Anthurium Clarinervium
Anthurium clarinervium
Grows on limestone outcrops in Chiapas, Mexico, not in forest soil. Its rock-dwelling origins mean it handles drought better than most aroids and prefers fast-draining mix.
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- Bright Indirect
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Temperature
- 65-73°F
Light Requirements
Bright Indirect. Place within 3-5 feet of a south or east-facing window, out of direct sun. Direct afternoon sun will scorch leaves.
Watering
Let soil dry out about 80% of the way before watering again, drier than many aroids. In active growth, water every 5-7 days; in winter, every 10-14 days. Use room-temperature rainwater or filtered water. Cold tap water shocks the roots.
Humidity
Target humidity: 60-80%. A room humidifier is the most reliable solution. Pebble trays and misting provide minimal benefit compared to a small ultrasonic humidifier near the plant.
Temperature
Keep between 65-73°F. Avoid cold drafts from windows in winter and hot air from vents year-round. Most tropical houseplants suffer below 55°F and should never be exposed to frost.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining aroid mix: orchid bark, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite. Optionally add crushed charcoal or pumice. Target pH 5.5-6.5. As a lithophyte in nature, its roots are adapted to fast-draining, calcium-rich substrates.
Propagation
Division is most reliable: during repotting in spring, separate root sections ensuring each has healthy roots and 2-3 leaves, pot in fresh aroid mix, and keep in high humidity for 2 weeks while roots establish. Stem cuttings also work; let callous for a few hours before rooting in moist mix or water.
Common Problems
Brown tips are the most common complaint, tracing to low humidity or underwatering. A new leaf every 3-6 weeks is normal; slow growth is not a problem indicator. High humidity environments attract spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats, so regular inspection is necessary.
Worth Knowing
- Anthurium clarinervium is a lithophyte in its natural habitat, meaning it grows on limestone outcrops in wet forest in Chiapas, Mexico. This explains why it thrives in fast-draining chunky soil and is more drought-tolerant than epiphytic anthuriums.
- The heart-shaped leaves are genuinely thick, earning it the common name velvet cardboard anthurium. The thickness is an adaptation to its rock-dwelling lifestyle: the leaves store water and resist desiccation between rain events.
- The name clarinervium comes from Latin meaning clear-veined. It was formally described in 1950 despite having been cultivated informally in Mexico for much longer.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Contains calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, and GI upset if ingested.