Tropical

Anthurium clarinervium

A striking tropical plant admired for its ornamental foliage, featuring velvety and dark green leaves.

Overview

Anthurium clarinervium is native to the tropical forests of Southern Mexico.

It thrives in humid forest canopies, anchoring its roots into mossy surfaces while drawing moisture from the air.

Plant Specifications
Botanical name	Anthurium clarinervium
Common name	Velvet Anthurium, Green Heart
Family	Araceae
Genus	Anthurium
Plant type	Herbaceous (perennial)
Foliage	Evergreen
Maturity	2 to 3 years
Lifespan	10+ years
Native area	Southern Mexico
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and other animals

Plant resilience

Not flood
tolerant

Not drought
tolerant

Growing season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Anthurium clarinervium features rich green and velvety leaves

Plant care

Anthurium clarinervium originates from a humid, moisture-rich environment, making it ideal for bathrooms or rooms with consistently high humidity. While not the most beginner-friendly plant, its striking, velvety foliage is a rewarding highlight.

Anthurium clarinervium

Light

Prefers bright indirect light, but it can adapt to lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause leaf burn.

Soil

Thrives in a well-draining mix, such as orchid bark, perlite, peat, or coco coir, mimicking its natural environment and preventing compaction. To avoid root rot, the soil should remain moist but not soggy.

Water

Water when the top of the soil is dry. Water thoroughly to ensure moisture reaches the roots but avoid standing water, as overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot.

Humidity

Being a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity, ideally around 60%-80% or higher. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier to keep the humidity high.

Temperature

Best kept in a warm environment, ideally between 20-27°C (68-80°F). Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (59°F), as cold stress can damage the leaves.

Pruning

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim damaged, yellowing, or unruly stems. Regular pruning helps maintain its beautiful shape.

Fertilizer

Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and pause it entirely during the winter, when the plant enters dormancy.

Propagation

This plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Select a stem with at least one leaf node, trim it below the node, and place it in water for a few weeks before transitioning to soil.

Common pests

Watch for pests like spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Signs include webbing, sticky residue, or discolored spots, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering both sides of the leaves.

Troubleshoot

Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage, while brown edges often signal low humidity or underwatering. Drooping leaves may suggest thirsty roots, overwatering, or pests.

Anthurium clarinervium in the wild

More information

Anthurium clarinervium has a compact and slow-growing nature, producing one leaf at a time in a steady, gradual rhythm. This deliberate growth pattern contributes to its elegant appearance, but there's much more to discover about this captivating tropical plant.

What makes its leaves unique?

The heart-shaped leaves of Anthurium clarinervium feature striking silver veining against a dark green, velvety surface. This distinctive pattern isn't just for show, since it helps the plant capture diffused light in its native forest habitat. The leaf texture is also actually a clever adaptation that helps the plant resist pests and retain moisture.

Anthurium’s sparse but large leaves

New leaves darken as they mature

Why isn't my Anthurium flowering?

Anthuriums are known for their colorful blooms, but Anthurium clarinervium is primarily grown for its foliage. When it does flower, the blooms are subtle compared to other species.

For those hoping to encourage flowering, providing bright indirect light, proper fertilization, and slightly cooler temperatures during winter months can help trigger the blooming cycle.

The delicate bloom of Anthurium clarinervium

Is this a rare species?

Once considered quite rare in cultivation, Anthurium clarinervium has become more widely available to collectors in recent years. It remains more sought-after than common houseplants, and finding a healthy specimen with mature foliage can still be challenging, especially outside specialty shops and online plant communities.

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Anthurium clarinervium

Overview