Anthurium Crystallinum – The Complete Care Guide

Should Anthurium plants be personified, they’d certainly be classified as outgoing individuals. All the variants of the Anthurium genus, belonging to the Araceae (also known as arum or aroid) family, exhibit strong characteristics of showmanship regardless of whether it’s the foliage or flowers. The vibrant, glossy strains of flowers or leaves featuring pronounced veins set against either verdant green or bronze backdrops, certainly set them apart.

Anthurium plants are some of the most spectacular houseplants you’ll find. Most gardeners know the popular flamingo flower, with its vivid spathe and contrasting spadix. The A. crystallinum, also known as the Ace of Spades, has large, heart-shaped leaves with striking veined patterns.

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The Anthurium crystallinum is a heart-shaped evergreen with velvety leaf native to Central and South America.

The leaves of this stunning plant have strong, white veins that give them a striking appearance against a dark green or reddish-purple background.

Anthurium Crystallinum
Anthurium Crystallinum

Although anthuriums are frequently grown as outdoor plants in tropical gardens, they also make wonderful houseplants for the living room, patio, or kitchen.

The good news is that you don’t need to reside in a tropical climate to appreciate this lovely evergreen.

As I’m about to show you, you could successfully cultivate your Anthurium crystallinum at home.

Anthurium Crystallinum Care

Top Tip: To avoid confusing the A. clarinervium with the A. crystallinum, take note:

The two are closely related, but the crystallinum produces violet and white berries, while its cousin produces enormous, juicy orange berries. The confusing part is their foliage, size, and shape, which are quite similar.

Anthurium Crystallinum Soil

Potting Soil Ingredients
Potting Soil Ingredients

Like other indoor plants, Anthurium crystallinum needs special soil to thrive. This soil mixture has the ideal balance of components to keep the soil moist, airy, and light while also assisting with drainage.

These soil mixtures for indoor plants are available online, at nurseries, and garden centers. For your Anthurium and the majority of other indoor plants, they have the right ratios.

Even combinations with a small amount of fertilizer are available, which gives your plants a healthy development boost.

Making your soil mix is sometimes simpler and much less expensive, especially if you are a houseplant junkie with many plants all over your house.

Additionally, you can adjust the soil to your house’s conditions and your plants’ unique requirements.

Topsoil, perlite, coconut coir, and fir bark are the main ingredients in the mixture that works best for this plant. Peat moss and coconut coir retain much water without losing their light, airy texture.

Small white rocks made of volcanic glass called perlite widen the crevices between soil particles, enhancing drainage and letting oxygen reach the roots.

Like other aroids, a mix of a selection of the following ingredients is ideal:

CharcoalLava Rocks
Clay Pebbles (Leca or Seramis)Peat moss
Coconut CoirPerlite
CompostSphagnum Moss
Fir BarkTree Fern
Ingredients used for Anthurium Soil

Anthurium Crystallinum Light Requirements

Large, leafy Anthuriums prefer abundant, direct light comparable to the dappled light in jungles. Crystal Anthurium cannot tolerate direct sunlight like other leafy houseplants.

The delicate, white-veined, velvety leaves are easily burned by the sun.

Anthurium crystallinum thrives outside best in protecting big trees, where they may get a full day’s worth of shady light.

The optimal location for this leafy plant is close to an east-facing window or in an area that receives mostly morning sunlight and little afternoon illumination.

You can hang a sheer curtain over the room’s windows to block out the direct sunlight if that is all your ideal spot gets during the day.

While blocking the harsh sunlight, sheer drapes keep a room light.

Alternatively, you can always grow it under grow lights if your area doesn’t provide enough light for this attractive plant.

When your plant is getting too little light, you’ll know it. Too little light causes it to wilt and turn yellow, while too much direct sunlight causes the leaves to be brown and develop sun scorch.

Anthurium Crystallinum Watering Requirements

Watering Anthurium Crystallinum
Watering Anthurium Crystallinum

Crystal Anthurium is a tropical plant that prefers damp soil, and it should never be left standing in moist, waterlogged soil as this promotes stress and increases the risk of illnesses. The Anthurium crystallinum‘s general health depends heavily on the proper watering techniques.

You are watering wrong if the leaves begin to yellow and you see signs of root rot. On the other hand, if you’re submerging your Anthurium, you’ll notice the leaves starting to darken and curl at the edges.

Fortunately, learning the proper irrigation techniques is simple. The top 1-2 inches of soil should be completely dry before watering.

You may check this by simply sticking your finger to the ground. Don’t water it if it’s still damp. It’s time to slake your plant’s thirst if it’s dry.

Do not water your Anthurium crystallinum or other indoor plants on a regular schedule. Your plants’ environment undergoes daily changes that impact how quickly the soil dries out.

It’s crucial to get the watering perfect because improper watering will shorten the lifespan of your houseplants.

The way you water your plant’s matters just as much. When you water, breathe deeply and slowly. You should also water the plant’s base rather than its leaves.

Anthurium Crystallinum Temperature and Humidity Needs

Because they are native to the tropics, crystal anthuriums do best in warm, muggy settings.

They should be kept away from cool drafts because they don’t withstand the cold as well as other indoor plants. Anthurium crystallinum thrives in humid environments and will suffer in dry ones.

Fortunately, comfortable indoor surroundings resemble their native jungle habitats, with plants flourishing best in temperatures over 65°F. Anywhere between 75°F and 85°F is ideal for your Anthurium crystallinum.

More particular about the humidity in their immediate habitat are crystal anthuriums. This plant has a few more requirements than most houseplants, which can handle humidity levels of 50%. For it to thrive, humidity levels should be at least 70%.

There are several ways to increase humidity levels in your house and around your plants, but they frequently fall short of the necessary 70% level.

Adding a humidifier to your environment is the greatest approach to suit the needs of your Anthurium crystallinum. The natural habitat of this plant will be replicated by humidifiers, giving you more control.

Fertilizing your Anthurium Crystallinum

Feeding Anthurium Crystallinum
Feeding Anthurium Crystallinum

Although Anthurium crystallinum grows somewhat slowly, it needs fertilizer to develop at its optimum. Like its relatives, this attractive houseplant needs a little extra nutrition during the spring and summer when it is growing.

The three special nutrient types are macronutrients, micronutrients, and secondary. The largest category of macronutrients comprises nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, secondary nutrients like calcium and micronutrients like boron are also important to your plants’ general health.

A balanced indoor plant fertilizer is the most effective approach to giving your plants these crucial nutrients.

These are frequently diluted and water-soluble; to apply them to your soil, mix them into your watering can before giving your plants a light mist of water.

You will need to fertilize more frequently because liquid fertilizers wash away over time when you water your plants. This increases the possibility of overfertilizing your plants, which might result in several problems.

An excellent substitute is slow-release fertilizers, which gradually deliver vital nutrients.

Don’t overfertilize your soil because it can burn the roots. Underfertilizing is preferable to overfertilizing. Before using, carefully read the fertilizer’s application directions.

Propagating You Anthurium Crystallinum

Anthurium crystallinum can be multiplied using different methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and root division.

The hardest part of propagating from seeds is predicting whether your plant will blossom, and stem cuttings and root division are your greatest options.

Wear gloves, whichever method you use, to avoid skin irritation from the plant’s toxic components.

Root Division

Root Propagation Of 
Anthurium Crystallinum
Root Propagation Of Anthurium Crystallinum

Although root division is a simple process, it can be messy. Additionally, you should only use this procedure if you intend to repot your Crystal Anthurium; otherwise, you risk stunting the plant.

Divide your Anthurium crystallinum plant at the roots when it has outgrown its container or when the soil needs to be refreshed.

As much soil as you can, gently remove your plant from its pot. Untangle the roots next, then search for natural dividing lines. At these spots, carefully peel the plant apart.

Step-by-Step Guide to Anthurium Crystallinum Root Division

  • This is a trustworthy technique, but I would only advise using it if your Anthurium crystallinum is robust, mature, or at least a year old.
  • To completely remove the plant from its planter, wait until the summer months have arrived.
  • Till you see the thick stem in the center, carefully remove the soil from around the root system.
  • It is necessary to separate this subsoil stem into two halves: the top half, which has leaves and some roots, and the bottom half, which is a stump with the remaining roots.
  • Make certain that each division has a few roots.
  • Before you plant the two parts in separate pots, rest them for a day to allow the cut to callus.
  • Ensure the stump is visible above the dirt mixture on the bottom part.
  • Use a plastic bag with perforations to moisten the soil while preserving high humidity.
  • Feed it with very little high-quality fertilizer until the plant picks up and stabilizes.

Stem Cuttings

Perhaps the simplest way to expand your collection of plant stock is by stem-cutting propagation. Additionally, it has a few advantages, like the ability to multiply the number of cuttings you may take at once and reduce the risk of startling the plant when done correctly.

All you need for this technique is a robust, healthy stem and a clean, sharp knife. Healthy stems produce the strongest new plants. Cut the stem where a leaf joins the main stem or immediately below the node.

Cuttings of the crystal anthurium flourish when rooted in soil. Before planting, dip the cut end into some rooting hormone to promote root growth.

Stem Propagation Of Anthurium Crystallinum
Stem Propagation Of Anthurium Crystallinum

Make sure the soil mixture you’re using is the right one. It drains efficiently and provides little resistance to new root growth, so a mixture of vermiculite, perlite, and coconut coir is ideal.

Place your cuttings in a warm, humid environment for optimum root development. The cuttings are prepared for their homes once the roots have expanded by one to two inches.

Use the proper soil mixture and pot size for your newborn plant.

Maintaining your Anthurium Crystallinum

Despite what its rarity and beauty might imply, this plant doesn’t require much upkeep, and it may be kept growing in your home with little effort.

You only need to follow a few simple maintenance instructions to maintain your plant’s vibrant appearance.

Since the Crystal Anthurium grows slowly, routine pruning is not required. It’s usually a good idea to remove dead or discolored leaves, which maintain the plant’s appearance and promote new growth.

The plant may concentrate on new development and stronger foliage because it won’t have to use its energy on these wilting leaves.

Remember that this plant is poisonous and can irritate the skin, though it is most deadly when consumed.

Pruning should be done with caution and a good pair of gloves. Always cut slightly above the leaf node with a clean, sharp pair of shears.

Like any other surface in your home, houseplants gather dust and other detritus. For example, the Anthurium crystallinum’s larger leaves tend to collect the most.

Despite appearing unharmful, the dust layer hinders transpiration and photosynthesis, negatively impacting the plant’s health.

Repotting Anthurium Crystallinums

The stunning Anthurium crystallinum tolerates being root-bound and grows slowly. Nevertheless, if your Crystal Anthurium begins to grow stuntedly or the roots start pushing through the drainage holes in the container, you should choose to repot it. The optimum time to replenish the soil is when you repot your plants.

The steps for repotting your plant are the same as those for planting, except for selecting a slightly larger pot.

It is always ideal to use a pot that is one to two sizes larger because an extremely large pot can retain too much water, which will increase root rot.

repotting Anthurium Crystallinum
repotting Anthurium Crystallinum

Wilting and leaf yellowing are two typical signs of transplant shock that you could observe. After a brief period of adjustment, your plant should resume regular operation.

Avoid exposing the roots to the air for too long and promptly water the plant after repotting to reduce the likelihood of shock.

Limit environmental changes, such as soil and environmental conditions, and minimize root disturbance.

Common Challenges With Anthurium Crystallinum

Leaf spots like burn marks are frequently bacterial infections spread by damp leaves or excessive watering. For many months they are asymptomatic, but once they become visible, they spread quickly. The infected leaves must be rapidly removed and dumped far from the area with sterile shears.

Yellowed (chlorotic) lesions along the leaf margins: Bacterial blight is seen when lesions are water-soaked and turn a dark brown color. Treatment continues as before.

Yellowing and sudden wilting even if the plant is well watered: Examine the roots. If they have already passed away, the cause was likely a Pythium fungal infection brought on by water-logged soil.

According to the IFAS, overwatering and excessive humidity are directly linked to every disease affecting anthuriums. Compared to other tropical plants, Anthurium crystallinum requires somewhat dry settings to develop.

Anthurium crystallinum is fairly pest resistant but can sometimes get sucking pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant nutrients and discrete sticky honeydew, attracting other insects.

Pests can be treated by spraying your plant with a regular insecticidal soap once a week. You can also dab these insects with a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Remove the dead insects from the plant using a damp cloth.

In closing

Anthurium crystallinum is definitely on my list of houseplant recommendations. I’ve enclosed some information on how to care for them and hope you’ll give growing and propagating them a go.

The recipe for success is simple:

They prefer soil representing the forest floor, a medium rich in decaying organic matter, moist yet light and well aerated.

They need more humidity than other aroids and won’t endure cold temperatures.

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