If you’re looking for a tough and beautiful houseplant, you’ve found it. The Anthurium superbum is a strikingly resilient tropical beauty that brings a bold, prehistoric look to your home without needing constant attention.
This plant is known for its upright, dark green leaves that have a almost metallic sheen. It’s part of the “bird’s nest” Anthurium family, meaning its leaves grow in a rosette that catches falling debris in nature. Indoors, it’s a slow-growing, low-maintenance champion. Let’s look at how to care for this fantastic plant.
Anthurium Superbum
This plant’s name tells you a lot. “Superbum” means superb or excellent, which it truly is. Unlike some fussy tropicals, it adapts well to indoor life. Its thick, almost leathery leaves are built to retain water, making it forgiving if you forget a watering now and then.
Essential Care Requirements
Getting the basics right is simple. Focus on light, water, and soil, and your Anthurium superbum will thrive for years.
Light Needs
This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the light under a tree canopy in the tropics.
- A spot near an east-facing window is ideal.
- A few feet back from a south or west window works too.
- It can tolerate medium light but will grow even slower.
- Avoid direct, harsh sun, which can scorch those beautiful leaves.
Watering Schedule
Overwatering is the main enemy. Its resilience shines here with its drought tolerance.
- Water deeply only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- In lower light or cooler temperatures, this might be every 2-3 weeks.
- Always let excess water drain away. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.
- The leaves may droop slightly when very thirsty, a clear sign its time for a drink.
Soil and Potting Mix
Good drainage is non-negotiable. A chunky, airy mix prevents root rot.
You can make a perfect mix at home. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Start with 2 parts high-quality orchid bark.
- Add 1 part coarse perlite.
- Add 1 part peat-free potting mix or coconut coir.
- A handful of horticultural charcoal is a great addition for purity.
Potting and Repotting
This plant has a relatively compact root system and grows slowly. You won’t need to repot often.
- Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot.
- Only go up one pot size (1-2 inches wider in diameter).
- Always use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they help dry out the soil faster.
When repotting, be gentle with the roots. Tease them apart slightly if they are very bound, but there’s no need to aggressively break them up.
Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical plant, it appreciates humidity but is surprisingly adaptable. It doesn’t demand the steamy conditions some ferns do.
- Ideal humidity is 50% or higher, but it can handle average home humidity (around 40%).
- If your air is very dry, group it with other plants or use a pebble tray.
- Keep it away from heating vents and cold drafts.
- Aim for temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
Fertilizing for Growth
Feed it lightly during its active growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Apply it once a month from April to September.
- There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when growth has slowed.
Over-fertilizing can harm the roots and cause leaf tip burn. When in doubt, use less. The plants natural resilience means it doesn’t need heavy feeding.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even resilient plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This is usually a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture first. If the soil is soggy, let it dry out more between waterings. Older leaves yellowing and dying off naturally is normal occassionally.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This often points to low humidity, underwatering, or a buildup of salts from fertilizer. Increase humidity slightly, check your watering consistency, and flush the soil with plain water every few months.
Pests
Anthurium superbum is quite pest-resistant. However, watch for common houseplant pests.
- Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony masses. Wipe with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
- Spider Mites: Tiny webbing on leaves. Rinse leaves in the shower or use insecticidal soap.
- Scale: Small, brown bumps on stems/leaves. Scrape off and treat with neem oil.
Regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth keeps them dust-free and helps you spot pests early.
Propagation Methods
You can create new plants from your Anthurium superbum by division. This is best done when you are repotting.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Look for natural divisions or “pups” with their own root system.
- Using clean hands or a sterilized knife, carefully separate the section, ensuring it has roots attached.
- Pot the new division in its own small container with fresh, well-draining mix.
- Keep it slightly moist and in warm, humid conditions while it establishes.
Propagation by seed or leaf cuttings is not practical for home growers and is very slow.
Display and Companion Plants
Its architectural form makes it a stunning standalone specimen. Place it where you can appreciate its upright, radiating leaf pattern.
It also pairs beautifully with other plants that like similar conditions. Consider grouping it with:
- Philodendron Birkin
- ZZ Plant (for contrast)
- Peperomia species
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
This creates a mini indoor jungle that’s easy to care for. The key is matching plants with similar light and water needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Anthurium superbum rare?
It used to be harder to find, but its popularity has grown. You can now find it at many specialty nurseries and online plant shops. It’s not as common as a pothos, but it’s not extremely rare either.
Does Anthurium superbum flower?
Yes, it can produce a classic Anthurium flower (a spathe and spadix), but it’s not frequent indoors and is not the main attraction. The flowers are a modest green color. People grow this plant primarly for its stunning foliage.
Is it pet friendly?
All Anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested. This can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive tract in cats, dogs, and humans. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children.
Why are the new leaves smaller?
Smaller new leaves often indicate the plant isn’t getting enough light or nutrients. Try moving it to a brighter location (indirect light still) and ensure you’re feeding it lightly during the growing season. Sometimes it just takes a while for a new leaf to reach its full size.
How fast does Anthurium superbum grow?
It is a slow grower, especially in medium light conditions. In ideal bright, indirect light with proper care, you might get 2-4 new leaves per year. Patience is key, but its slow growth also means less maintenance for you.
Caring for the Anthurium superbum is rewarding because it gives so much visual impact for so little effort. Its striking, structural leaves add a touch of the exotic to any room. By providing the right light, a careful watering hand, and a well-draining home, you’ll enjoy this resilient tropical beauty for many years. Remember, its toughness is part of its charm, making it a perfect choice for both new and experienced plant lovers looking for something special.