Anthurium Crystallinum
Larger and thinner-leaved than its cousin clarinervium, with the same white veins on velvet and new leaves that unfurl bronze. A rainforest epiphyte that wants humidity, airy soil and gentle light.
Crystallinum and clarinervium get confused, and the difference matters for care. Crystallinum has larger, thinner leaves that need a little more water and a little more humidity, and it grows faster. New leaves emerge bronze and darken to green over a couple of weeks, which never gets old.
Many plants sold as crystallinum are hybrids; the care is the same.
Light
Bright indirect light, softened. An east window or a bright north one. Direct sun scorches the thin velvet leaves within an hour.
Water
Lightly moist chunky mix, watered when the top inch is dry, about every six days in summer and every eleven in winter. Thinner leaves than clarinervium mean it wilts faster. Filtered water.
Soil and potting
A chunky aroid mix, mostly bark and perlite with some coir. Repot every couple of years.
Feeding
A quarter-strength balanced feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Division, or seed from pollinated berries. Slow.
In a hot, dry home
Sixty percent humidity, in a humidifier room or a cabinet. The thin leaves crisp faster than clarinervium's in dry air. A cabinet plant here.
Problems and fixes
Crisping edges
Likely cause: Low humidity
Fix: Raise humidity.
Wilting leaves
Likely cause: Dry mix
Fix: Water; it recovers within hours.
Yellowing
Likely cause: Wet, dense mix
Fix: Repot into chunkier mix.
Anthurium Crystallinum questions
What is the difference between crystallinum and clarinervium?
Crystallinum has larger, thinner leaves, grows faster and wants slightly more water. Clarinervium is thicker, slower and a little tougher. Both want high humidity and an airy mix.
Why are the new leaves bronze?
New anthurium leaves emerge bronze or reddish and turn green as they harden. It is normal.
Is Anthurium crystallinum toxic to pets?
Yes. Calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Philodendron Melanochrysum
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
Alocasia Dragon Scale
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
