Do you like Large Velvet-leaf Anthuriums? You will like to know more about the Anthurium regale and its stunning big leaves. A mature heart-shaped leaf is around 4 feet (120 cm) long and 3 feet (9 0cm) wide. Surprised? They can turn even bigger, especially in the wild! The pale green to white dense veins against deep to blackish green velvety leaves can’t go unnoticed by any eye.
These rare Peruvian plants are a heart-winning addition to your Anthurium collection. Moreover, these large leafed beauties are a good choice to add some green tint to both, your home and lawn. Let us share more about the exotic epiphytic perennial, the A. regale plant.
Anthurium Regale Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Anthurium.
Species: A. regale.
Genus Anthurium
Anthurium is an American native genus, introduced in 1829. This is the largest genus among aroids containing around 1000 different flowering plants. You can find both epiphytic and terrestrial growers in this genus. Scientists have further divided it into numerous different sections. The Anthuriums are commonly known as Laceleafs, tail flowers, and flamingo flower plants.
Anthurium Regale Plant Features
- Just like Magnificum and Crystallinum, the Regale is included in the section Cardiolonchium of its Anthuriums.
- An average plant can reach a height of around 5 to 8 feet.
- The inflorescence consists of a spathe and a spadix. Moreover, the spathe is a modified leaf, while the spadix is fleshy in nature.
- The spadix is often confused with flowers but it is not. The actual tiny flowers are perfect and found growing along the spadix. Additionally, these flowers are bisexual and contain common reproductive organs.
- Seed-producing berries are formed after the pollination of the flowers.
- The growth speed is average. However, some growers consider it as a slow-growing plant.
Anthurium Regale Vs. Anthurium Magnificum
Regales are often confused with the Magnificums due to the similar, large velvety leaves. Howbeit, the formers are actually more attractive in appearance.
Toxicity
The beauty of the velvety Anthuriums comes with a price. Yes, that is the high concentration of calcium oxalate crystals in their body leading to toxicity. Be careful guys! Stay safe and keep your babies and fur babies away from the regale pots.
Anthurium Regale Care
In this section, we are going to discuss the basic requirements and care of the A. regale plant.
Water Requirement
Water requirements of Anthuriums vary with temperature and weather. Generally speaking, you need to water them frequently, while letting the soil get dry between consecutive watering. In spring and summer, you can water the plant thrice a week. On the other hand, watering the plant once in two weeks will be enough in winter.
Another strategy is to have a look at the soil. Simply water after the soil achieves at least 80% dryness in summer. While in winter, pour some mildly warm water, once it gets completely dry.
Note:
Always avoid over-watering the Anthuriums. This will lead to a number of plant problems including root rot and fungus.
Light Requirement
The Anthuriums are adapted towards medium to bright indirect sunlight exposure. They have a good tolerance to partially shady places, especially in winter. Importantly, these plants can’t bear long hours of direct exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirement
The ideal temperature range for the Regale plant is 60 to 70° F. They don’t have much resistance for fierce winters, especially in cooler growth zones. We recommend transferring them to warm areas before the temperature falls below 55° F.
Humidity Requirement
Just like many other Anthuriums, these are also moisture-loving plants. A humidity level between 70 to 80% is ideal for the plant. On dryer days, consider providing adequate moisture by the following means;
- Misting the foliage.
- Adding a pebble-water tray under the plant pot.
- Introducing a humidifier in the surroundings.
Importantly, if you want to avoid plant problems like fungus and rotting, don’t keep the plant soggy!
Soil Requirements
The soil should work in a uniquely balanced combination. It should be well-drained with mild water-holding ability. Moreover, the PH level should be neutral, between6.6 to 7.5. In commercial mixes, a multi-substrate mixture is good. Furthermore, you can also use a mixture of orchid mix and perlite.
Fertilizer Requirement
Adding a suitable orchid or houseplant fertilizer in the growing season shows good results. While on colder days, the plants don’t need any added nutrients.
Pot Requirement
Spacious pots or containers with drainage holes are suitable to accommodate the Anthuriums’ well-developed root structure.
Hardiness Growth Zone
USDA zone for hardiness is from 9a to 11.
Anthurium Regale Propagation
The division is the most common method for the propagation of this large-leafed Anthurium Regale. Alternatively, they also develop from seeds. Howbeit, seed propagation is relatively slower and demands much care. The ideal time for propagation starts from the middle of the spring and remains until the summer lasts.
Summary
Anthurium regale is a rare and exotic evergreen plant from the Araceae family. The foliage attains the attraction by the gigantic, velvety, coriaceous, dark-green leaves with dense light-green to yellow vein pattern. A mature leaf can get as big as 4 feet in size.
These Peruvian natives prefer a moist and cool atmosphere with frequent watering. They look equally beautiful in your gardens as well as your indoor plants. Moreover, keep your kids and pets away from the toxic Anthurium regale plants.
