Anthurium besseae aka Anthurium Besseae Aff.

Anthurium besseae is considered a challenging plant that requires more attention than common houseplants. It demands high humidity (around 80%), consistent warmth between 70-85°F, bright indirect light, and a well-draining epiphytic soil mix. While rewarding for experienced growers, beginners may find it difficult to maintain the specific conditions this Bolivian native requires to thrive and display its stunning velvet foliage.

Anthurium besseae is a relatively small anthurium species, reaching about 24 inches (60 cm) in both height and spread at maturity. Individual leaves can grow 20-30 inches long with prominent crystal veining. The growth rate is slow to moderate, and the plant may produce lateral offsets over time. Being a compact grower, it's well-suited for terrariums or as a tabletop specimen when young.

Anthurium besseae thrives in warm temperatures between 78-88°F (26-30°C) during the day and 70-75°F (21-24°C) at night. As a tropical species from lowland Bolivia, it cannot tolerate temperatures below 55°F (12°C) or above 90°F (32°C). Protect it from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature fluctuations which can stress the plant and cause leaf damage.

Anthurium besseae produces typical aroid inflorescences consisting of a red spathe (modified leaf) and a central spadix bearing tiny true flowers. The vibrant red spathe contrasts beautifully against the dark velvet foliage. However, this species rarely flowers indoors and is primarily grown for its spectacular foliage. When blooms do appear, they typically emerge during summer months if the plant receives adequate light, warmth, and humidity.

Anthurium besseae can be propagated through division or stem cuttings, with spring being the ideal time. For division, separate offsets during repotting, ensuring each division has healthy roots and at least one leaf. For stem cuttings, select stems with visible aerial nodes and 1-2 healthy leaves, then root in water or a moist aroid mix. Water propagation often shows faster results—transplant when roots reach about 1 inch long. Seed propagation is possible but slow, taking 1-3 years to reach maturity.

Repot Anthurium besseae every 2-3 years or when roots begin to engulf the soil mass and emerge from drainage holes. Choose a container only 2 inches larger than the current pot, as oversized containers can lead to root rot. Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. Spring is the best time to repot when the plant is entering its active growth phase.

Yellow leaves on Anthurium besseae typically indicate overwatering, low humidity, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture—soggy conditions cause root rot which manifests as yellowing leaves. Low humidity below 60% can also trigger yellowing. If you've been fertilizing regularly, yellowing may indicate nutrient imbalance, particularly nitrogen deficiency. Natural aging causes older lower leaves to yellow and drop, which is normal if new growth remains healthy.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Anthurium besseae are most commonly caused by low humidity, which this tropical species is particularly sensitive to. Aim for 80% humidity using a humidifier or pebble tray. Other causes include direct sunlight scorching the leaves, overfertilization causing salt burn, or underwatering. Bacterial blight appears as brown V-shaped lesions with yellow halos. Check your care conditions and adjust humidity first, as this is the most common culprit.

Anthurium besseae is susceptible to common houseplant pests including mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, scale, aphids, and fungus gnats. Inspect leaves regularly, especially the undersides, and treat infestations with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil. Disease issues include bacterial blight (V-shaped brown lesions), leaf spot fungus, and bacterial wilt. Avoid overhead watering to prevent bacterial spread. Good air circulation and proper watering practices are the best prevention.

Anthurium besseae can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10a-12b, where temperatures remain above 55°F (12°C). In its native Bolivia, it grows in lowland tropical forests at around 240 meters elevation. If you live in a suitable climate, provide dappled shade, protection from direct sun, and shelter from wind. In cooler climates, it can be moved outdoors during summer but must come inside before temperatures drop below 55°F.

Several forms and hybrids of Anthurium besseae are available in cultivation. 'Anthurium besseae aff.' (affinity) refers to plants closely resembling but not confirmed as true besseae. Popular hybrids include Anthurium besseae × Luxurians, which combines the velvet texture with larger leaves, and Anthurium besseae × Forgetii. A 'Galaxy' form is also cultivated. Different clones show variation in growth habit—some maintain compact form while others exhibit excessive lateral offsetting.

Anthurium Besseae Aff.’s native range is the Americas.

Anthurium Besseae Aff. should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Anthurium Besseae Aff. loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Anthurium Besseae Aff. prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

No extra humidity is necessary for the Anthurium Besseae Aff.. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Repotting the Anthurium Besseae Aff. should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

During the cold period, it is common for Anthurium Besseae Aff. to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.