; reduce in winter. Occasional Ca/Mg supplement is beneficial.

HumidityHigh humidity 70–90% preferred; can adapt around 60% with strong airflow and careful watering.

TemperatureWarm and stable: 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid drafts and temps below 55°F (13°C).

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitHemiepiphytic climber with long, pendent, velvety leaves; benefits from a board or moss pole for support.

Mature SizeLeaves commonly 2–4 ft (60–120 cm), occasionally longer; plant height 3–6 ft+ with support.

Growth RateModerate to slow, faster in high humidity and warmth with bright filtered light.

BloomingIntermittent, non-showy spadix and spathe; flowers mainly for breeding/seed rather than display.

DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler, darker months.

Propagation

MethodsDivision of clumps, Stem cuttings with at least one node and aerial root, Seed (hand-pollinated), Tissue culture (commercial)

DifficultyModerate to advanced—requires stable warmth, high humidity, and sterile technique for best success.

Best SeasonSpring to early summer for most home methods.

Maintenance & Notes

PruningRemove yellowing leaves and spent inflorescences; sanitize tools. Wipe leaves gently to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.

RepottingRepot every 12–18 months or when roots crowd or mix breaks down. Best in spring into a chunkier, fresh aroid mix; provide a support.

Pests & DiseasesWatch for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Prevent root rot with drainage and airflow; avoid overwatering. Possible bacterial/fungal leaf spots in stagnant conditions.

ToxicityToxic if ingested (calcium oxalate crystals). Keep away from pets and children; sap may irritate skin.

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