Anthurium clarinervium aka Kuping Gajah

Anthurium clarinervium belongs to the arum family, Araceae. It comes from Chiapas in Mexico, within the seasonally dry tropics. Kew classes its growth form as a subshrub. The RHS describes it as an evergreen, epiphytic perennial. It forms clumps and keeps its leaves through the year. In cultivation, it suits homes, conservatories, and warm greenhouses. Its bold leaf veins give it value as a foliage plant.

The RHS describes plants about 0.8–1 foot [0.25–0.3 metres] tall. Its listed upper size is 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall and wide. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The dark green leaves have a soft, velvet-like surface. Pale green to white veins stand out against this dark background. The leaves have deep lobes and bend back. They reach about 0.43 feet [0.13 metres] long. Their leaf stalks reach about 0.49 feet [0.15 metres].

Flowers can appear at any time of year. Each has a glossy, pale green, lance-shaped spathe. This surrounds a green, spike-like spadix with a purple flush. The flower structures last well, though the leaves remain a key feature. Its year-round foliage makes it useful for indoor plant displays. Warm, sheltered growing spaces suit this tender plant better than exposed sites.

Give it bright light indoors, but keep it out of direct sun. The RHS lists partial shade for its position. It needs moist soil that drains well. An acidic mix can combine peat-free ericaceous compost, perlite, and orchid bark. Use two parts compost to one part each of the others. The RHS also lists loam and acid to neutral soil. Water well from spring through autumn, then reduce watering in winter. Feed with orchid fertiliser every two weeks during that growing season. Provide high humidity, such as with a tray of damp pebbles. Keep temperatures above 18°C. Its RHS hardiness rating is H1A, for year-round growing under glass.

Watch for mealybugs and scale insects on the plant. Too much water can lead to root rot. Remove dead leaves and spent flower stems at their base. Propagate in spring or summer by division, cuttings, or offsets. Stem and rhizome cuttings are both listed methods. Keep this plant away from people and pets who might eat it. It is harmful when eaten and can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and suitable protection when handling it.