The Anthurium Clarinervium is a tropical plant with large green leathery leaves that grows to about two or three feet tall as a house plant. It’s dark green, heart-shaped leaves, and contrasting white veins.
You can identify Anthurium Clarinervium by sight and touch. Not only is the foliage stunningly beautiful, the leaves feel velvety feel against your palms. The leaves also feel as thick as cardboard, hence the common name Velvet Cardboard Anthurium.
Other common names for the Anthurium Clarinervium houseplant are Queen Anthurium and White-veined Anthurium.
The Clarinervium is an evergreen plant native to the tropical forest of southern Mexico. It belongs to the Araceae family (meaning it’s an Aroid).
While this isn’t necessarily the first plant we’d recommend for beginners, if you’re willing to take the time and give this plant the care it needs, there’s no reason why anyone can’t grow this spectacular plant.
So, how do you care for an Anthurium Clarinervium?
Anthurium Clarinervium Care
Here are the basics of Anthurium Clarinervium care and how to grow this Anthurium plant, which we will detail in this article.
- Soil: Chunky, well-draining potting soil that stays moist but never gets soggy
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight where possible.
- Water: Water thoroughly once the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. It prefers the soil to remain lightly moist.
- Humidity: 50-60% humidity is ideal
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged leaves.
- Where to buy: This can be found most consistently on Etsy.
Soil
The best Anthurium Clarinervium soil is a chunky, airy potting mix. Choosing the right potting soil is an essential part of Anthurium Clarinervium care. In fact, it is as important, if not more important, than anything else in this care guide.
You can purchase a premade mix that’s loose and well aerated or make your own mix.
If you choose to make your own, start with a premade orchid mix. Then, because the Velvet Cardboard Anthurium likes a loose and airy soil, you’ll need to add the following:
- 1 part Douglas fir bark
- 5 parts perlite
- 1 part sphagnum moss
The perlite retains water. You need a material that holds onto some moisture.
Once you have a soil mix you’re happy with, give it the following check to make sure. When you have the soil mix in the pot, pour water on it. Watch the water drain through the potting soil and the plant pot. Make sure it’s draining quickly.
Anthurium Clarinervium plants need quick drainage. They’re prone to root rot and other conditions caused by too much water and moisture.
Pro Tip: For extra credit, check the acidity of your soil with an inexpensive soil meter. This plant needs acidic soil between 5.5 pH to 6.5 pH.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing an Anthurium Clarinervium plant varies with the season. These plants do not require as much fertilization as other houseplants.
During your plant’s growing season, you’ll want to fertilize the plant about every two months. The rest of the year, you fertilize it once or twice in total.
Try to use half-strength indoor plant fertilizer. Ensure it contains a high level of phosphorous. The phosphorus level should be higher than all the other nutrients.
Pot
One-gallon pots are a good size for young Anthurium Clarinervium plants. You want your plant to have enough space for the roots to grow properly, or your plant will not grow as it should.
If your pot is too small, you may notice smaller or fewer leaves. Giving it too much space in a pot that’s too large is also not suitable for your plant.
New leaves and stems always sprout from the top of this plant. The plant can become heavy at the top, and the stem will start bending because it is trying to balance the added weight. Adding support to the stem helps the plant stay upright and maintain its appearance.
Tying the plant’s stem to a support pole will add support to it. This external support will help the plant to stay upright if needed.
Read our detailed guide: Moss Pole for Plants | What They Are and Why You Need One
When Should I Repot Anthurium Clarinervium?
The best time to repot your Anthurium Clarinervium is in the spring. Get the pot and soil ready. Make sure the new pot is two inches larger than the old one and use well-draining soil just like the original soil.
Anthurium Clarinervium does not like to be root bound. Because Anthurium Clarinervium is an epiphyte, it can get root-bound quickly because the roots can run out of space, and the plant will soon wilt.
How to Repot Anthurium Clarinervium
Re-potting an Anthurium Clarinervium is similar to any other houseplant.
When it is time to repot, follow these steps:
- Find a cute new pot (with a drainage hole) that’s about 2 inches larger than your current one.
- Get some fresh potting mix that is well-draining. Add some perlite if desired for extra drainage and moss to retain moisture. Orchid bark is also a great addition.
- Carefully remove your plant from the current pot.
- Check the root ball for any signs of poor health. Be sure it is not mushy or soft. If you do see anything wrong, carefully trim away the damaged roots.
- Add your potting mix to the pot, about ⅓ to ½ full, so that the plant stands out of the pot at roughly the same height it did in the old pot.
- Once your plant is in, fill the rest of the pot with soil. Keep the soil loose and not too compact.
When removing your plant from its old pot, be careful not to damage any roots. Untangle the roots as much as possible and carefully place the plant into its new pot. After repotting, be diligent about watering and ensure your plant gets the right amount of light.
It’s normal for the Anthurium Clarinervium plant to wilt and look poorly for a few days following a repotting. Be patient, and it will bounce back.
Sun/Light Requirements
Your Anthurium Clarinervium plant needs a medium to bright indirect light to thrive, but they will survive and grow (but not flower) in low light conditions.
Place your plant near a sunny window, but not in harsh direct sunlight because the leaves may burn.
The Anthurium Clarinervium plants grow more slowly and need less light in the winter.
You can tell if your velvet cardboard plant isn’t getting enough indirect light by its foliage. The bright, creamy-white veins may start to lose their vibrancy. You may also notice that the plant’s growth slows down, or its stems become leggy.
If your Anthurium looks unhappy and like it’s not getting enough sun, a couple of hours a day under a grow light should do the trick. One can purchase a grow light with a timer so you can set it and forget it.
How to Water Anthurium Clarinervium
Water your Anthurium Clarinervium when the top couple of inches of soil a dry. Don’t let your plant dry out completely, but also never let it sit in soggy and wet soil. You can test the moistness of your plant by pushing your finger into the soil.
Weekly watering is a general standard, but you should always check the soil first. Don’t go by a scheduled routine, but rather monitor the soil. If the top two inches are not dry, wait a day and check again.
Err on the side of too little moisture than too much. In its natural environment, the plant’s native rocky substrate doesn’t retain water.
Each time you water the plant, you’ll want to thoroughly drench the soil to ensure the entire rootball gets saturated. When you water with too small an amount, the top of the soil will stay too damp, which encourages pests and disease.
You’ll also need to keep an eye on the quality of the water you’re giving your Anthurium Clarinervium. They can struggle with hard, highly-mineralized water. This plant loves rainwater but distilled, or other purified water is good, too.
If you’re getting lackluster growth with plain tap water, upgrading your water source could make a big difference. We used these test strips at our house and found we have “very hard” water.
Pro tip: After watering, you may notice that the Anthurium Clarinervium leaves drip water. This dripping is normal and not a sign of a problem. You may, however, want to put something down on the floor to catch the water.
Be careful. It’s easy to over-water your plant when it is dormant. You’ll probably only need to water your plant twice a month during the winter.
Humidity
Anthurium Clarinervium loves high humidity. Aim for a humidity level of 50-60%. While they would love an even higher humidity level than that, anything above 60% won’t be good for your home.
If the plant is exposed to low moisture or humidity, then the edges of its leaves will start to turn brown. Brown leaves are a sign your plant needs more moisture and humidity.
Pro Tip: An inexpensive hygrometer is a wise investment in testing the humidity level in your home and adjusting it accordingly for your plants.
We have two fantastic articles detailing humidifiers for plants:
Temperature
Anthurium Clarinervium plants will thrive in the temperatures of most homes. They do best from about 68ºF to 80ºF, preferring the warm end of the range during the day and cool down at night.
This tropical plant can be kept outside year-round in USDA Zones 9a to 11 but suffers if the thermometer drops below 55ºF.
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. As temps rise above 90°F (32ºC), you may see faded, dry leaves.
Pruning
Pruning really isn’t a large part of Anthurium Clarinervium care. You’ll want to do basic grooming as needed. Remove dead or infected leaves.
Cutting Anthurium Clarinervium
To cut your Clarinmervium, trim leaves in the usual way with a sterile cutting tool, cutting down to the main stem. You can also try pushing down on the petiole of the leaf you want to remove until it pops off.
The leaves of this plant pop off relatively easily, so take extra caution when handling the leaves you want to keep.
Size and Growth of Anthurium Clarinervium
Many species of Anthurium can get prohibitively large as a house plant. The Clarinervium is a smaller growing species that is perfect for growing as a houseplant.
- Clarinervium is not fast-growing and stays compact relative to the size of its foliage.
- They reach approximately two feet high and three feet wide, with leaves of about eight to ten inches long when potted.
- Their thick roots are adapted to support thin soil wedged between stones.
How to Divide Anthurium Clarinervium
The easiest way to propagate Anthurium Clarinervium is by simply dividing a plant into each plant with its own root system.
The best and most convenient time to divide the plant is while you’re repotting your plant.
Pro tip: When repotting your plant, if you notice that your Anthurium Clarinervium has more than one stem, you can divide the plant and move one stem to a new pot.
Gently unpot the plant and separate smaller offsets or stem sets, ensuring each has roots and at least one leaf.
Plant the divided portion in the same type of mix as the mother plant.
Flowers and Foliage
Anthurium Clarinervium does flower and bloom. Many Anthuriums have lovely, shiny flowers, but the Anthurium Clarinervium isn’t one of them.
Anthurium Clarinervium is grown for its striking, leathery, thick foliage.
We recommend that you should cut the flower of Anthurium Clarinervium as the flowers are not as beautiful as the leaves. Allowing the flowers to grow will take the energy that could otherwise go toward growing new leaves.
Anthurium Clarinervium Problems
This plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, especially if you avoid overwatering.
Curling Leaves
Why is my Anthurium Clarinervium curling? Typically, when leaves curl, it can be caused by the following:
- Soil that is too dry
- Soil that has stayed too wet
- Low humidity. Try and provide at least 50-60% humidity indoors.
- Temperatures that are too cold or too hot.
Yellow Leaves
Many things can cause yellow leaves. You’ll need to go through the list to determine what is most likely wrong and fix it.
- Soil that has been completely dry for too long
- Soil that has stayed too wet for too long.
- Not enough light
- Pot with no drainage
- Pot that is much too big for the plant’s root system
Root Rot
Signs of root rot in your Anthurium Clarinervium plant are slow growth, mushy stems, and wilting, yellow, distorted leaves (especially when the plant has been well watered, as wilting leaves can also be a sign of a dry plant). Usually the soil will smell rotten and the roots will appear to be reddish brown.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs pose the most significant pest risk. Mealybugs are tiny insects that look like caterpillars with scales. From far away, they look like little bits of cotton. Mealybugs thrive in the same conditions that your Pothos plant thrives in – warm and humid.
If you notice mealybugs, you’ll want to spray your plant right away with insecticidal soap.
FAQ’s: Anthurium Clarinervium
Is Anthurium Clarinervium hard to care for?
Anthurium Clarinervium is picky about the soil you choose. It’s essential to use loose, airy, yet chunky soil. See the details in the article above. High humidity and careful watering are also important, but the Anthurium Clarinervium is not hard to care for once you figure out the right balance. It’s a tough plant that is hard to keep and doesn’t usually get a lot of pest infestations or diseases.
Is Anthurium Clarinervium rare?
Anthurium Clarinervium is a trendy and sought-after plant listed by many plant retailers as rare. We always recommend caution with plants like this, as some sellers will hike the price. Check around and compare prices at different retailers. Our favorite place to buy an Anthurium Clarinervium plant is Etsy from a reputable seller with excellent reviews.
Is Anthurium Clarinervum toxic?
Clarinervium is mildly poisonous to humans and dangerous to pets if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
Signs of poisoning include drooling, low appetite, and evidence of oral pain. More severe symptoms are vomiting and, rarely, swelling of the upper respiratory system and subsequent labored breathing.
Other Anthurium Varieties To Check Out
Anthurium Crystallinum vs Clarinervium
One Anthurium variety commonly confused with the Clarinervium is the Crystallinum. The main difference between Anthurium Crystallinum and Clarinervium is that Anthurium Crystallinum has narrower leaves of bright green color, while Anthurium Clarinervium has broader dark green leaves.
Anthurium Crystallinum grows faster than Anthurium Clarinervium. The care needed for each plant is nearly identical.
Purchase Anthurium Crystallinum
Anthurium Magnificum vs Clarinervium
The Anthurium Magnificum is different than the Clarinervium plant in that it has large round leaves instead of elongated leaves. Similarly, both indoor plants have white veins that contrast against the dark green leaves.
The Magnificum looks like an (extremely) oversized version of Anthurium Clarinervium or Crystallinum. The leaves are thick and heavy with a velvety texture. Because of the weight of its tremendous foliage, Anthurium Magnificum needs vertical support to grow to its full potential.
Anthurium Clarinervium vs King Clarinervium
What is sometimes called the King Clarinervium is actually Anthurium Veitchii. The size is the most significant difference between the Anthurium Clarinervium and the Anthurium Veitchii.
The glossy, rippled leaves of the King Clarinervium can grow between 4 and 5 feet long! Leaves of the Clarinervum are more like eight to ten inches long.
Anthurium Clarinervium vs Alocasia
Anthuriums and alocasias are sometimes confused with one another. Looking at the roots, you can tell the difference between Anthurium Clarinervium and an Alocasia.
Alocasias have thin roots. Anthurium roots are thicker, fleshier, and more fibrous.
Anthurium Clarinervium Dark Form vs Normal (Anthurium tarantula vs Clarinervium)
Anthurium Clarinervium Dark Form, also known as the Anthurium Clarinervium Tarantula, has deeper and darker green leaves than the “normal” Clarinervium.
The deeper green on the leaves leads to a more prominent-looking white marking running through the leaf.
The Dark Form is a mutation. If you have a standard version of the plant, you may not notice much difference initially, but as the plant matures, it should be darker. Look for the plant being marketed as “dark green” or “dark form” when shopping for one of these.
Anthurium Regale vs Clarinervium
Anthurium Regale can grow up to 5-8 feet tall with leaves measuring up to 46 inches long wide. That is huge! The Clarinervium doesn’t even come close to that. If you want to purchase a Regale as an indoor plant, be sure you have enough room in your house!
Where to Buy Anthurium Clarinervium Plant
Anthurium Clarinervium is both expensive and difficult to find. Many online merchants are “out of stock” of these indoor plants. We have found that the most reliably stocked online merchant is Etsy because of the variety of small businesses that sell there. Prices vary, so do your research and choose a reputable seller with excellent reviews.
Final Thoughts on Anthurium Clarinervium
If you’re looking for an indoor plant that’s deep, dark, and gorgeous, this is it!
Some items we discussed that will help you with Anthurium Clarinervium plant care to keep it growing strong:
Good luck growing your Anthurium Clarinervium plant and making it part of your cozy, fresh, and green home!
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