Anthurium MICHELLE

Shortlisted for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year

Anthurium ‘Michelle’ is grown for its richly decorative foliage, starting with deep burgundy‑purple new leaves marked by striking reddish-pink veins. As each leaf matures, the colour deepens and settles into a dark, velvety green, dramatically contrasted by clean, white veining.

The colour change doesn’t end there – over time the underside of the leaves shift colour too from deep purple through softer lavender tones, adding another layer of visual interest. With its large, heart‑shaped leaves and glossy finish, it has strong architectural presence and a luxurious appearance.

How it was created?

‘Michelle’ was developed through careful line‑breeding of a distinctive Anthurium magnificum form, originally linked to Tim Anderson of Daisy Farms in Miami.

The result is a unique cultivar

Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit.

that combines distinctive aesthetics with improved resilience, setting it apart from more demanding Anthurium varieties.

Why grow it in your garden?

Anthurium ‘Michelle’ offers both visual impact and practical benefits:

• Colour‑changing foliage, from purple to deep green
• Velvety leaf texture with striking white veins
• Architectural shape, ideal for statement displays
• More tolerant and resilient than many foliage Anthuriums and requires less watering and humidity
  

  The concentration of water vapour in the atmosphere. This affects the rate at which plants transpire (lose water from their leaf pores), which in turn affects how much water their roots absorb from the soil. If air humidity is low, plants transpire quickly and become at risk of wilting if water is lost from the leaves faster than it can be absorbed by the roots. Different plants require different levels of humidity to thrive. Many tropical houseplants need high humidity and are best grown in a steamy bathroom, misted regularly or placed on a saucer of damp pebbles. In a greenhouse, humidity can be raised in hot weather by damping down (wetting) the floor or overhead misting.

• Suitable for both beginners and experienced plant collectors

Care and growing advice

This Anthurium is designed to be adaptable and low‑maintenance indoors.

Where to plant?

• Bright spot with indirect light
• Ideal for living rooms, offices or shaded interiors
• Avoid strong direct sunlight

How to care for it:

• Water moderately, allowing the top layer of compost
  

  Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

  to dry slightly between watering
• Requires less humidity than many Anthurium foliage types
• Feed occasionally during the growing season
  

  The period of time when an individual plant is in active growth. This will depend on the local climate and light levels, and can vary between different plants, although it is broadly from spring to autumn.

  with a balanced fertiliser
• Keep leaves clean to maintain their natural sheen

With its evolving colour, rich texture and easy‑care nature, Anthurium ‘Michelle’ is a modern houseplant that delivers standout style with minimal effort.

Breeder: Dr Jeff Block. Exhibitor: GrowTropicals. Supplier: GrowTropicals