Anthurium Clarinervium

If you’re looking for a houseplant that stops people in their tracks, look no further than the anthurium clarinervium. With its stunning, heart-shaped foliage, this plant is a true showstopper for any indoor jungle.

Its large, velvety leaves are a deep, luxurious green, crisscrossed by bright white veins that look almost painted on. It’s not a difficult plant to care for, but it does have some specific needs. This guide will walk you through everything to keep yours thriving.

Native to the rocky, tropical regions of southern Mexico, this plant is an epiphyte. In the wild, it grows on other surfaces like rocks or trees, not in soil. This key fact explains almost all of its care requirements. It loves humidity, needs excellent drainage, and prefers bright, indirect light.

Essential Care Requirements

Getting the basics right is the secret to a healthy plant. Focus on these four pillars.

Light & Location

This plant needs plenty of bright, indirect light to maintain its spectacular veining and compact growth. Think of the dappled light under a jungle canopy.

A spot near an east or north-facing window is often perfect.
A few feet back from a south or west window (behind a sheer curtain) also works well.
Direct sun will scorch and yellow those beautiful leaves, so avoid it.
Too little light leads to leggy growth and faded markings.

Watering & Humidity

This is where most people go wrong. Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your plant. The roots need air as much as they need moisture.

Water only when the top 1-2 inches of the potting mix feel dry to the touch.
Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, then let it drain completely.
Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
It loves high humidity (70% or more is ideal). Use a humidifier, or place it on a pebble tray with water.
Grouping plants together can create a more humid microclimate.

Soil & Potting Mix

Forget regular potting soil. It holds too much water and will suffocate the roots. You need a chunky, airy, epiphytic mix.

A simple recipe you can make at home includes:

1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and air flow)
1 part high-quality peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
1 part perlite or pumice (for extra drainage)
A handful of horticultural charcoal (to keep the mix fresh)

Temperature & Feeding

Keep your plant in a warm spot. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors in winter, as temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can casue damage.

Feed it lightly during the growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Feed once a month, or every other time you water.
Stop feeding completly in fall and winter when growth slows.

Common Problems & Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing Leaves

This is usually a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture immediately. If it’s soggy, let it dry out more between waterings. Ensure your pot has a drainage hole and the mix is well-aerated.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

Low humidity is the most common culprit. Increase the moisture in the air around your plant with a humidifier. Brown tips can also indicate a buildup of salts from tap water or fertilizer—try using distilled or rainwater.

Pests

Keep an eye out for sap-sucking pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. They love the large leaves.

Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter pests and keep the pores clean.
If you see pests, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Check new plants carefully before bringing them near your anthurium.

Propagation & Repotting

You can create new plants from a mature, healthy anthurium clarinervium. The best method is by division during repotting.

Step-by-Step Division:

Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully shake away the old potting mix.
Look for natural divisions in the root ball—separate sections that have there own roots and at least one or two leaves.
Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, carefully cut through the rhizome (thick stem) to separate the sections.
Pot each new division into a small container with fresh, chunky aroid mix.
Water lightly and provide high humidity as the new plants establish.

Repot your plant every 2-3 years, or when you see roots circling the pot or growing from the drainage holes. Only move up one pot size (1-2 inches larger) to prevent excess wet soil.

FAQ About Anthurium Clarinervium

Is Anthurium clarinervium toxic?
Yes, like other aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested. Keep it away from pets and children who might chew on the leaves.

Why are the new leaves on my plant smaller?
Small new leaves often point to insufficient light or a lack of nutrients. Make sure your plant is getting enough bright, indirect light and consider a light feeding schedule during growth periods.

How often should I mist my plant?
Misting provides only a very temporary boost in humidity and can promote fungal leaf spots if water sits on the leaves. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray is a much more effective and consistant method.

Do these plants flower?
They can produce a classic anthurium-style flower (a spathe and spadix), but it’s usually green or purplish and fairly inconspicuous. The primary attraction is undoubtably the stunning heart-shaped foliage.

Can I grow it in LECA or semi-hydro?
Yes! Many growers have great success with this method, as it provides excellent airation to the roots. It requires a transition period and understanding of nutrient solution, but can be a very rewarding way to grow your plant.

With its dramatic, architectural leaves, the anthurium clarinervium is worth the little extra attention it asks for. Pay close attention to light, water carefully, and provide that humid environment, and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular, healthy plant for years to come. Its striking, heart-shaped foliage truly makes it a centerpiece in any collection.