Anthurium brownii aka Brown's Anthurium

Anthurium brownii is considered a challenging plant to grow, best suited for experienced plant enthusiasts. It requires consistently high humidity (60-80%), precise watering that allows the top inch of soil to dry between waterings, bright indirect light, and warm temperatures between 16-27°C (60-80°F). The plant is sensitive to cold drafts, chemicals in tap water, and prone to root rot if overwatered, making attention to detail essential for success.

Anthurium brownii is a substantial specimen plant that reaches approximately 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) in height with a similar spread when mature. The impressive leaves can grow up to 60 cm (2 feet) long and feature prominently reticulate venation with bright green coloration and striking yellow veins. It has a short, thick stem (2.5-3 cm diameter) and grows at a moderate rate, typically requiring repotting every 2-3 years.

Anthurium brownii thrives in warm temperatures between 16-27°C (60-80°F), with optimal growth occurring in the 18-24°C (65-75°F) range. The plant is highly sensitive to cold and should never be exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F), which can cause damage. Protect it from cold drafts near windows and air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations stress the plant and can lead to leaf drop.

Anthurium brownii produces distinctive inflorescences featuring a recurved green spathe and a long, slender violet-purple spadix. The spathe is lanceolate (lance-shaped), measuring 8-23 cm long and 1.5-4.5 cm wide, while the spadix reaches 7-28 cm in length. The flower stalk (peduncle) is notably long at 51-65 cm and displays an attractive green color mottled with red-violet. Following successful pollination, the plant produces small red-orange berries. Under favorable conditions, it can flower year-round.

The most reliable method to propagate Anthurium brownii is through division during the growing season (spring or summer). Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently separate established sections ensuring each division has adequate roots and foliage, then plant in fresh, well-draining aroid mix. Stem cuttings with at least one node can also be rooted in water or moist sphagnum moss. Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture until new growth appears, which typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Repot Anthurium brownii every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season (spring). Choose a pot only one size larger than the current container, as excessively large pots retain too much moisture and can cause root rot. Use a well-draining, organic-rich aroid mix containing perlite, orchid bark, or sphagnum moss. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Signs that repotting is needed include roots circling the pot or growing through drainage holes.

Anthurium brownii can only be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, which includes southern Florida, Hawaii, and parts of California and Texas. It requires partial shade and protection from direct sun, wind, and temperatures below 10°C (50°F). In cooler climates, it can be moved outdoors during warm summer months but must be brought inside before temperatures drop. In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphyte in wet tropical forests from sea level to 1,200 meters elevation.

Anthurium brownii requires minimal pruning. Remove yellow, brown, or damaged leaves by cutting them at the base of the petiole with clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Dead or spent flower stalks can be removed once they have fully dried. Always wear gloves when pruning as the plant's sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate skin. Pruning is best done during the growing season to allow the plant to recover quickly.

Clean Anthurium brownii leaves regularly by wiping them gently with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust that can block light absorption. Avoid using leaf shine products as they can clog the leaf pores (stomata). After cleaning, ensure no water droplets remain on the leaves as these can lead to fungal issues. The large, textured leaves with prominent veins benefit from regular cleaning to maintain their attractive appearance and support healthy photosynthesis.

Yellow leaves on Anthurium brownii typically indicate overwatering or poor drainage leading to root stress. Other causes include exposure to cold drafts, insufficient light, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture before watering and ensure the pot drains well. If the soil stays soggy, repot into a grittier mix. Yellow lower leaves can also be natural aging—older leaves die off as the plant produces new growth.

Brown leaves or leaf tips on Anthurium brownii are commonly caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or chemical sensitivity to tap water. Brown tips specifically indicate dry air—increase humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or regular misting. Brown patches may result from direct sun exposure (scorching) or fungal issues from wet foliage. Use filtered or rainwater if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains fluoride.

Drooping leaves on Anthurium brownii usually signal watering issues—either too much or too little. Check the soil: if it's bone dry, water thoroughly; if it's soggy, let it dry out and check for root rot. Other causes include low humidity, temperatures outside the 16-27°C range, or pest infestation. Drooping after repotting is normal transplant shock and should resolve within 1-2 weeks with proper care.

Common pests include spider mites (look for fine webbing and stippled leaves), mealybugs (white cottony masses), aphids, scale insects, and fungus gnats. Treat with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for localized infestations. The primary disease concern is root rot caused by overwatering and poor drainage—symptoms include yellowing leaves, mushy roots, and a foul smell. Bacterial blight (Xanthomonas) can occur when humidity is too high or the plant is wounded. Prevent problems by maintaining good air circulation and avoiding wet foliage.

Anthurium brownii is native to Central and South America, ranging from Costa Rica through Panama and south to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. It grows naturally in wet tropical and premontane forests from sea level up to 1,200 meters (3,900 ft), though in Colombia it has been recorded at elevations up to 1,800 m. The species is considered relatively rare in its native habitats due to ongoing deforestation and habitat loss. It was first collected by Gustav Wallis in 1876.

Brown's Anthurium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Brown's Anthurium 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 Brown's Anthurium prefers bright diffused 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 additional humidity is required for the Brown's Anthurium. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Repotting the Brown's Anthurium is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it's common for Brown's Anthurium to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.