Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’

A Dutch-produced cross with two wet-forest parents

This hybrid has circulated from Dutch production and combines Anthurium forgetii, from humid low-elevation forest in western Colombia, with the ‘Gigi’ form of Anthurium nigrolaminum, native from Colombia through Ecuador to Peru in wet tropical forest. The two parent ranges provide the ecological background, while the named cross and its mature combination of traits belong to cultivation.

Care for velvet Anthurium foliage and roots

• Substrate and repotting: Allow Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’ to establish a clear watering pattern in the supplied root ball, with the fine-rooted velvet-leaf root ball remaining firm and active; repot after the plant is stable and the next phase of root growth has begun.
• 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.
• Leaf care and propagation: Stable humidity helps the dark emerging leaves open without sticking or tearing. Leave soft growth untouched, brush mature leaves dry and propagate from rooted offsets or node-bearing stem sections.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium forgetii × nigrolaminum ‘Gigi’

• Drooping with yellow foliage: If the plant wilts while the mix is dry and the pot is light, start with water; water slowly through the pot, then empty all runoff. Damp mix plus yellow limp growth calls for a root inspection; hold the next watering while you inspect the root zone. Normal ageing can account for one oldest leaf changing colour.
• Soft roots and the remaining firm tissue: Healthy tissue keeps its shape under light pressure; minor surface staining is less important than firmness. Take out dead root tissue while preserving every firm section; use a close-fitting container and keep the fresh mix lightly moist.
• Thrips, mites and hidden feeding sites: Use silvered new growth and black specks to identify thrips; a dull field of tiny pale dots points more strongly to mites. Examine the newest leaf base, lower veins and sheltered folds; repeat the inspection on neighbouring leaves. Keep the plant away from others while applying a treatment approved for the identified pest; make each repeat application on the label schedule then inspect new growth weekly until four clean checks have passed.
• Small or delayed new leaves: When light is adequate, stalled growth usually brings attention back to roots and temperature; look for new root activity before expecting another leaf. Restore stable warmth within the normal 18–26 °C range and a bright filtered position; wait for new root or leaf activity before changing feeding.
• Browning along the leaf edge: Crisp tips after a light pot can reflect an uneven watering cycle. Continued browning in damp mix suggests accumulated salts, direct heat or root loss; move the leaf away from heat, flush the mix and inspect roots if damage continues.

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.