With large heart-shaped foliage, velvety texture, and prominent venation, Anthurium regale will surely add personality to your home!
Native to the tropical rainforests of Peru, Anthurium regale is a stunner and will liven the dull corners of your home with its brilliant foliage and handsome stature! Learn everything about growing this fantastic houseplant in this extensive care guide.
- Botanical Name: Anthurium regale
- Popular as—Laceleaf, Tail Flower
- Attains a handsome height of 6-8 feet with fairly broad leaves
- Thrives in a temperature range of 60 and 70 F (10°C – 21°C)
- Loves bright, filtered sunlight and high humidity
- Toxic to humans and pets
Anthurium regale Plant Profile
A member of the Araceae family, Anthurium regale features large, heart-shaped leaves with emerald vibrant green hues highlighted by intricate silver-white veins. These bold patterns against the velvety texture create a captivating contrast, making the plant a standout addition to any indoor garden.
The leaves grow up to 3 feet in length, while the plant can reach a height of 6-8 feet when given the ideal conditions. Anthurium regale’s exceptional features and majestic size make it an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts.
Ideal Pot Size
The ideal pot size for Anthurium regale must be one size bigger than the plant’s root ball. Ideally, a 6-8 inches pot is perfect for growing this houseplant. A pot of this size allows the roots ample space to grow without becoming pot-bound, besides ensuring that the soil doesn’t stay too wet for extended periods.
Whether you choose terracotta, plastic, or ceramic planters, ensure to drill enough holes to promote drainage.
Anthurium regale Propagation
Propagating Anthurium regale through stem cuttings is a straightforward method. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Find a healthy plant and select a vigorous, healthy stem with at least one or two leaves and a visible aerial root.
- Cut the stem just below the aerial root using clean, sterile clippers so that you have 3-4 inches of the cutting.
- Allow the cutting to sit in a dry, shaded area to callous over, reducing the risk of rot.
- Prepare a well-draining rooting medium with a mix of perlite and peat moss or sphagnum moss.
- Insert the cut end of the stem into the rooting medium, ensuring the aerial root is well covered. Firmly press the medium around the stem to provide stability.
Place the cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect light and watch it thrive.
Anthurium regale Growing Requirements
Light
Like most anthuriums, the laceleaf plant doesn’t need intense light to flourish—opting for a location with bright, indirect sunlight is a wise choice. Place your plant near the North or East facing windows to expose it to a few hours of mild morning sunlight without scorching in the afternoon heat.
However, if your home doesn’t receive light at all, place the plant near low-intensity grow lights or LED strips to help the plant thrive.
Soil
The roots of Anthurium regale require ample space and a well-aerated medium to promote healthy growth and overall plant vitality. To provide the same, combine equal parts of peat moss, orchid bark, perlite, and sand. This blend will provide the essential nutrients besides regulating appropriate moisture balance.
You may also add a layer of sphagnum moss to the top portion of the medium to maintain consistent humidity levels around the plant.
Water
The laceleaf plant needs an evenly moist medium that doesn’t get waterlogged. Follow a weekly deep watering session—thoroughly saturate the potting medium until water drains from the bottom holes. It will ensure the roots get enough hydration without flooding the medium. Allow the medium to dry out slightly before repeating the process.
Keep an eye on the top two inches of the medium and do the needful.
Humidity and Temperature
Native to the tropics, Anthurium regale thrives in warm, humid conditions, ideally with a temperature range between 60°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C). The plant does not appreciate temperature fluctuations, so it is away from cool or heating vents.
This striking houseplant enjoys humidity levels of 80% or higher to maintain its lustrous appearance. Mist the leaves or use a humidifier to keep the plant’s environment moist on drier days and help promote its natural sheen.
Anthurium regale Care
Fertilizer
To promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) with additional micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water, and fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil, harming the plant’s roots. Also, do not fertilize the plant during its dormancy in the colder months.
Pests and Diseases
Spider mites and mealybugs are two of the most common pests that can affect the Anthurium regale, causing leaf discoloration, distortion, and even stunted growth. Fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot can cause significant damage to the plant if not addressed promptly.
Spray the undersides of the foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap solution once a month to clear off these pests. Ensure to provide proper air circulation and a well-draining medium to keep potential issues at bay.
