Anthurium magnificum green cordate leaves white veins

Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek

Anthurium magnificum in the ground

Credit: Jerzy Opiola

Green cordate leaves with white veins Anthurium magnificum

Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecien

Inflorescence Anthurium magnificum

Credit: HQ Flower guide

Anthurium magnificum, an Anthurium with contrasting foliage

Botanists can sometimes be quite imaginative when it comes to naming plants. And sometimes, words fail them when it comes to paying tribute to the beauty of a plant's foliage or flowers. This is undoubtedly what happened when they discovered this variety of Anthurium in Colombia. Captivated by the large green and white leaves, they chose a simple name that speaks for itself: Anthurium magnificum.

How to recognize Anthurium magnificum?

Anthurium magnificum is an epiphytic perennial. It measures between 60 and 90 centimetres in height, with the same spread, and has a bushy habit.

The short stem bears quadrangular petioles. This distinguishes Anthurium magnificum from anthurium crystallinum, which has cylindrical petioles.

The fleshy, cordate leaves have a velvety texture. They can reach 60 centimetres in length. Blades begin as burgundy. They then turn orange and light green. When mature, the dark-green leaves are crossed by white veins. The underside remains light green.

The plant flowers, even when grown indoors in pots. It develops an inflorescence composed of a spathe and a light-green spadix. The latter holds the tiny white flowers.

Anthurium magnificum is toxic if swallowed. Its sap is also irritating if it comes into contact with the skin. Keep your specimen away from small children and pets, and wear gloves when pruning.

Our maintenance tips

Watering

Anthurium magnificum likes regular, but not excessive, watering. Its roots must not be drowned. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water at room temperature.

Between waterings, let the soil dry on the surface (by about two centimetres).

Remember to remove any stagnant water from the saucer or planter.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Anthurium magnificum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Repot your Anthurium magnificum in a pierced plastic potone size larger than the previous one. Choose a transparent model so you can check humidity levels and root condition.

Anthurium magnificum need a light, airy substrate. For example, you can mix potting soil for epiphytic orchids, perlite and a little peat moss.

Line the bottom of the pot with your growing medium. Plant your specimen in the center and add substrate. Stop two or three centimetres before the edge to leave a watering trough.

Water for the first time to encourage rooting.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Addgreen plant fertilizer to watering water.

Cleaning

Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Anthurium magnificum growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.

Remember that anthurium magnificum are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

A few weeks before harvesting, surround the stem with sphagnum moss. Wrap the moss in transparent cling film. Mist regularly to keep the moss moist. This technique allows the stem to develop roots, increasing the chances of success for the cutting and survival for the mother plant.

When the roots are five centimetres long, you can cut the stem. Take Anthurium magnificum out of its pot and remove the sphagnum moss to observe the root system. Make a first cut to separate the plant from the underground roots and part of the stem. Cut off a portion containing the leaves, part of the stem and the roots formed by the sphagnum moss. Use a clean, sharp tool.

You can divide the rest of the stem into several sections. Be sure to retain some roots and a knot in each section.

Prepare a rich, draining mix. You can mix potting soil for green plants with bark, perlite or vermiculite. Fill plastic cups.

Then plant your cutting. Bury the roots, but let the stem rest horizontally on the substrate in the open air.

Cuttings are more likely to take root in a smothered environment. Place them in a translucent box or mini-greenhouse. Place in a sunny spot where the temperature is at least 20°C.

Mist as needed to maintain a high level of humidity, and air for a few minutes a day to prevent rotting.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Anthurium - Anthurium
Species	Anthurium magnificum - Anthurium magnificum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous
Tags	Fritillary Toxic
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	12a
Leaf color
Flower color