Anthurium (Anthurium crassinervium)
Discover Anthurium crassinervium, a majestic bird's nest Anthurium, easily grown in tropical Zones 10-12 with striking foliage.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Anthurium crassinervium, often broadly referred to as Anthurium, is a remarkable specimen plant highly valued for its tropical stature and dramatic, textural foliage. Native to the Caribbean and Northern South America, this species commands attention, growing into a large, upright rosette resembling a bird’s nest fern—a key characteristic distinguishing many Anthurium types. Mature plants of Anthurium crassinervium can easily reach five to six feet in height and width, providing significant architectural interest in suitable warm climates.
This herbaceous perennial thrives when provided conditions mimicking its humid, tropical origins. While prized for its rare, dark-colored flowers blooming nearly continuously, the foliage truly defines this plant, featuring large, glossy leaves with distinct, thick veins, giving rise to its specific epithet, crassinervium. Offering long-lasting beauty, it serves as a prime focal point or accent plant in tropical landscape designs.
Gardeners should note that its growth habit allows it to flourish not only in rich soil but also as an epiphyte or lithophyte in its native habitat, which speaks to its robust nature provided core needs—moisture and warmth—are consistently met. Successful cultivation of Anthurium crassinervium requires attention to drainage and adequate partial shade protection.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Caribbean, northern South America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-6 ft
- Spread: 4-6 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers freely
- Bloom Description: Red, Green to purple spathe and purple spadix
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal establishment, plant the Anthurium crassinervium during the warmer parts of the year, ensuring it is positioned where it receives the beneficial filtered light of part shade, though it can tolerate full sun if moisture levels are strictly maintained. The single most critical aspect of culture is the soil, which absolutely must be loose, well-draining, and consistently moist. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that suppress root aeration, as this moisture-loving plant will quickly suffer root rot if left waterlogged.
Maintain a medium watering schedule, focusing on even moisture distribution without saturation. During active growth phases, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer formulated for tropical foliage plants will support the massive leaf production characteristic of this species. Pruning is minimal, typically involving the removal of spent flower stalks or damaged, older leaves near the base of the plant.
As this Anthurium is only hardy in tropical USDA Zones 11 and 12, gardeners situated in lower hardiness zones must treat it as an annual or ensure it is brought indoors before any danger of frost occurs. When overwintering indoors, place it near a bright window and reduce watering slightly, mimicking winter dormancy conditions common in its native environment.
Landscape Uses
The commanding size and striking foliage of the Anthurium crassinervium make it an exceptional choice for use as an accent or specimen plant within a tropical landscape design. Its upright, nest-like habit provides excellent vertical structure, contrasting beautifully against lower-growing, mounding foliage. Consider planting it as a striking centerpiece in a well-drained bed where its large spathes and spadices can be easily observed.
Since this Anthurium requires high humidity and protection from harsh wind, group it with other broadleaf tropicals like philodendrons, bromeliads, or ornamental bananas to create a cohesive understory grouping. It pairs well spatially with smaller, brightly colored annuals planted at its base, drawing the eye upward to the massive leaves of the Anthurium.
Standout Features
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Anthurium crassinervium is a species of bird’s nest anthurium native to tropical and subtropical regions of Venezuela, Colombia, and portions of the Caribbean. It can grow as an epiphyte (on other plants), lithophyte (on bare rocks), or in the ground. Mature plants can be quite large, reaching up 6’ tall with an equal spread. The leaves have wavy margins, are somewhat glossy, and can reach up to 4.5’ long and 1.75’ wide on a petiole (leaf stem) reaching up to 1’ long. They emerge from the center of a stout stem and are held upright in a loose rosette, similar in appearance to a bird’s nest fern. Long, thin, erect inflorescences bloom nearly continuously. They are held atop a peduncle (inflorescence stem) reaching up to 3’ long. The inflorescence is made up of a green to purple outer spathe and dark purple, spike-like spadix. The flowers are followed by bright red, oval-shaped fruits.Genus name comes from the Greek words anthos meaning a flower and oura meaning a tail referring to the tail-like spadix.The specific epithet crassinervium means “with large veins”, possibly in reference to the sharply raised midribs and lateral veins on the undersides of the foliage.
Tolerances
(No data provided for tolerances)
Potential Problems
Pruning is minimal for the Anthurium crassinervium, but vigilance against common tropical pests is essential for maintaining healthy tropical foliage. Watch carefully for signs of mealybugs, thrips, scale, and spider mites. These sap-sucking insects thrive in the warm, humid conditions this plant prefers.
Regular inspection of the undersides of the large leaves is the best proactive measure. If infestations are minor, they can often be managed by wiping the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas. Severe infestations may require systemic treatment to protect the integrity of the large leaves of the Anthurium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Anthurium suitable for?
The Anthurium crassinervium is hardy only in warm tropical USDA Zones 10 through 12. Protection below Zone 10 is mandatory.
How large does Anthurium crassinervium grow?
Mature specimens typically reach a height between 5 to 6 feet, with a corresponding spread ranging from 4 to 6 feet, creating a significant presence.
What sun exposure does Anthurium need?
This Anthurium performs best when given full sun to part shade conditions; ensure any direct sun exposure is balanced with consistently medium watering.
When does Anthurium bloom?
This plant is noted for flowering freely, producing long, thin inflorescences nearly continuously throughout the growing season.
Conclusion
The exceptional architectural form and glossy, prominently veined leaves solidify the Anthurium crassinervium as a premier choice for creating dramatic vignettes in tropical gardens. This magnificent species, identifiable by its bird’s nest growth pattern, requires consistent warmth and excellent drainage to flourish. Before planting, confirm your USDA zone compatibility or plan for its protection as a container plant if you live outside Zones 10-12.
Companion Planting
Given the cultural requirements of high humidity, consistently moist yet loose soil, and protection from afternoon scorching, the Anthurium crassinervium thrives alongside other large-leaved tropicals. Consider pairing it with Musa (banana relatives) or large Gingers to establish a dense, jungle-like canopy that naturally buffers the intense sun. Planting beneath established trees like semi-tropical oaks can provide the dappled light necessary to prevent leaf scorch while maintaining the required warmth for this Anthurium.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For successful year-round management of your Anthurium crassinervium, focus your efforts seasonally. During the peak growing season (late spring through early fall), ensure fertilizer applications are regular to support leaf expansion and continuous blooming. Water deeply whenever the top inch or two of soil begins to feel dry. As temperatures drop approaching winter in borderline Zones 10-11, begin reducing irrigation frequency slightly and cease fertilization entirely until spring warmth returns. Always remove any yellowing or desiccated leaves promptly to encourage fresh growth from the crown.
