Anthurium forgetii ‘Silver’

A cultivated silver form of a Colombian species

The breeder and introduction history of Anthurium forgetii ‘Silver’ are not publicly documented. Anthurium forgetii grows in humid low-elevation forest in western Colombia, where it can occur on the ground, on rocks or as an epiphyte beneath dense cover. That species habitat provides the natural context; the silver selection itself was maintained in cultivation.

Care for epiphytic Anthurium roots and foliage

• Humidity and airflow: Maintain high humidity around developing leaves together with soft, continuous air movement. Let wet foliage dry quickly.
• Temperature: Anthurium forgetii ‘Silver’ prefers even indoor warmth without cold draughts or prolonged heat around the crown.
• Settling in, root care and watering: Keep Anthurium forgetii ‘Silver’ steady while its epiphytic roots resume growth, then repot without greatly increasing the pot volume. Use a slightly larger pot with fine bark, coco coir, chopped coco husk and pumice or perlite. As the top of the airy root ball dries, water slowly enough to wet the nursery core as well as the outer mix, then allow the container to drain completely.
• Silver velvet leaves and propagation: Protect the silvered blades from sudden sun increases and clean them with a soft dry brush. Propagate from rooted offsets or a stem piece carrying a healthy node.

Health checks for Anthurium forgetii ‘Silver’

• Yellow leaves or a sudden droop: A dry upper layer and a clear loss of pot weight explain the wilt; rehydrate the root ball evenly, then empty all runoff. A heavy container and yellow limp leaves call for a moisture check below the surface; wait for the pot to lighten while checking the centre of the root ball. An isolated yellow lower leaf can simply be reaching the end of its life.
• Root texture and recovery: Preserve every root that holds its shape; surface colour alone is less useful. Prune damaged roots selectively with a clean sharp tool; return viable roots to a close-fitting container with moisture retention and ample air.
• Pests on soft new growth: Inspect a damaged opening leaf for thrips before blaming humidity; pale dust-like speckling across older leaves points towards mites. Look closely where veins meet the petiole and around emerging growth; repeat the same check on neighbouring plants. Separate the plant and make sure a labelled treatment reaches the leaf sheath and both surfaces; repeat according to the product instructions then check the whole plant after treatment.
• Crisp tips and dry margins: Salt build-up becomes visible first at the leaf edge; look for the same pattern on the newest mature leaf. Compare the damage with pot weight and water quality; if the root ball is still damp, flush salts when watering is due and move the leaf away from hot glass.
• Fixed marks or spreading lesions: Water spots keep a fixed outline after the droplet dries; a marked edge can confirm that the area remains stable.

Anthurium forgetii ‘Silver’ 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 the name Anthurium forgetii came about

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

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

Nicholas Edward Brown first described Anthurium forgetii in 1906 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, series 3, volume 39, page 161.