Overview
Plant Type: Anthurium
Care Level: Easy
- Toxic To Ingest
- Large, ridged strap leaves
- Partial sun
- 65-85*F
- Well-drained, slightly acidic
- 2-6' tall, 3-4' wide
Interested buyers are encouraged to contact the store to inquire about availability.
Anthurium veitchii, also known as king anthurium, is a relatively rare type of anthurium known for its large, striking foliage. As it matures, this epiphytic plant’s leaves develop deep ridges and can grow up to four feet long.
Native to the jungles of Columbia, anthurium veitchii can be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions or as a houseplant in cooler climates. This plant grows best with well-drained soil, moderate humidity, and bright, indirect light.
Light
Anthurium veitchii prefers lots of bright, indirect light, such as filtered light from a south-facing or west-facing window.1 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.
