Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' - Information and Essential Care Tips for Lush Growth

Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' is a stunning Anthurium hybrid known for its striking, ever-changing foliage. The leaves start as deep red, shift to a beautiful bronze, and finally mature into a deep blackish-green. This rare evergreen plant stands out in any indoor space thanks to its dynamic transformation. While its exact origin remains a bit mysterious, it's believed to be the result of a spontaneous tissue culture mutation—a theory supported by plant expert William Rotolante.

Why Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' Is Perfect for Your Indoor Space

Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' has unique features that make it a true collector's item:

Mesmerizing Foliage Changes: The leaves start in vivid red, gradually turn bronze, and then darken to a rich blackish-green as they mature. Their velvety texture adds a luxurious touch, making the plant both visually and tactilely appealing.

Perfect Size for Small Spaces: This compact, evergreen Anthurium fits beautifully in smaller indoor areas or as part of a larger collection. It grows up to about 60 cm, making it a manageable size for most plant lovers.

Light Responsive Leaf Characteristics: The velvety leaves change dramatically in response to the light they receive. Providing the right conditions is key to showcasing this plant's best features.
 

Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' Care Guide

Caring for Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' is simple when you keep these points in mind:

Light Requirements: Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves, but it can adapt to slightly lower light if needed. Filtered light is ideal for keeping the colors vibrant. For best results, aim to place it in a spot where it receives plenty of indirect sunlight.

Watering Tips: Let the top 2-3 cm of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering is a common issue that leads to root rot, so it’s important to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The plant appreciates consistency—watering when the topsoil dries out will help keep it healthy.

Humidity Needs: Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' loves high humidity—ideally above 60%. While misting isn’t essential, placing it near a humidifier or in a naturally humid room will encourage lush, healthy growth. Humidity is key to ensuring that its foliage maintains that rich, velvety appearance.

Temperature Preferences: This Anthurium does best in temperatures between 18-25°C. It prefers consistent warmth, so keep it away from cold drafts or areas where temperatures fluctuate drastically.

Best Soil for Anthuriums: Use a well-draining potting mix suited for epiphytes. A combination of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss is ideal. This mixture helps maintain a balance of moisture while preventing waterlogging, which is crucial for root health.

Repotting and Pot Selection: Repot your Anthurium every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a pot with proper drainage to avoid water buildup at the roots. A slightly larger pot each time you repot will give the roots more room to grow without overwhelming them.

Fertilizing Schedule: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to ensure steady growth. Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' doesn’t require seasonal fertilizing adjustments—just keep a regular feeding schedule for consistent results.

Propagation: Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing offsets. Ensure each cutting has a healthy node and a few roots for a higher success rate. Propagating this way allows you to share or expand your collection easily.

Hydroponics and Semi-Hydroponics: This plant also adapts well to semi-hydroponic systems using LECA, perlite or mineral semi-hydroponic media. Make sure the water level remains low to let the roots breathe and avoid rot. Semi-hydroponics can be a great option for those who prefer lower maintenance watering routines.

Pruning Tips: Remove any yellow or dead leaves regularly to keep your plant looking tidy and to encourage healthy, new growth. Pruning also helps prevent potential disease from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.

Ideal Placement: Place your Anthurium near an east or north-facing window to get plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves, but indirect light will help bring out the plant’s rich colors and promote healthy growth.
 

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' is generally low maintenance, but here are some common issues and how to fix them:


Browning Leaves: This often happens due to underwatering or too much direct sunlight. Adjust your watering schedule and move the plant to a location with filtered light.

Root Rot: Typically a result of overwatering. Use a well-draining soil mix and ensure the pot has proper drainage holes to avoid stagnant water.

Pests: Occasionally, pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs might attack. Combat infestations using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keeping humidity levels up can also help deter some pests.

Yellow Leaves: Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of improper watering—either too much or too little. Ensure you’re sticking to the right watering routine for optimal health.

Drooping Leaves: This can be a sign of underwatering or low humidity. Check the soil moisture and humidity levels, then adjust accordingly. Regular checks can help prevent drooping and keep your plant perky.

Slow or Stunted Growth: Often caused by insufficient light. If you notice slower growth, try moving the plant to a brighter spot with more indirect sunlight.
 

Top Tips for Thriving Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts'

To keep your Anthurium thriving, remember to maintain consistent warmth, high humidity, and adequate light. New leaves will be even more vibrant if the plant gets plenty of indirect sunlight. By mimicking its natural environment—providing warmth, filtered light, and moisture—you’ll help your Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' flourish beautifully.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Anthurium is derived from the Greek words “ánthos” (meaning flower) and “ourá” (meaning tail), translating to “flowering tail.”
 

Frequently Asked Questions:


Can Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' handle direct sunlight?
No, direct sunlight can damage its delicate leaves. It’s best to keep it in bright, indirect light.

How often should I water my Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts'?
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

What kind of soil works best for Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts'?
Use a well-draining mix, ideally designed for epiphytes, to keep your Anthurium healthy and happy.
 

Order Your Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' Today!
Ready to add Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' to your plant collection? This rare hybrid offers a stunning visual journey with its changing leaf colors. Order now and bring the unmatched elegance of Anthurium 'Queen of Hearts' to your indoor space!