King Anthurium

Basic Information

Common Name: King Anthurium

Scientific Name: Anthurium veitchii

Native Habitat: Colombia

History / Discovery / Cultivator

Anthurium veitchii, commonly known as the King Anthurium, is a magnificent plant admired for its elongated, deeply corrugated leaves that can reach impressive lengths. Its origin story is deeply intertwined with the history of botanical exploration and cultivation. The plant was named in honor of James Veitch Jr., a prominent figure in the Veitch & Sons nursery, a renowned horticultural firm based in England during the 19th century. The Veitch nurseries played a pivotal role in introducing numerous exotic plants from around the world to European gardens and conservatories.

The Veitch & Sons firm employed plant collectors who ventured into remote and often perilous regions to discover new species. While the exact details of Anthurium veitchii’s discovery are somewhat hazy, it’s widely accepted that one of Veitch’s collectors likely encountered the plant in its native habitat in Colombia. Colombia is a biodiversity hotspot with varied terrain that ranges from tropical rainforests to high-altitude cloud forests, making it an ideal place for unique plant species to evolve. This region remains the native habitat of the plant.

Once the King Anthurium was brought back to England, it quickly captured the attention of botanists and horticulturalists. Its unique foliage, characterized by prominent ribs and a dark green coloration, set it apart from other Anthurium species. The plant’s impressive size and dramatic appearance made it a highly sought-after specimen for Victorian conservatories, which were fashionable display spaces for exotic plants.

Cultivation of Anthurium veitchii presented challenges early on. Its specific environmental needs, particularly high humidity and warm temperatures, required specialized greenhouse conditions. The Veitch nurseries, with their expertise in cultivating tropical plants, were well-equipped to meet these requirements. They refined cultivation techniques and propagated the plant, making it available to a select clientele of wealthy plant enthusiasts.

Over time, the King Anthurium’s popularity spread beyond England. As horticultural knowledge advanced, the plant became more accessible to hobbyists and collectors worldwide. Despite its growing popularity, however, Anthurium veitchii has never been as commonplace as some other Anthurium species. Its relatively slow growth rate, coupled with the challenges of maintaining ideal growing conditions, have contributed to its continued status as a prized and somewhat uncommon plant. The plant’s enduring appeal lies in its regal presence and the sense of wonder it evokes, reminding us of the Victorian era of botanical exploration and the passion for exotic plants that fueled it.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Anthurium veitchii’s most striking adaptation is the deeply corrugated or ribbed structure of its leaves. These ribs provide structural support to the large leaves, preventing them from drooping or breaking under their own weight. The large leaf surface area allows for efficient light capture in the shady understory of its native rainforest habitat. Its epiphytic tendencies (growing on other plants without harming them) allows it to access sunlight in the dense forest canopy. The plant also has specialized root structures that enable it to cling to surfaces and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and surrounding environment.

Propagation Methods

Anthurium veitchii can be propagated through several methods, including:

* Stem Cuttings: Taking a stem cutting with at least one node and rooting it in a well-draining medium is a common method.
* Division: Mature plants can be divided at the root ball, ensuring each division has sufficient roots and foliage.
* Air Layering: This involves encouraging root growth on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant by wounding the stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. Once roots develop, the stem can be cut and planted.

Toxicology

Anthurium veitchii contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to both humans and pets if ingested. When chewed or swallowed, these crystals can cause immediate pain and irritation in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Symptoms may include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. While rarely life-threatening, ingestion can be quite uncomfortable. It’s advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets who are prone to chewing on plants. If ingestion occurs, rinse the mouth with water and seek medical or veterinary advice.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Spider mites
• Mealybugs
• Thrips

Diseases:

• Root rot (due to overwatering)
• Bacterial blight
• Fungal leaf spot

Other:

• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or low humidity.
• Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, inconsistent watering, or fertilizer burn.
• Slow growth: Insufficient light, improper soil, or lack of nutrients.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

Anthurium veitchii is considered relatively rare due to its slow growth rate and specific environmental requirements. It can take several years for a plant to reach a mature size with the characteristic long, corrugated leaves. Limited natural habitat and difficulty in propagation also contribute to its rarity.

Value:

The value of Anthurium veitchii specimens is influenced by several factors:

* Size: Larger, more mature plants command higher prices due to the time and effort required to grow them.
* Leaf Quality: The length, width, and degree of corrugation in the leaves are important indicators of value. Plants with well-defined ribs and dark green coloration are more desirable.
* Maturity: Mature plants are more expensive because they are closer to producing flowers and seeds.
* Collector Trends: Current demand for rare and unusual plants can significantly impact prices, with trends driving up the value of sought-after species.