The Anthurium Leland Miyano is an aroid hybrid favored by collectors. This cultivar is known for the unique, dark, velvety sheen of its foliage, which sets it apart from many glossy Anthurium relatives. Its distinct appearance and relative scarcity contribute to its specialized position among enthusiasts. This plant requires a high degree of environmental control to maintain its textured leaves.
Identifying the Leland Miyano
The defining characteristic of the Anthurium Leland Miyano is the rich, almost black, velvety texture of its leaves. This texture, known scientifically as iridescence or structural color, results from microscopic papillae that scatter light, creating a matte, sueded appearance. The leaves are typically cordate, or heart-shaped, developing into a slightly elongated form as they mature.
A striking contrast to the dark leaf surface is the prominent venation pattern. The primary and secondary veins are typically a bright, silvery-white or pale green, deeply impressed into the surface. Mature leaves can reach impressive lengths, often exceeding 12 to 18 inches under optimal conditions. This combination of dark velvet and high-contrast silver veins differentiates it from similar dark-leafed Anthurium varieties.
Optimal Growing Conditions
The correct light is necessary for maintaining the plant’s deep foliage color and compact growth habit. It thrives best in bright, indirect light, such as an east-facing window or several feet away from a south or west exposure. Direct, intense sun will quickly scorch the velvet surface, while insufficient light causes new foliage to emerge thin and pale.
Consistent warmth is necessary, with ideal temperatures ranging between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C) during the day. Temperatures should never drop below 60°F (15°C), as cold drafts can cause stress and leaf damage. Maintaining high ambient humidity is the most demanding requirement for this tropical aroid.
Relative humidity levels should consistently remain above 60%, and preferably closer to 70–80%. This prevents the delicate leaf edges from browning or curling. Growers often utilize enclosed cabinets, terrariums, or humidifiers to create a localized microclimate that mimics its native environment. Without adequate humidity, the plant struggles to unfurl new leaves cleanly, leading to deformed foliage.
The root system requires a balance of moisture and aeration; overwatering is a common cause of failure. Water only when the top one-third to one-half of the substrate has dried out, ensuring a thorough soaking until water drains from the bottom. The potting medium must be well-draining and chunky, allowing for rapid air exchange around the roots.
A specialized aroid mix consisting of fir bark, charcoal, coarse perlite, and a small amount of coco coir is recommended. This open structure prevents the dense, compacted conditions that lead to root rot, promoting healthy, fibrous root growth characteristic of epiphytic species. Regular, light fertilization during the active growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer supports robust leaf production.
The History Behind the Hybrid
This hybrid owes its name and recognition to Leland Miyano, a respected Hawaiian landscape architect and plant enthusiast known for his work with tropical flora. The plant gained popularity among collectors after it was obtained by Ree Gardens as an unknown hybrid or species directly from Miyano’s collection. While its precise parentage remains unverified, it is valued for its unique combination of dark velvet and high-contrast venation.
The creation of this cultivar represents an effort to combine the robust growth and desirable texture traits from its parent species. Due to the slow growth rate and the difficulty in mass-producing this specialized aroid, it maintains a degree of scarcity in the commercial market. This combination of unique aesthetics and limited availability ensures that specimens often command a premium price among collectors. Its continued use in creating new hybrids demonstrates its enduring value in aroid breeding programs.
Methods for Successful Propagation
Reproducing the Anthurium Leland Miyano is most reliably achieved through stem cutting, which ensures the genetic continuity of the velvety characteristics. This involves selecting a section of the main stem that contains at least one active growth point (axillary bud) and several nodes. The cutting should be taken with a sterilized blade to minimize the risk of infection.
Before planting, the cut end is often allowed to callous over for a few hours, and rooting hormone powder may be applied. The prepared cutting is then placed in a moisture-retentive but sterile rooting medium. Sphagnum moss, either long-fiber or chopped, is frequently used because it retains high humidity while offering aeration.
Alternatively, a mixture of perlite and coco chips can be employed, provided it is kept consistently moist. The propagation environment must be sealed or placed in a high-humidity chamber to maintain near-100% relative humidity. This high moisture level prevents the cutting from desiccating before a robust root system can establish itself, which can take several weeks to a few months.