Anthurium veitchii

A canopy epiphyte from Colombia

Anthurium veitchii is endemic to Colombia and grows as a large epiphyte in humid montane and cloud-influenced forest. It anchors to trees beneath a filtered canopy, where its roots encounter bark, moss and trapped organic material rather than deep soil. Rain and mist are frequent, but water drains freely from the elevated rooting site.

Care for epiphytic Anthurium roots and foliage

• Corrugated pendant leaves and propagation: Raise the crown so the long corrugated blades hang freely, and rinse dust from the grooves before drying them with airflow. Propagate from rooted offsets or viable stem sections.
• Light: Provide bright filtered light and keep long leaves away from direct midday sun. Light from above helps the crown grow evenly.
• Watering: Let the coarse root zone approach dry at the surface and become noticeably lighter, then soak the hanging pot fully and allow unrestricted drainage around the thick epiphytic roots.
• Humidity and airflow: Maintain moderate to high humidity with free air movement around the hanging leaves and crown.
• Temperature: Keep at steady warmth and protect it from chilling temperatures. Protect hanging pots from cold windows and ceiling-level heat.
• Substrate and repotting: Acclimate Anthurium veitchii with the nursery root ball intact long enough to understand its moisture use and the condition of the airy epiphytic root zone; choose the later repotting moment from new roots and steady leaf expansion. Later, use a secure hanging or elevated pot with coarse bark, coco chips, a little coir and pumice.

Troubleshooting Anthurium veitchii

• Droop and yellowing at the same time: A clear drop in pot weight with a dry open mix points to thirst; water through the whole pot, then drain it fully. A heavy-feeling root zone, stale damp mix and limp yellow leaves point to root stress; wait before watering again and examine the root zone.
• Trimming confirmed failed roots: A living root stays solid when gently pressed; surface colour can change between waterings. Remove hollow or slippery sections using a clean sharp cutting tool, keep the crown high and return the remaining roots to a secure close-fitting pot with a coarse airy mix.
• Water and mites in leaf grooves: Dust, water and mites collect in the long grooves. Raise the crown, rinse a hardened leaf from base to tip and dry every channel with gentle airflow.
• Marginal browning and root moisture: Dry tips may begin with a fast-drying hanging pot, mineral-rich water or heat near the ceiling. Compare pot weight at the top and bottom of the watering cycle; use low-mineral water and lower the plant if heat gathers near the ceiling.

Anthurium veitchii 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.

Anthurium veitchii: name and meaning

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. Veitchii honours the Veitch family of British nurserymen.

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

Maxwell Tylden Masters first described Anthurium veitchii in 1876 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, new series, volume 6, page 772.