Anthurium hookeri

A litter-catching epiphyte of wet forest

Anthurium hookeri ranges from the Windward Islands into northern South America. It forms an epiphytic bird’s-nest rosette in wet tropical and montane rain forest. In Guadeloupe, the upward-curving leaves trap fine leaves and twigs around the roots, creating a small reservoir of organic material on the host tree.

Growing Anthurium indoors

• Leaf care and propagation: Remove leaf litter from the bird’s-nest crown and dry water held between the leaf bases. Propagate by separating an independently rooted basal offset.
• Substrate and repotting: Repot Anthurium hookeri after fresh outer roots or a new central leaf show that the rosette is active. Choose a stable pot only slightly wider with medium bark, coco chips, coir and pumice, and keep the crown above the mix.
• Watering: Water when the upper layer of the substrate begins to dry. Soak the root ball, drain it and empty water trapped in the central rosette.
• Humidity and airflow: Maintain moderate to high humidity with airflow through the leaf bases. Keep the crown free of standing water.
• Temperature: Keep the bird's-nest rosette in stable warmth, away from cold glass and draughts. Warm roots suit these tropical rosette plants.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium hookeri

• Yellowing linked to moisture: A pot that feels unusually light and dry mix below the surface indicate thirst; water the root ball, then remove any water held in the crown. A pot that remains heavy, damp mix and yellowing from the centre or lower leaves indicate wet-root stress; delay watering while you assess roots and leaf bases.
• Firm roots versus hollow roots: A viable rosette root holds its shape under light pressure; root colour varies, so firmness is the useful test. Remove soft, hollow or foul-smelling roots with disinfected scissors, keep the crown above a close-fitting airy mix and drain the pot completely.
• Pest marks on opening foliage: Use a hand lens on distorted young leaves for thrips; mealybugs and scale settle deeper between the leaf bases. Isolate the plant, lift off visible pests with a damp swab, apply a product labelled for the pest into accessible hiding places. Follow the product label and scan the youngest leaf after treatment.
• Brown margins after a dry cycle: Brown tips can come from uneven moisture, dry air or fertiliser salts. Use the root ball to decide if another watering is due; flush salts with low-mineral water and keep gentle warm airflow around the leaves.

Anthurium hookeri is toxic to pets

• Anthurium hookeri is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Flower and tail in Greek and the British botanist William Jackson Hooker

Hookeri honours the British botanist William Jackson Hooker. The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix.