Anthurium 'Delta Force'

Selected at Ree Gardens in the 1990s

Steve and Marie Nock produced Anthurium ‘Delta Force’ at Ree Gardens in Miami from a cross between Anthurium clarinervium and Anthurium pedatoradiatum, then retained one unusually triangular seedling. Both parents come from southern Mexico: A. clarinervium grows on limestone and in organic pockets in humid forest, while A. pedatoradiatum is terrestrial in tropical forest from low elevations to about 1,000 m.

Care for velvet Anthurium foliage and roots

• Light: Place in bright filtered light. Acclimated plants can take gentle morning or evening sun; hot midday light can mark the velvet surface.
• Watering: Water when the upper layer of the substrate begins to dry. Soak the root ball evenly, drain it fully and keep the moisture rhythm steady while a leaf is expanding.
• Humidity and airflow: Aim for high humidity with gentle air movement. Dry water from the leaf surface promptly.
• Substrate and repotting: Allow Anthurium ‘Delta Force’ to establish a clear watering pattern in the supplied root ball, with the well-aerated root zone and emerging foliage remaining firm and active; repot after the plant is stable and the next phase of root growth has begun.
• Leaf care and propagation: Allow the angular leaves room to open without rubbing their margins. Use a soft dry brush for dust and take propagation material only from a rooted offset or a stem section with a node.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium 'Delta Force'

• Yellowing linked to moisture: A dry light container explains the wilt; soak the whole root ball and drain every excess drop. Wilting in wet mix suggests oxygen loss around the roots; delay watering and let the pot drain before checking roots. A solitary old leaf can yellow even when current growth is healthy.
• Firm roots versus hollow roots: Firm pale or tan roots still support the plant; root colour varies, so firmness is the useful test. Remove clearly hollow or slippery root sections with clean scissors; return the remaining roots to a snug pot with a fine airy mix.
• A smaller next leaf: A damaged root system may leave the centre motionless even after the original stress has passed; compare light, root temperature and root health before changing feed. Use bright filtered light and a stable 20–28 °C range; a fresh root or leaf shows that recovery has started; old damage stays visible.
• Snags and torn edges: The narrow angles and margins can catch on neighbouring plants while opening. Move obstructions before the leaf expands and leave a dry healed tear alone once its edge is stable.

Anthurium ‘Delta Force’ 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.

How did Anthurium get its name?

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix.

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