How to Grow and Care for Anthurium metallicum Indoors

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Anthurium metallicum prefers bright indirect light, moderate warmth, highly humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, chunky aroids soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Anthurium metallicum is one of the popular Anthurium varieties on account of its large, velvety, dark-green almost black leaves with distinct veining and a beautiful metallic appearance in bright light.

The inflorescence is dark-pink to red and is about 15-20 cm long. Due to these characteristics, Anthurium metallicum is an outstanding addition to any plant collection and is sought-after by many plant enthusiasts.

Botanical name: Anthurium metallicum
Family: Araceae

Origin

Anthurium metallicum is native to Columbia where it is found growing erect or semi-erect in ravines or along the border of trails.

Size

Anthurium metallicum grows to a height of 6 feet with a spread of 3-5 feet. The leaves can be over 4 feet long with a beautiful velvety sheen making it one of the best large low-light plants for the living room where it will provide a magnificent sight.

Is Anthurium metallicum toxic?

Yes. Anthurium metallicum like other Anthuriums is toxic to both humans and pets. It is considered to contain oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling this plant and wash your hands thereafter.

Where to Buy

Anthurium metallicum is an excellent plant for any houseplants collection. Check them on Etsy Link to Etsy).

Anthurium metallicum Indoor Care

To care for Anthurium metallicum indoors, give it bright indirect light (filtered light), warmth of 16-28⁰C, humidity of 60-80% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer.

Anthurium metallicum care requires pruning to keep it neat and also minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when it outgrows its current pot. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water your Anthurium metallicum thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf drop

Cut down on watering in fall and winter as growth is reduce at this time. Maintain the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid wilting, crispy leaf edges and brown leaf tips.

Use room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf loss. Only water with chlorine-free water to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Ascertain that the soil is well-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot, yellowing leaves and eventual plant death.

Light Requirements

Anthurium metallicum grows best in bright indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. A curtain-filtered sunny window is perfect for this plant.

This plant naturally grows under the canopy of rainforests, meaning direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, while too little light can slow its growth.

If the leaves become dull and small, it might not be getting enough light. Move it closer to a well-lit window or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Rotate the pot frequently to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth to prevent unbalanced growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Anthurium metallicum prefers a warmth of 16-28⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like drafty windows, windy doors, AC units, heaters and others to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Abrupt temperature flacuations can result in reduced growth and leaf drop.

Anthurium metallicum flourishes in a humidity of 60-80%; too low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To stepup humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain good air circulation to minimze fungal diseases.

Potting Soil

The best potting soil for Anthurium metallicum is a fetile, aerated, well-draining potting mix that mimicks its epiphytic environment. An Aroids potting mix is ideal for this plant. You may add charcoal to the mix to prevent fungal growth and keep the roots healthy.

Fertilizer

Feed your Anthurium metallicum with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period (spring and summer). Minimize or stop feeding in fall and winter as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.

To prevent yellowing or brown leaf tips, occasionally flush out accumulated salts from the soil. Do this 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 the process several times.

Repotting

Repot your Anthurium metallicum every 1-2 years at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when pot-bound. Use a pot one-size larger and free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these ceramic planters with drainage hole on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Anthurium metallicum entail removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and to reduce pest and disease infestations.

Cut the leaves at the base of the stem with a sharp sterlized knife or a clean pair scissors to avoid unnecessary injuries which can lead to fungal disease infestations.

Clean the leaves occasionally by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust. Do not leave water drops on the leaves as it may cause fungal infestations.

Anthurium metallicum Propagation

Anthurium metallicum is best propagated by plant divison, air layering, and stem cuttings which can be rooted either in water or in soil. The best time to propagate is during the growing season (spring and summer) when in active growth for faster establishment.

Learn how to propagate Anthurium metallicum in 4 easy ways

Anthurium metallicum Problems & Remedies

Anthurium metallicum problems are yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, wilting & drooping leaves, brown leaf spots, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Anthurium metallicum are too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.

How to fix it

Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot or use a grow light is you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out but do allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and free-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like windy doors and windows, AC units, heat sources and others.

Brown leaf tips

Brown leaf tips on Anthurium metallicum are caused by too dry air or soggy soil.

How to fix it

Too dry air: Group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in the humid areas in the home.

Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and soil that drains easily.

Wilting & drooping leaves

Wilting & drooping leaves on Anthurium metallicum are caused by dry air, inconsistent watering, temperature stress or pest infestations.

How to fix it

Dry air: To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in the bathroom and other moist areas in the home.

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts and protect it from direct sunlight or use of a light curtain to filter the sunshine.

Pest infestations: Inspect the plant regularly and take timely control measures to get rid of these pests.

Brown leaf spots

Brown leaf spots on Anthurium metallicum are sunburn marks which are caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shaded place or use a curtain to filter the light.

Pests

Common pests on Anthurium metallicum are spider mites, aphids and fungus gnats.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers' recommendations.


3. Keep the plant well pruned to reduce the hiding and breeding places for these pests.

Diseases

Anthurium metallicum is prone to root-rot disease which is prevalent in soggy soil. It is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves which is rapidly followed by browning and plant collapse.

1. Carefully slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots.


2. Trim brown-black mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as indicated on the label.


3. Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.


4. Do not water the plant immediately; keep it dry for 5-7 days before you resume watering.


5. Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent the soil from getting soggy.


6. Decrease watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is slowed at this time.

Related Content: 8 Common Anthurium Problems and How to Fix Them

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