Anthurium crystallinum × regale

Parentage of Anthurium crystallinum × regale

This cultivated cross combines Anthurium crystallinum, an epiphytic wet-forest species from Panama to Colombia, with A. regale, a subshrub from wet tropical forest in north-eastern Peru.

Individual plants can differ in leaf proportions, final size and the strength of their venation.

Care for Anthurium crystallinum × regale

• Leave space for large new leaves: Keep the growing point clear of walls, ties and neighbouring foliage. A soft expanding leaf can retain pressure marks after it matures.
• Use a broad, stable pot: Use an open bark- and fibre-based mix with coarse mineral material so it holds some moisture while draining freely. Choose a broad, stable pot that fits the root ball. Refresh the mix when it breaks down; move up only slightly once the roots genuinely need more space. A heavier outer pot can improve stability without overpotting.
• Provide bright diffuse light: Protect warm-toned new growth from hot midday sun and keep gentle airflow around the central growth.
• Temperature and humidity: Warm, humid conditions around 20–28 °C suit the large velvet leaves; keep air moving gently and avoid cold draughts. Avoid prolonged temperatures below 15 °C.
• Maintain even root moisture: Water as the upper part of the mix approaches dryness while slight moisture remains deeper in the root zone. Saturate the mix thoroughly and let all excess drain.
• Feeding: Feed at a light rate while the plant is making new leaves and roots. Reduce feeding as growth slows.
• Propagation: Separate a rooted division where available, or establish a healthy rhizome section with an active growing point.

Troubleshooting Anthurium crystallinum × A. regale

• A large new leaf opens folded or creased: It may have been obstructed or expanded after a sharp moisture change. If the blade was obstructed, clear a wider path before the next leaf opens; if moisture changed sharply, restore an even watering interval. Judge improvement from the next leaf.
• A mature leaf drops lower than the rest: Check the petiole for a bend or impact mark, then lift the pot. Support a physically damaged leaf and leave it attached. Water a light, dry root ball thoroughly. If several leaves sag above wet mix, make sure runoff can escape and wait longer before watering again. Check the roots only if the decline continues; keep firm roots intact, remove soft or foul-smelling sections and replace degraded substrate with fresh airy mix.
• The plant becomes one-sided or unstable: Uneven light and increasing leaf weight can pull the plant off-centre. Rotate the pot gradually and choose a wider, heavier container at the next repot when balance becomes difficult.

Anthurium crystallinum × regale 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 were Anthurium crystallinum and Anthurium regale first published, and what do the names mean?

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. The epithet crystallinum is Latin for crystalline, referring to the bright, crystal-like leaf veins. The epithet regale is Latin for royal.

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

Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André first described Anthurium crystallinum in 1873 in Catalogue Général, volume 90, plate 128.

Jean Jules Linden first described Anthurium regale in 1866 in La Belgique Horticole, volume 16, page 200.