Botanical name: Anthurium crystallinum
Family: Araceae
Crystal Anthurium is one of the eye-catching foliage species of Anthuriums whose heart-shaped leaves are velvety on the surface and the leaf color changes from bronzy-purple to deep-green with age. The foliage hangs vertically, displaying the prominent silvery veins. Under good light, the silvery veins reflect light like crystals and hence the name "Crystal Anthurium". The inflorescences are green spathes with a pale-green spandix. This plant flowers through out the year. It is native to the tropical regions of Panama to Peru where it grows as an epiphyte on trees. It may not be easy to grow under room conditions but with proper care it can last for many years.
Crystal Anthurium prefers bright indirect light. A curtain-filtered sunny window is perfect. Protect the plant from direct sunlight to avoid scorching of the leaves. Learn more on how to ensure your plant receives the correct light in this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Keep soil moist at all times for Crystal Anthurium during the growing season but reduce watering in the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist. Avoid waterlogging as it may lead to the root-rot. Learn more on how to water houseplants.
Average warmth with a minimum of 160C is ideal for Crystal Anthurium. Protect it from cold draughts. Find out more on temperature for houseplants.
Crystal Anthurium requires high humidity. Raise humidity by more frequent misting or set the pot on a wet pebble tray. Clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and avoid water drops on the leaves as it may cause fungal infection.
Feed Cyrstal Anthurium every 3-4 weeks during the growing period with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn. Regularly flush out accumulated salts in the soil by running a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage hole. Allow it to run for a few minutes and repeat several times. Find out more on feeding houseplants.
Repot Crystal Anthurium every 2 years at the beginning of the growing season. Use a pot one-size larger and free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Pruning Crystal Anthurium is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy. Cut the leaves at the base of the stem. Wayward leaves can also be removed to maintain the shape of the plant. Learn more on how to prune houseplants.
Crystal Anthurium can be propagated during the growing season from from splits. Divide the mother plant into several sections while ensuring each divison has some roots. Pot up the splits in moist soil in individual pots. Place the set up in a cool place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Ensure the crown of the plant is above the soil level to avoid rotting. Allow the plant to be well established before transplanting.
One reason for this is that the air is too dry for Crystal Anthurium; set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. The other reason for brown leaf tips is waterlogging of the soil; maintain the soil moist but not soggy.
There are two causes of yellow leaves in Crystal Anthurium. One reason is waterlogging; maintain the soil moist but not soggy, ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining. Reason number two is cold draughts; protect the Crystal Anthurium from cold draughts or place it away from windy doors and windows.
These are sunburn marks caused by exposure of Crystal Anthurium to direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shaded place or use a curtain to filter the light.
There are four causes of this in Crystal Anthurium. One reason is low humidity: raise humidity by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray. Reason number two is incorrect watering, either underwatering or overwatering; maintain the soil moist at all times during the growing season and never allow the soil ball to dry out. Learn more on how to water houseplants. The third reason is too high temperature due to exposure to direct sunlight; protect the plant from direct sunlight. The fourth and last reason is pests and diseases infestation; take control measures for these pests.
The common pests in Crystal Anthurium are Spider Mites, Aphids and Fungus Gnats.
Crystal Anthurium is prone to Root-rot Disease which is promoted by waterlogged soil.
Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum) is toxic to both humans and pets. It contains oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling and wash your hands thereafter.
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