Specialty & Collector Plants

How to Grow and Care for Anthurium Warocqueanum

Learn the nuanced approach to caring for the coveted Anthurium warocqueanum. Our guide details the specific conditions this rewarding plant needs to thrive.

The Anthurium warocqueanum, known as the Queen Anthurium, is a spectacular foliage plant from the rainforests of Colombia. Prized by enthusiasts, its long, strap-like leaves are dark and velvety with prominent, pale veins. Growing a Queen Anthurium can be a rewarding challenge, as its striking appearance makes it a centerpiece in any collection.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

The Queen Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light. An ideal location is near an east or north-facing window where it can receive filtered sunlight. Direct sun is too intense and will scorch the velvety leaves. To achieve the impressive size and deep coloration of the leaves, provide ample indirect light. If you lack a suitable natural light source, an LED or fluorescent grow light is an effective alternative.

Soil

Anthurium warocqueanum is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants in its natural habitat with its roots exposed to air. This requires an extremely airy and well-draining potting medium, as standard potting soil retains too much water and leads to root rot. A proper mix should be chunky to allow oxygen to reach the roots and can include:

  • Orchid bark
  • Coarse perlite
  • Coco coir or coco husk chips
  • Horticultural charcoal

This type of blend mimics the plant’s native environment, allowing water to drain freely while retaining enough moisture.

Water

Careful watering is necessary to prevent root rot. The key is to maintain a consistent level of light moisture in the potting medium without it becoming waterlogged or soggy. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess to drain completely from the pot. Before watering again, check that the top one to two inches of the mix have dried out.

The frequency of watering will change with the seasons. During the active growing period of spring and summer, you will need to water more often. In the fall and winter, as growth slows, you should reduce the frequency. If your tap water is high in minerals, use filtered, distilled, or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.

Temperature

Consistent and warm temperatures are necessary for the Queen Anthurium to flourish. The ideal range is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). These plants are sensitive to abrupt temperature shifts and should be protected from cold drafts. Avoid placing them near drafty windows, doors, or in the direct path of air conditioning or heating vents. Maintaining a stable, warm environment is important for steady growth, especially during winter months.

Humidity

High humidity is a requirement for Anthurium warocqueanum. These rainforest natives thrive in humidity levels of 70% or higher, and low humidity can prevent new leaves from developing properly. The most effective method to achieve this indoors is using a humidifier placed near the plant. Grouping several tropical plants together can also create a more humid microclimate. Pebble trays offer a minimal increase in humidity, and misting is insufficient for this species.

Potting and Repotting

Anthurium warocqueanum prefers to be slightly root-bound and does not require frequent repotting, typically only every two to three years. It is time to repot when roots are growing out of the drainage holes, the potting medium has broken down, or the plant becomes unstable. When you repot, handle the fragile root system with care and choose a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter; a pot that is too large can hold excess moisture and increase the risk of root rot. Ensure the new pot has ample drainage holes. Gently remove the plant, inspect the roots for decay, and place it in the new container with a fresh, chunky aroid mix.

Fertilizing Your Queen Anthurium

The Queen Anthurium benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season in spring and summer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength to prevent root burn. Feed your anthurium approximately every four to six weeks during this period. As growth slows in the fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing to allow the plant to rest.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with attentive care, you may encounter some issues. Yellowing leaves are a frequent problem and most often a sign of overwatering, indicating the roots are not getting enough oxygen. Brown, crispy edges or tips on the leaves are a classic symptom of low humidity, which can be solved by using a humidifier. Brown or black spots on the leaf surface can signal a fungal or bacterial infection, often worsened by poor air circulation or water sitting on the foliage.

Pests can also be a concern for stressed plants. Spider mites and thrips are common culprits. Regularly inspect the leaves, including the undersides, for any signs of infestation and treat promptly with a suitable method like insecticidal soap.

Propagating Anthurium Warocqueanum

Propagating a Queen Anthurium is an advanced but rewarding process, most reliably done through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from the main stem that includes at least one node—the point where leaves and roots emerge—using a sterile tool. To root the cutting, place it in a container with moist sphagnum moss or perlite. A warm, high-humidity environment, such as a propagation box, is necessary for new roots and a growth point to emerge from the node. While possible to grow from seed, it is a much slower process for home growers.

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