The Jewel of the Tropical Plant World
Few plants command attention quite like an Anthurium. With their glossy, heart-shaped leaves, velvety textures, and sometimes jaw-dropping size, rare Anthuriums have become the crown jewels of serious plant collections across India and the world. Whether you're drawn to the regal Anthurium Queen or the mysterious Raven's Heart, these plants reward attentive care with truly spectacular growth.
At GROMEE, we grow and source some of the rarest Anthurium varieties available in India. In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know to keep your Anthuriums thriving — from our home base in Thrissur, Kerala, where the tropical climate gives us a natural edge.
Rare Anthurium Varieties Worth Knowing
Anthurium Warocqueanum (Anthurium Queen) — Arguably the most coveted Anthurium in the collector world. The Queen features extraordinarily long, velvety, dark green leaves with prominent silver veins that can grow over a metre in length in ideal conditions. It's a plant that commands respect — and delivers breathtaking results. Shop Anthurium Queen →
Anthurium Raven's Heart — A mysterious and deeply beautiful variety with dark, almost black-green, heart-shaped leaves and a velvety texture that seems to absorb light. The Raven's Heart is a statement piece for any serious plant collection. Shop Anthurium Raven's Heart →
Anthurium Luxurian (Medium Size) — The Luxurian is celebrated for its deeply bullate (puckered) leaf texture — a surface so uniquely tactile it looks almost sculpted. Dark green and glossy, it's one of the most texturally interesting plants in existence. Shop Anthurium Luxurian →
Anthurium Luxurian x Forgetii — A stunning hybrid that combines the bullate texture of the Luxurian with the rounded, vein-patterned leaves of the Forgetii. Each leaf is a unique expression of its hybrid genetics. Shop Anthurium Luxurian x Forgetii →
Anthurium RVDP / Red Vein Dark Phoenix — One of the most dramatic Anthuriums available, the RVDP features dark, velvety leaves with striking red veins that glow against the deep green background. A true collector's trophy. Shop Anthurium RVDP →
Light: Getting It Just Right
Anthuriums are understory plants in their natural habitat, growing beneath the forest canopy. This means they're adapted to bright, indirect light — never direct sun, which will bleach and scorch their leaves.
In Indian homes, the ideal placement is:
- Near an east-facing window for gentle morning light
- A few feet back from a south or west-facing window, with a sheer curtain to filter the intensity
- Under a grow light for 10–12 hours daily if natural light is limited
Velvety-leaved varieties like the Queen and Raven's Heart are particularly sensitive to direct sun — their delicate surface can burn easily. Glossy-leaved varieties are slightly more tolerant but still prefer indirect light.
Watering: The Golden Rule
The number one cause of Anthurium death is overwatering. These plants need their roots to breathe, and sitting in soggy soil will cause root rot quickly.
The rule: Water thoroughly when the top 3–4 cm of soil is dry, then allow excess water to drain completely. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
- Summer (March–June): Water every 5–7 days
- Monsoon (June–September): Water every 8–12 days — the high humidity significantly reduces the plant's water needs
- Winter (November–February): Water every 10–14 days; growth slows and water requirements drop
Use room-temperature water that has been left out overnight, or filtered water. Anthuriums are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine, which can cause brown leaf tips over time.
Humidity: The More, the Better
Rare Anthuriums — especially velvety varieties like the Queen and Luxurian — thrive in high humidity, ideally 70–80%. Kerala's natural humidity is a significant advantage here, particularly during the monsoon season.
For plant parents in drier regions or during dry winter months:
- Use a humidifier near your plants (most effective method)
- Group plants together to create a humid microclimate
- Place pots on a pebble tray filled with water
- Avoid misting directly onto velvety leaves, as this can encourage fungal issues
The Perfect Soil Mix for Anthuriums
Anthuriums need an extremely well-draining, chunky aroid mix that allows roots to breathe while retaining just enough moisture. A good mix:
- 35% orchid bark (medium to large chunks)
- 30% perlite
- 20% coco peat
- 15% worm castings or compost
Avoid any mix that compacts easily or retains too much water. If you're repotting, choose a pot only 2–3 cm larger than the current one — Anthuriums prefer to be slightly root-bound.
Fertilising for Maximum Growth
During the growing season (March to October), feed your Anthurium with a balanced liquid fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) diluted to quarter strength every 2–3 weeks. Alternatively, a fertiliser higher in phosphorus will encourage more vigorous root development.
Avoid over-fertilising — salt build-up in the soil can damage roots. Flush the soil with plain water every 2–3 months to prevent this.
Troubleshooting Common Anthurium Problems
Yellow leaves: Almost always overwatering or poor drainage. Reduce watering frequency and check that your pot has adequate drainage holes.
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, fluoride in tap water, or over-fertilising. Switch to filtered water, increase humidity, and reduce fertiliser concentration.
No new growth: Insufficient light or nutrients. Move to a brighter spot and resume a regular fertilising schedule.
Root rot: Mushy, dark roots with a foul smell. Remove affected roots, treat with a fungicide, and repot in fresh, well-draining mix. Reduce watering going forward.
Thrips or spider mites: Check the undersides of leaves regularly. Treat with neem oil solution or insecticidal soap at the first sign of infestation.
Start Your Anthurium Collection Today
Rare Anthuriums are long-term companions — plants that grow with you, reward your patience, and never stop surprising you with their beauty. With the right care, they'll produce increasingly impressive leaves year after year.
Explore our full collection of rare Anthuriums at GROMEE and find the variety that speaks to you.
Grown with passion, Grow with Gromee 🌿