Bring home the enchanting Anthurium crystallinum, and let its velvety, heart-shaped leaves bring life to your indoors!
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, Anthurium crystallinum is prized for its attractive heart-shaped foliage, low care requirements, and air-purifying qualities. Additionally, the plant’s compact size makes it perfect for homes, offices, and co-working spaces!
- Botanical Name: Anthurium crystalline
- Popular as—Crystal Anthurium, Strap Flower
- Reaches a handsome height of 3-5 feet with broad heart-shaped leaves
- Thrives in a temperature range of 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C)
- Loves bright, filtered sunlight and high humidity
- Toxic to humans and pets
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Anthurium crystallinum Plant Profile
Member of the Araceae family, Anthurium crystallinum is a striking aroid known for its magnificent, heart-shaped leaves that can span up to 12-18 inches in size. The leaves are emerald green in color, highlighted with prominent silvery veins that contrast beautifully with their velvety texture under bright, filtered sunlight.
Reaching a height of 2-3 feet indoors, the Crystal Anthurium is also potent in detoxifying the air of harmful toxins. If you want to create a spectacular focal point for your living room without spending a lot of time or effort, Anthurium crystallinum is the one for you!
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Ideal Pot Size
Pick a pot that is one size larger than the plant’s root ball—ideally, a 6-8 inches pot is good for a small Anthurium crystallinum. It will provide sufficient room for root expansion while preventing the soil from remaining excessively damp over long periods. Ensure to drill enough holes at the bottom of the pot to promote drainage.
Anthurium Crystallinum Propagation
Propagating Anthurium crystallinum via stem cuttings is easy and includes the following process:
- Select a mature, robust anthurium crystallinum with healthy stems and leaves to take the cutting from.
- Using a sharp, sterile clipper, cut a 4-6 inch long stem section, ensuring it has at least one or two leaf nodes.
- Remove any lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top one or two.
- Let the cutting rest in a dry, well-ventilated area to form a callous at the cut end, which helps prevent rot and infections.
- Fill a small pot with a well-draining, airy mix, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, or orchid bark.
- Plant the calloused end of the cutting into the prepared rooting medium, ensuring that the leaf node is buried slightly below the soil line.
- Keep the medium evenly moist and place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
The cutting will send down roots in a couple of weeks. Hold back on watering at this point and provide it with a suitable growing condition.
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Anthurium Crystallinum Growing Requirements
Sunlight
Anthurium crystallinum, much like other anthurium varieties, thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Positioning your plant close to North or East-facing windows allows it to bask in the gentle morning sunlight while avoiding the more intense afternoon heat that could damage its foliage.
However, if you find the foliage getting scorched or developing brown edges, move it indoors and ensure to keep it away from the intense afternoon sun.
Soil
Anthurium crystallinum thrives in a well-aerated and well-draining medium. Ideally, a combination of equal parts of peat moss, orchid bark, perlite, and sand will provide the necessary nutrients while maintaining the moisture balance required for the plant.
Adding a layer of sphagnum moss on top of the potting mix will maintain consistent humidity levels around the plant, promoting the plant’s well-being.
Water
Anthurium crystallinum thrives in an evenly moist medium that does not get soggy. To maintain this balance, follow a weekly deep watering routine by thoroughly soaking the potting medium until water drains from the bottom holes. It will ensure that the roots receive sufficient hydration without becoming flooded. To prevent overwatering, allow the medium to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Temperature & Humidity
Hailing from the tropical rainforests, the houseplant flourishes in warm, humid environments with temperatures ideally ranging from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). Avoid significant temperature fluctuations and keep the plant away from cold drafts or heating vents.
Proper hydration plays a vital role in maintaining the plant’s vibrant appearance, as it thrives in humidity levels of 80% or higher. Mist the foliage with tepid water, use a humidifier, or place a pebble tray near the plant on drier days.
Anthurium Crystallinum Care
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer that comprises equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), along with essential micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Dilute the fertilizer by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water, and apply it to the plant biweekly during the active growing season.
Avoid overfeeding the plant, as it can cause salt accumulation in the soil, damaging the plant’s roots. Also, refrain from fertilizing the houseplant during its dormant phase in the colder months.
Pest and Diseases
Anthurium crystallinum is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scales, leading to leaf discoloration, distortion, and potentially stunted growth. Additionally, fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot can pose a nasty threat if not addressed in a timely manner.
To protect your plant from these issues, spray the undersides of the leaves with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution on a monthly basis. Additionally, promote proper air circulation and a well-draining medium to keep potential issues at bay.
