Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’

Hybrid parentage and natural range of Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’

This horticultural cross pairs Anthurium forgetii with the Anthurium nigrolaminum clone ‘Gigi’. Anthurium forgetii is native to Colombia. Anthurium nigrolaminum ranges from Colombia through Ecuador to Peru. The hybrid exists only in cultivation.

How to care for Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’

• Light and leaf clearance: Provide bright indirect light, protect soft new growth from direct sun and give each leaf clear space to open freely.
• Temperature and humidity: Warm, stable conditions around 18–26 °C suit it; 15 °C is the lower limit for prolonged exposure. Use about 60–80% as an indoor humidity guide. Pair this with light air movement around the leaves.
• Wait for both cues: A drying top layer and a lighter pot. Then water thoroughly and let excess escape from every drainage hole.
• Pot and potting mix: Match the container closely to the root system. Use a mix that combines fine material that holds some moisture with enough bark and coarse mineral particles to remain airy.
• Feeding: During active clump growth, use a modest dose of complete houseplant fertiliser; then taper the feed as the plant slows down.
• Repotting: Inspect the root ball when roots or new shoots crowd the pot or the mix has broken down. Refresh degraded mix separately; move to a slightly wider pot only when the roots or basal growth need more room.
• Propagation: Propagate ‘Gigi’ from a rooted division or a firm stem or rhizome section with an active growing point.

Normal variation and common problems

• A leaf is longer, rounder or less silver than the previous one: Leaf shape and vein contrast can vary between growth cycles. Continue normal care when the blade firms normally and the plant keeps growing.
• Several new leaves become progressively smaller and the pot stays wet for a long time: Check the roots and the centre of the mix. Remove decayed roots, replace compacted substrate and reduce the pot size if the remaining root system is small.
• A new blade opens with scratches, distorted veins, silver streaks or black specks: First check whether the marks line up with a support or neighbouring leaf. If silvering or specks originate inside the folded growth, inspect for thrips and clear any obstruction. Treat only after confirming pest signs: isolate the plant from nearby foliage, then apply a treatment labelled for thrips to the folded growth and leaf undersides. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.

Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’ 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.

Where do the names Anthurium forgetii and Anthurium nigrolaminum come from?

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

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.

Thomas Bernard Croat and D. Weber first described Anthurium nigrolaminum in 2021 in Aroideana, volume 44, page 206.