Anthurium veitchii

Botanical origin of Anthurium veitchii

Anthurium veitchii occurs in the Colombian departments of Chocó and Antioquia. An epiphyte of wet tropical forest, it roots in bark crevices and accumulated organic material on trees, where water drains freely.

How to grow Anthurium veitchii

• Provide bright screened light from above: Even light keeps the crown well lit and supports balanced growth. Protect the glossy surface from strong midday sun.
• Temperature: Growth is well suited to 20–28 °C. Protect it when prolonged temperatures approach levels below 15 °C.
• Water a coarse airy bark-based mix: When the top pieces are becoming dry, wet the coarse mix evenly and let the excess drain.
• Feeding: A light feed is enough while fresh leaves and roots are developing. Cut back on feeding when growth slows.
• Humidity and leaf care: 50–60% humidity and gentle airflow help a soft new leaf open through its deep folds. When cleaning, support the leaf and wipe in the direction of the ribs.
• Raise the pot before the leaves become long: Keep a clear drop below the crown so mature leaves do not crease against a shelf, floor or wall.
• Repotting cue: A crowded root system or tightly packed new growth from the base are the cues to move the clump into a slightly wider pot.
• Propagation: Separate rooted basal growth when it forms, or use a healthy stem section with an active growing point.

Common problems with Anthurium veitchii

• A new leaf opens with uneven pleats: It may have rubbed against another surface or experienced a sharp change in root moisture while expanding. Clear the crown and keep the next watering cycle steadier.
• A mature blade has a horizontal crease: Contact with a shelf, floor or pot edge has folded the tissue. Increase the free drop; the existing crease will remain.
• Fine pale stippling spreads between the ribs: Inspect both sides for mites. If you confirm them, isolate the plant and rinse the complete blade. Apply a treatment labelled for mites to both leaf surfaces and between the ribs, then repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.

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.