Anthurium schlechtendalii
A clump-forming, tender evergreen plant eventually to 3m tall and wide. Erect leaves to 1m long are oval to elliptic in shape with wavy margins and prominent veins. A greenish flower spathe tinged with purple surrounds a brown spike-like spadix to aprroximately 60cm long that may produce red, berry-like fruit
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Mexico, C. America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in bright, indirect light, using an acidic potting mix of two parts ericaceous peat-free compost, one part perlite and one part orchid bark. Water freely and apply an orchid fertiliser every 2 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Water sparingly in winter, and keep above 18°C. See Anthurium cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division, stem or rhizome cuttings and offsets in spring or summer; or propagate by seed at 24 to 27°C as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required, remove dead leaves or flower stems at the base
Pests
May be susceptible to mealy bugs and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot, and root root from overwatering
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.