Anthurium regale
A species from the wet tropical forests of Peru, where it grows initially in the forest soil, then climbs up trees, attaching itself to their bark by its fleshy aerial roots. The leaves are heart-shaped and dark, velvety green, with contrasting, prominent white veins. In mature specimens the leaves can be 60 to 90cm long and stems can reach up to 1.2m high, given the correct growing conditions in cultivation,. In habitat these can be considerably larger. Flowers are produced on mature plants consisting of a pale green sheath-like spathe surrounding a green spadix of column. These are not, however, especially ornamental and the spectacular foliage is the main asset of this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green White | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Green White | ||
Autumn | Green White | |||
Winter | Green White |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Anthurium are evergreen perennials, usually epiphytic and sometimes climbing, with large, simple or palmately lobed leaves, and spike-like flowering spadices each subtended by a colourful flat spathe
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Peru
How to grow
Cultivation
A light, open, well-drained growing medium is required, along with warmth, bright, but indirect sunlight and high atmospheric humidity for the plant to do well. Watering the plant with rainwater or filtered water such as by reverse osmosis, at room temperature is beneficial, as it can be sensitive to the build-up of chemicals dissolved in hard tap water, if used. The compost should be allowed to become dry before thoroughly watering again. Plants should not be allowed to sit in water for long periods, which can cause the roots to rot. Feeding with a proprietary orchid fertiliser is beneficial during the growing season April to September. See Anthurium and Houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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