The evergreen and ever-gorgeous Anthurium Crystallinum belongs to the Araceae family. It is praised for its luscious, velvety foliage. This epiphytic perennial plant is native to Central and South America.
Its spade-shaped foliage showcases a bright white network of veins that give this plant dimension and body.
The Anthurium Crystallinum is eerily similar to Anthurium Magnificum; the two are hard to distinguish in the same setting.
Anthurium Crystallinum makes the perfect house plant. It does not demand excessive attention and thrives well indoors.
Have a look at this lush beauty here.
Table of Contents
Meet The Anthurium Crystallinum: Basic Knowledge And Origins
Anthurium crystallinum is an air plant, which means that it extracts most of its nutrients from the air. This is one of the reasons why this plant is considered to be easygoing and low maintenance.
They attract pesky bugs, but the good news is that you can repel them by sprinkling a little water around. The temperature should not be allowed to drop less than 61 degrees Fahrenheit for the Anthurium Crystallinum.
All parts of the Anthurium Crystallinum are poisonous to humans and animals. It’s the cell sap inside that causes an adverse reaction.
Family Type | Araceae |
Common Name | Anthurium, Flamingo flower |
Botanical Name | Anthurium Crystallinum |
Plant Type | Perennial |
Size | Up to 90 cm in height |
Native Area | Central and South America |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
Soil Consistency | Porous but retentive potting mix |
Soil pH | mildly acidic |
Flower Color | Pale green |
Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Common Pests | Mealybugs, scales, and aphids |
Varieties of Anthurium
The Anthurium family hosts over a thousand varieties, each exhibiting unique characteristics, and distinct features. There are a few that hold uncanny resemblance to the Anthurium Crystallinum, which we will be discussing below;
Anthurium Clarinervium
Anthurium Clarinervium is a rare and expensive variety. It is hard to distinguish between Crystallinum and Clarinervium. Both of the plants are grossly identical.
Anthurium Superbum
This variety is native to Ecuador and is unfortunately at threat due to consistent loss of habitat.
Anthurium Magnificum
The Anthurium Magnificum is native to Columbia. It has almost the same leaf shape as Crystallinum, but its veins are perhaps not as prominent.
Other varieties of Anthuriums include:
Belolonchium
Calomystrium
Cardiolonchium
Chamaerepium
Cordatopunctatum
Dactylophyllium
Decurrentia
Digitinervium
Gymnopodium
Leptanthurium
Pachyneurium
Polyphyllium
Polyneurium
Porphyrochitonium
Schizoplacium
Semaeophyllium
Tetraspermium
Urospadix
Xialophyllium
Source: Wikipedia
How to Care for The Anthurium Crystallinum
Spring is the season of blooming and growth; it fares Anthuriums well. You can grow this plant anywhere as long as it receives sufficient sunlight.
Many people prefer growing this Anthurium Crystallinum in bathrooms or kitchens because it gives such spaces an essential pop of color.
Discussed below are the basic necessities of the Anthurium Crystallinum;
Sunlight
A bright shade will allow Anthurium Crystallinum to thrive. Find a suitable spot near your window and watch it sprout!
These plants need at least 70% sunlight, but direct exposure would burn the leaves.
In a tropical setting, you would find this plant growing under the shade of a large tree. If you wish to grow this outdoors, try to mimic its natural growth conditions.
Soil
This is such an easy-going plant. It can survive not just in a wide variety of soils but also in the absence of soiling!
A soil comprising organic matter and compost is more than enough to ensure the survival of Anthurium Crystallinum. The soil should be kept well-drained at all times.
Water
The top of the plant should be kept moist, whereas the roots should remain dry. Remember, this is an air plant, and soggy roots will result in a horrid root rot.
In hotter climates, this plant demands relatively more water.
Temperature
A temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit would be perfect. Humidity levels should be boosted with the use of a humidifier for Anthuriums grown in dryer climates.
Fertilizer
An organic and slow-release fertilizer should be used during the spring season.
Potting and Repotting
Both these procedures are convenient to carry out. Using a Terracotta pot layered with organic soil and charcoal will best serve the Anthurium Crystallinum.
Many gardeners prefer skipping the re-potting regimen, but if you want to give your Anthurium a sharp look, consider repotting once every two years.
How to Propagate the Anthurium Crystallinum?
Propagating the Anthurium Crystallinum is fairly easy. It’s very much similar to the process of Anthurium Magnificum.
Here’s an easy tutorial on how to propagate the Anthurium Crystallinum.
Challenges and Solutions
Leaf spots
Leaf spots are often indicative of a burn. This means your Anthurium Magnificum is getting harsh exposure to sunlight.
In such cases, move it to a shady place and remove all the burned leaves to help it recover.
Yellow or brown leaf margins
Discolored leaf margins indicate over-watering. Fortunately, this symptom appears early on, and you can quickly eliminate it by cutting down on the watering frequency.
Wilting
Wilting means that you’re not watering your Anthurium Crystallinum enough. Conversely, it could also suggest that you’re over-watering it!
Ask Away: The FAQ Section
Is Anthurium Crystallinum hard to care for?
Anthurium Crystallinum is one of the easiest plants to grow and care for. These low-maintenance plants thrive indoors and are perfect for beginners.
What is the difference between Anthurium Crystallinum and Anthurium Magnificum?
The difference between the two varieties is in the petioles. Anthurium Magnificum has winged petioles, whereas Anthurium Crystallinum has terete petioles.
Does Anthurium Crystallinum need pruning?
Most indoor Anthurium Crystallinums do not require pruning or repotting.