Anthurium veitchii aka King Anthurium

Taxonomy

Anthurium veitchii, or the king anthurium, is an epiphytic species of flowering plant in the genus Anthurium native to Colombia. It is grown in more temperate climates as a greenhouse or houseplant for its large, pendulous leaves that can be several feet long. The Latin specific epithet veitchii refers to a longstanding group of plant nurseries based in Exeter, UK, originated by John Veitch. Its leaves portray deep texture and full-grown the leaves can grow so long, making it a collector’s favorite! Stem short or contracted, petioles 60 - 95 cm long, terete and not canaliculated, and the leaf blade is elongate-oblong, gradually narrowed towards the apex, 50 - 90 cm long, 20-25 cm wide, posterior lobes semi-oblong, very obtuse. A relatively rare houseplant, Anthurium veitchii needs regular watering to thrive and should be placed in abundant sunlight and less than three feet from a window. It likes soil that is well draining, and no added fertilizers are generally needed if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Common names

King Anthurium

How to care for King Anthurium

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, King Anthurium is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

King 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.

Lighting

King Anthurium requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your King Anthurium is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The King Anthurium does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The King Anthurium should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

King Anthurium’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia