Anthurium chamberlainii

Rediscovered in Venezuela’s Mérida forests

Anthurium chamberlainii was known for decades only from cultivated material before it was rediscovered in Mérida, Venezuela. Wild plants were recorded in wet montane forest at about 1,500–1,800 m, a humid Andean setting with mild temperatures and regular cloud or rain. It grows there as a robust terrestrial subshrub beneath forest cover.

Growing Anthurium indoors

• Substrate and repotting: Keep Anthurium chamberlainii at its current planting depth until fresh roots or a new leaf show that growth has resumed after delivery. Then use a stable pot only slightly wider with an airy blend of bark, coir and mineral drainage.
• Light: Set in bright diffuse light, away from hot midday sun. Broad leaves benefit from even illumination and a cool position behind glass.
• Watering: Maintain light, even moisture and water when the surface starts to dry. Empty the outer pot after each thorough watering.
• Humidity and airflow: Aim for high humidity with steady air circulation around the leaf bases and emerging growth.
• Temperature: Keep Anthurium chamberlainii warm and avoid cold night-time draughts. Extended hot nights can reduce leaf size and vigour.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium chamberlainii

• Yellow leaves or a sudden droop: A container that feels much lighter than usual and dry root zone point to thirst; rehydrate the mix thoroughly and empty the outer pot. A container holding moisture for too long, damp surface and soft yellowing point to root stress, especially after cool wet conditions; stop the routine and look closely at the deeper roots.
• Root texture and recovery: Healthy roots stay firm in a lightly moist, open mix. Remove soft or hollow tissue using a blade cleaned before every cut, keep any short base at the surface and use a stable snug pot with an air-rich mineral mix.
• Pests on soft new growth: Silver marks and black specks on a young leaf point to thrips; inspect petiole bases and lower leaf surfaces closely. Isolate, remove visible pests, apply a product labelled for the pest, repeat only at the interval given on the label and inspect the crown every seven days throughout the next month.
• Crisp tips and dry margins: Brown margins may record dry roots or accumulated salts, while warm stagnant nights can also damage montane foliage. Check deeper moisture and flush the mix with low-mineral water, then restore air exchange around the leaves.
• Fixed marks or spreading lesions: A sun or impact mark stays dry and holds the same outline.

Anthurium chamberlainii is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

When was Anthurium chamberlainii first published, and what does it mean?

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. Chamberlainii honours British statesman and horticulturist Joseph Chamberlain.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Anthurium in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 828.

Maxwell Tylden Masters first described Anthurium chamberlainii in 1888 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, series 3, volume 3, page 462.