The Queen Anthurium, also known as Anthurium Warocqueanum, is an intermediate tropical plant hailing from Columbia. It is named after the famous botanist Thomas Moore Warocque, who discovered the exotic plant in 1878. It is an epiphytic species that grows habitually in high humidity forests and occasionally on elevations of up to 1430 meters.
This perennial climber is relatively hard to grow compared to its companions. Nevertheless, the Queen Anthurium is sure to give the rest of your houseplant collection a tough competition. This native species of Columbia shows wide variations in its form and can exist in multiple shapes and patterns.
Queen Anthurium Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Anthurium
History
The exotic species of Queen Anthurium was discovered as far back as 1878 by the acclaimed plant fanatic M. Warocque. It was identified as being part of the arum family and classified into the genus Anthurium subsequently. It is an epiphytic variety of the Anthuriums and is a fairly rare species in Central and Western Columbia.
Genus Anthurium
The genus Anthurium is native to the Americas, stretching from Mexico, Argentina, and parts of the Caribbean. It is an enormous genus housing around 1000 identified varieties of flowering plants.
Many variants of the Anthuriums have been used as ornamental plants for a long time. Their much-loved use as houseplants is due to the exceptional appearance of the varieties in this genus.
Features of Queen Anthurium Plant
Structure
The plant is characterized by showy long and narrow dark green leaves with relatively short stems. The plant is an epiphytic species and tends to be more of a climber than its fellows in the same genus.
Size
This exquisite plant can grow to a magnificent size and make the rest of your indoor plant collection look small in comparison. When grown in its natural tropical habitat it can show a tremendous growth rate along with enormous size.
However, when grown indoors its size is restricted by limiting environmental factors. On average, the plant can grow up to 6 feet tall while the leaves can grow 3 to 4 feet long.
Leaves
The beautiful foliage of this plant is dark green with a leathery feel. The leaves are narrow and elongated and may appear to be hanging downwards.
The silver-white venation on the leaves gives the plant a unique overall appearance. The variegations on the leaves will become even more prominent as your plant matures.
Flowers
During the growing season, the Queen Anthurium produces inconspicuous blooms that show up on a spathe enclosed by a spadix of yellow-green color. The spadix houses red-colored berries. These berries captivate birds to take forward the process of pollination.
Toxicity
Most species of the genus Anthurium are considered toxic, and Queen Anthurium is no exception. Due to its toxicity, the plant is not safe for pets and humans alike. The high concentrations of calcium oxalate crystals present within the plant imparts it with its lethal toxic nature.
Be mindful when handling the plant for propagation or repotting purposes and always wear gloves while doing so. Also, keep the plant out of your toddler’s and pet’s reach to prevent the risk of unwanted accidents.
The most common symptoms of toxicity of Queen Anthurium are reported as discomfort and pain around the mouth and throat region. In the case of an Anthurium ingestion seek immediate medical attention.
Dormancy
The plant is most likely to exit its active growth phase as the temperature drops. Be mindful to decrease watering and fertilizing following its low activity needs.
Queen Anthurium Care
The Queen Anthurium is a real Queen when it comes to its growth and maintenance. If you are a lazy plant caretaker then this species is not meant for you. However, the perks of having this exquisite plant a part of your plant collection are many.
The royal outlook of this variety is most definitely a head turner and a sureshot way to receive tons of compliments on your houseplant selection. To find out the best-kept secrets about the Queen’s care, read on till the end!
Quick Care Guide
Water: Check for topsoil moisture level twice every week, water when 25% of topsoil is dry.
Light: Bright, indirect light, or partial shade
Humidity: Medium to high humidity preference, 60% to 70%
Temperature: 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 1 to 2 weeks during the growing season
Place Requirements
The plant grows best in a bright airy and humid area with lots of humidity and diffused sunlight. Since the species is an epiphyte by nature, it is best to grow it in a hanging basket. It looks gorgeous cascading down from a tastefully placed hanging basket.
If you cannot grow your Anthurium queen in a hanging basket, you can go ahead and grow in a pot too. This species can very well climb up any external given to it. Hence, you can make it climb even if you plant it indoors in a pot.
Water Requirements
The Queen Anthurium is a water-hungry plant that loves a consistent watering schedule more than anything else. However, be mindful of over-watering your plant. Ideally, water the Queen thrice a week lightly. You do not want to be drenching the plant with excessive amounts of water all at once.
This Anthurium variety is a fan of frequent but light waterings. You may also want to consider altering the watering schedule during wintertime. It is advised to cut down the water supply to once a week during the winter months.
Important Instructions
Most Anthuriums have an adverse reaction to being overwatered, but this variety is more prone to be underwatered. An underwatered plant will tend to suck up the water from its foliage, causing it to be crisp and droopy. You may also notice the leaf edges starting to lose moisture.
To ensure the exquisite appearance of your plant friend, maintain a regular watering routine for it according to its needs. Finding the right balance between underwatering and overwatering the plant is crucial for its maintenance.
Sunlight Requirements
This plant adores sunlight, as it is used to it in its natural habitat. It prefers to be grown in bright but indirect sunlight. Make sure to place your plant in a well-lit area indoors that receives maximum sunlight throughout the day.
However, do not expose it to direct light, as the delicate Queen may get leaf burns that way. It is also suggested to place the plant some distance away from the windows, to protect it. If your plant is planted outdoors make sure to place it in partial shade to keep it in mint condition.
Temperature Requirements
Being native to the tropical rainforests, the Queen Anthurium prefers warmer climates for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range to grow this plant is between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures exceeding this range can pose the danger of damaging the flowers and foliage. They can also lead to the plant losing its color and showy appearance.
Vice versa, lower temperatures can potentially kill your plant. Be wary of exposing the plant to sudden temperature extremes and keep it away from ventilation ducts and grills.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in a growth medium that is well-aerated, porous, and has excellent drainage. The key purpose of a substrate is to anchor the plant’s roots well.
Any growth substrate that fulfills this role can be a good option for your plant. Organic matter, like wood shavings or coffee parchments, is a great choice to add to your soil.
Replenishing the soil with organic matter can provide the plant with all of its requirements. The plant prefers an acidic pH of the growth substrate, a pH of 5 to 6 is ideal for this variety.
Humidity Requirements
The anthurium queen is used to a high humidity index, therefore, you must maintain a humid environment for its growth. 70% and higher is the ideal humidity range, but the plant can grow in lesser conditions as well.
Misting your plant routinely can be sufficient to fulfill its moisture needs. For the long term, however, you can use a humidifier to pacify the Queen’s moisture needs.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizing the plant once a month is sufficient for its nutrient requirements. The roots of this species are very sensitive to fertilizer burns, therefore, practice caution while fertilizing them.
The best practice is to use slow-release varieties instead of quick-release options. This way the plant gets the optimum dose of nutrients without compromising its root integrity.
Tropical foliar applications can also be a good choice if you want to tend particularly to the foliage. Again, be cautious of the potency of the fertilizer you are using while doing so.
Pruning Requirements
Maintaining the plant once in a while by trimming or cutting the old leaves is just fine. If you notice any discolored or spotted leaves, you can cut them out using a pair of garden scissors.
By doing so you can ensure a fresh-looking plant all year round. You can also limit the spread of any parasitic infections that might be affecting some leaves. Always use sterilized equipment for pruning and wear gloves while handling the plant.
Repotting Requirements
You may have to consider repotting the plant approximately once a year. The typical signs to report the plant are when you feel your plant has started to outgrow its pot.
This can be noticed as extreme root massing at the base of the pot or bulging at the sides. It is advisable to do so early in the year so that the new roots can anchor adequately in the soil upon repotting.
Growth Zones
The ideal growth zones for the Queen Anthurium are recommended as USDA growth zones 10 and 11. The plant is not cold hardy and it is recommended to move it either indoors or to a greenhouse during the winters.
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Queen Anthurium Propagation
Using cuttings to propagate this stunning rare variety is by far the easiest method to adopt. Simply cut out a precise portion from the mother plant and plant it into a suitable growth medium in a pot.
Tend to it for around four to six weeks and you will notice new roots after this time. The method of propagation using cuttings is rewarding as you can get a new plant and a fuller mother plant in one go.
Summary
The Queen Anthurium is a stunning member of the Arum family and by all means a true queen. It is not the easiest plant to care for, as the name suggests. But once you master the tips and tricks to care for it, it can be a showstopper in your houseplant collection.
