Anthurium chamberlainii

Origin and botanical history of Anthurium chamberlainii

Anthurium chamberlainii was described in 1888 from a cultivated plant believed to have come from Venezuela. Later material from Mérida matched the historical description and allowed the species to be redescribed in 2013.

The confirmed collection came from the Venezuelan Andes at 1,500–1,800 m. Its precise wild locality remains uncertain.

How to care for Anthurium chamberlainii

• Make room for the mature plant: Keep the long petioles away from walls and use a broad, heavy container that will remain stable as the leaves enlarge.
• Provide bright diffuse light from more than one direction: Turn the pot gradually if one side begins leaning towards the window. Protect the emerging burgundy leaf from hot midday sun and heated glass.
• Use a coarse, well-aerated mix: Check the surface and pot weight, then water thoroughly once the top has partly dried. Let the container drain completely and increase its size only after roots fill it.
• Keep it warm with gentle airflow: Avoid cold draughts and still, overheated corners. Give a light dose of complete fertiliser while the plant is actively growing.

When Anthurium chamberlainii needs attention

• The plant leans or the pot becomes unstable: The long petioles are shifting the weight to one side. Reposition the plant for more even light or re-seat the root ball in a wider, heavier pot.
• A new leaf develops dry marks while opening: Check whether it rubbed against a wall, another leaf or hot glass. Remove the obstruction or heat source and leave the marked tissue attached.
• Several leaves yellow above damp mix: Cool, compacted or slow-draining substrate may be limiting the roots. Delay watering, restore warmth and let the mix drain more fully. If the decline continues or the central stem softens, unpot the plant and inspect the roots before deciding whether to return or repot it. Keep every firm root intact. If all roots are firm, return the plant to the pot and let the upper mix dry further before watering again. If any sections are soft, hollow or foul-smelling, remove only those sections with clean tools. Return the plant to the existing substrate if it drains adequately; use fresh airy substrate only when the existing mix remains waterlogged or has broken down.

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.