Anthurium ‘Red crystallinum’

Background of Anthurium ‘Red crystallinum’

‘Red crystallinum’ is a horticultural name used for selected Anthurium crystallinum lines with strongly coloured new growth. Red, copper and burgundy tones are most visible on fresh leaves, while mature foliage retains the dark velvet surface and pale venation associated with the species.

Caring for Anthurium ‘Red crystallinum’

• Keep conditions steady while a leaf opens: Use a warm position with bright filtered light and give the soft blade space to expand. The warm colour will change naturally as the leaf matures.
• Water according to the root zone: Soak the pot when the upper layer begins to dry, then let it drain fully. Keep the rhythm steady during active leaf growth.
• Use a fine, open substrate: Small bark, coco material and pumice or perlite hold light moisture while allowing air around the roots. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
• Handle hardened leaves only: Wait until a new blade is firm before wiping it. Provide gentle airflow and feed at low strength while roots and leaves are actively growing.

Problems and solutions for Anthurium ‘Red crystallinum’

• A red or copper leaf turns greener: This is normal when the blade remains firm and continues to expand. The mature colour develops as the tissue hardens. Let the leaf harden fully before judging the final colour.
• A new leaf sticks, tears or forms a crease: A dry interval, an abrupt change in conditions or contact with another surface may have interrupted expansion. Restore steady moisture, clear space around the crown and leave the damaged leaf in place while the next one develops.
• Fresh growth shows irregular silver scars or black specks: Silvery scars with black specks indicate thrips, while fine pale stippling with webbing indicates spider mites. Isolate the plant and inspect the folded leaf for these signs. Rinse the newest growth and leaf undersides. If thrips are confirmed, apply a treatment labelled for thrips to the folded leaf, both leaf surfaces and the surrounding crown; if spider mites are confirmed, apply a treatment labelled for spider mites to the newest growth and both leaf surfaces, including the undersides. Repeat the chosen treatment at the intervals stated on its label for the full course.
• Leaves yellow in a heavy, wet mix: Let the mix dry further and check the drainage holes. Inspect the roots if the decline continues. If roots are dark, mushy or smell stale, remove only the failed sections, retain all firm roots and repot the healthy remainder in fresh, airy mix. The root rot guide gives additional recovery detail.

Anthurium ‘Red crystallinum’ 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 came about

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.