Anthurium 'Ace of Spades'

Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’

Thick velvet leaves give Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ its dark, spade-shaped outline, with pale metallic veins running through the surface. New growth can open with burgundy tones before hardening to deep green to near-black shades.

The plant grows as an upright clump, with firm petioles holding the foliage above the pot. This slower Anthurium responds best to steady warmth, filtered light and an airy root zone once it has settled.

Foliage features of Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’

• Leaf shape: Broad spade-shaped blades with a defined base and a tapered tip.
• Surface texture: Velvety foliage that can show marks if leaves stay wet or rub against nearby plants.
• Colour change: New leaves can flush burgundy before hardening to a darker mature green.
• Venation: Pale metallic to silvery veins become clearer as the leaf expands.
• Growth habit: Upright clumping growth from a compact base.
• Root behaviour: Fleshy Anthurium roots need oxygen around them and decline quickly in dense, wet soil.

Growth and leaf development

This is a velvet foliage Anthurium with weighty leaves and a relatively compact base. New leaves are soft when they emerge, then firm up as the surface darkens and the veins become more defined. A settled position helps new leaves expand with fewer marks, especially while they are still soft.

A potting mix with bark, coco chips, coarse perlite or pumice gives the roots space to breathe. The plant should sit firmly in the pot, while the mix remains open enough for water to drain and air to reach the root system.

Care for Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’

• Light: Place it in bright filtered light. Direct midday sun can mark velvet foliage, while very low light produces slower, weaker growth.
• Water: Let the upper part of the mix dry before watering again. The root ball should not stay wet from top to bottom for long periods.
• Humidity: Higher humidity helps new leaves expand more evenly, especially while the blade is still soft.
• Airflow: Humidity works best with gentle air movement, because still damp air can leave velvet leaves marked or spotted.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and stable, away from cold windowsills, winter drafts and sudden temperature drops.
• Substrate: Use a chunky Anthurium or aroid mix with large particles for drainage and root aeration.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth. Flush the mix occasionally if mineral residue builds up from fertiliser or hard water.

Common issues with Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’

• Brown patches on velvet leaves: Often linked to direct sun, water sitting on the leaf surface, low humidity or mechanical damage.
• Yellowing lower leaves: Check whether the mix is staying wet too long or has compacted around the roots.
• Stuck new leaves: Dry air or unstable warmth can make emerging leaves unfold unevenly.
• Soft roots or sour-smelling mix: The substrate is too wet or too dense and should be checked before more foliage declines.
• Fine speckling or dull patches: Inspect the undersides and petioles for spider mites or thrips, especially in warm dry rooms.

Safety for Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’

Anthuriums contain insoluble calcium oxalates. Keep Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ away from pets and children who may chew leaves or stems, as ingestion can irritate the mouth, throat and stomach.

Name etymology and background

The genus name Anthurium comes from the Greek words anthos, meaning flower, and oura, meaning tail, referring to the tail-like spadix. The cultivated name ‘Ace of Spades’ is used for this dark velvet selection with spade-shaped leaves, burgundy new growth and compact upright habit.