How to Grow Anthurium Veitchii, the Rare Tropical Plant You Need

Anthurium veitchii, or king anthurium, is treasured for its grand, striking leaves that ripple beautifully as they mature. This rare anthurium variety thrives with well-drained soil and moderate humidity, especially in the bright, indirect light typical of its native Colombian jungles. When grown outdoors in suitable climates or carefully tended indoors, its impressive foliage can reach up to four feet in length.

Anthurium Veitchii Care

Here's how to care for anthurium veitchii:

• Put in a place with bright, indirect light.
• Plant in chunky, well-drained potting mix.
• Water when the top of the soil has dried out.
• Feed regularly with balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Light

Anthurium veitchii prefers lots of bright, indirect light, such as filtered light from a south-facing or west-facing window. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and stunt growth.

Soil

These are epiphytic plants, meaning they can grow on trees in their natural jungle habitat. Simulate these conditions with a chunky, loose, well-drained potting mix that holds moisture. You can purchase premade aroid potting mix or make your own by combining equal parts potting mix or coconut coir, orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.

Water

Anthurium veitchii prefers soil that's evenly moist but not soggy and never completely dry. Water your plant when the top inch or two of soil has begun to dry out. Rather than watering on a set schedule, check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed.

Your plant will need more frequent watering during active growth in spring and summer and less frequent watering in the cold, dark months.

Temperature and Humidity

Anthurium veitchii grows best with temperatures between 60 to 80°F and humidity between 50% and 60%. Keep plants away from cold, drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or exterior doors.

Fertilizer

Feed anthurium veitchii with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once or twice per month throughout the growing season. Stop fertilizing in fall, then resume in late winter or early spring when the plant starts putting out new growth.

Types of Anthurium Veitchii

There are two main types of anthurium veitchii: narrow form and wide form. They are the same species and have very similar traits with a few small differences. The narrow form has slightly narrower, more elongated leaves along with more and thinner ribs.

The leaves of the wide form are slightly broader across than those of the narrow form, and the ribs are fewer and spaced a little further apart. Wide-type anthurium veitchii may be more tolerant of standard indoor humidity than the narrow type.

Pruning

Anthurium veitchii doesn't need regular pruning. Cut back dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant as they appear with sharp, sterilized pruners or shears.

Propagating Anthurium Veitchii

It's easy to propagate anthurium veitchii by dividing mature plants. Before you begin, gather fresh potting mix, appropriately sized plant pots, sterilized shears, and optional gardening gloves. Here's how to propagate anthurium veitchii.

1. Carefully tip the plant out of its container and examine the crown and root ball. Look for portions of the crown with their own root system intact.
2. Use your fingers to loosen the root ball and gently tease apart the plant's roots. Separate the plant into clumps with their own root system and at least one leaf. If necessary, cut apart the roots with your pruners, doing minimal damage to the roots.
3. Fill containers halfway with fresh soil and plant the divisions in the pots, filling in so that the top of the soil hits the same level as in the plant's previous container.
4. Water the plants well and care for them as usual.

How to Grow Anthurium Veitchii From Seed

To grow anthurium veitchii from seed, fill seed flats or small plant pots with vermiculite or sphagnum moss and moisten the growing medium well. Press the seeds lightly into the growing medium. Enclose the trays in a clear plastic bag or use a tight-fitting clear plastic cover. Put the seeds in a warm place (at least 70°F ) with bright, indirect light.

Keep the medium evenly moist and open the bag or lid every couple of days to let in fresh air. When the seeds have germinated and developed small roots and a few leaves, you can transplant them into regular anthurium potting mix and care for them as usual.

Potting and Repotting Anthurium Veitchii

Anthurium veitchii is relatively slow-growing, so you can expect to repot it every two to three years. Signs that your plant is ready to repot are that its roots are filling the pot, the soil doesn't seem to get properly moist after watering, halted growth, and a dull appearance. Repot the plant with fresh soil in a pot that's only one or two inches larger in diameter than the previous pot.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Anthurium veitchii can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, whiteflies, and scale. Inspect plants regularly for signs of damage and act quickly to treat the infestation.

Diseases like bacterial blight, which appears as yellow leaves that develop dead, V-shaped areas along leaf margins, and root rot caused by fungal pathogens can also affect anthurium veitchii. Avoid overwatering plants and give them good air circulation and warm temperatures to help prevent these diseases.

Common Problems With Anthurium Veitchii

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellow leaves on anthurium veitchii are a common sign of overwatering, especially when accompanied by black or slimy roots. Cut back on watering and let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

In severe cases, repotting in fresh soil and pruning away damaged roots and leaves may be required. When accompanied by brown tips, yellow leaves can also indicate overfertilizing. Flush soil with water several times and fertilize less frequently going forward.

Brown Spots on Leaves

Dry, brown, or tan spots on anthurium veitchii leaves can be a sign that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move the plant further from the light source or use a sheer curtain to filter light. Cut back damaged leaves.

Browning Tips

Browning tips on anthurium veitchii can appear when plants are receiving too much light or when they're not getting enough water. Check soil moisture and light conditions and adjust accordingly.

From: thespruce