Anthurium warocqueanum

A Colombian epiphyte introduced by Gustav Wallis

Anthurium warocqueanum was collected in Colombia by Gustav Wallis in 1874 and entered European horticulture soon afterwards. In nature it creeps epiphytically through humid Colombian forest at roughly 400–1,200 m. Its roots follow mossy trunks and organic pockets beneath a filtered canopy, with high moisture in the air but rapid drainage around the root system.

Care for epiphytic Anthurium roots and foliage

• Support, velvet leaves and propagation: Stake the upright stem with a mossed support because the long pendant leaves can topple the plant. Keep water off the brittle velvet surface and propagate from independently rooted offsets or viable stem sections.
• Light: Give bright, diffuse light from above and protect the long leaf blades from direct midday sun.
• Watering: Keep the open root mix lightly moist, watering as soon as the surface begins to dry. Drain fully and use low-mineral water.
• Humidity and airflow: Aim for high humidity with gentle continuous airflow along the full length of the leaves.
• Substrate and repotting: During acclimation, keep Anthurium warocqueanum in its nursery pot while you compare pot weight before and after watering and watch the airy epiphytic root zone; repot after active roots make its drying rhythm predictable. Later, choose a stable elevated pot with coarse bark, coco husk, chopped sphagnum or coir and pumice.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium warocqueanum

• Flexible leaves and yellowing: Flexible leaves with a light pot and dry open mix indicate thirst; water fully and drain. A pot that remains heavy with limp yellow growth needs a root check. Sudden changes in warmth or humidity can damage an opening leaf.
• Root aeration and damaged sections: Firm roots remain springy in a coarse, lightly moist mix. Remove hollow or slippery sections with a disinfected blade, keep the crown high and anchor the plant securely.
• Fine feeding marks and pest residue: Thrips scar leaves before they unfold; mites leave fine stippling along the blade. Inspect both surfaces and the newest sheath. Isolate, use a treatment labelled for the pest and delicate foliage, then repeat as directed and scan the youngest leaf after treatment.
• Stem leaning as leaves lengthen: Long leaves can pull an upright stem off-centre as they gain weight. Stake the base early, keep the pot stable and leave the full hanging path clear.
• Dry edging around the blade: Brown tips can appear after a missed watering, salts or a humidity drop. Use pot weight to time a low-mineral flush, protect the leaf from hot dry air and inspect roots if browning continues. Compare the next opening leaf after conditions stabilise.

Anthurium warocqueanum is toxic to pets

• Anthurium warocqueanum 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 Belgian plant grower Arthur Warocqué

Warocqueanum honours the Belgian plant grower Arthur Warocqué. The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix.