The ‘Queen of Hearts Anthurium’ is a highly coveted houseplant, celebrated by collectors for its dramatic, dark, and uniquely textured foliage. This hybrid cultivar was specifically bred for its aesthetic qualities, capturing the luxurious feel of tropical aroids. Its striking appearance, characterized by a velvety surface and rich coloration, makes it a true focal point in any indoor plant collection.
Unique Characteristics and Origin
The Queen of Hearts Anthurium is botanically a hybrid, meaning it does not have a single natural habitat but was cultivated for ornamental use. Its parentage is believed to involve velvet-leaved species like Anthurium dressleri or Anthurium papillilaminum, which belong to the Araceae family. This hybrid is distinct from the similarly named species Anthurium warocqueanum, or Queen Anthurium, which features elongated leaves and is native to Colombia.
The plant is prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach impressive sizes under optimal conditions. The most captivating feature is the foliage’s velvety texture, which absorbs light to create a deep, matte finish. New leaves emerge in a dark, reddish-brown or bronze hue before maturing into a striking, deep green that can appear almost black in certain light settings.
Creating the Ideal Environment
The Queen of Hearts requires bright, indirect light to maintain its compact form and rich leaf coloration. Too much direct sun can quickly scorch the delicate, velvety leaves, while insufficient light will cause growth to slow and the plant to become leggy.
Maintaining a consistently warm and humid atmosphere is necessary for this plant. Temperatures should ideally remain between 18°C and 26°C (65°F–79°F), as the plant is highly sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 14°C (57°F). A high humidity level, preferably around 70% or higher, encourages the development of large, unblemished leaves. Many enthusiasts use a dedicated grow cabinet or humidifier to achieve this tropical microclimate indoors.
A chunky, airy, and well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent the development of root rot, a common issue with aroids. A suitable substrate should mimic the porous structure of its natural growing medium and can be created using a blend of components like orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and charcoal. This mix should retain enough moisture to keep the roots from completely drying out but still allow for significant airflow and rapid water drainage.
Ongoing Maintenance and Propagation
A balanced approach to watering is necessary, as the Queen of Hearts is sensitive to both overly wet and overly dry conditions. The goal is to keep the substrate consistently moist but never soggy, watering only when the top 10–15% of the soil has dried out. Using tepid, chlorine-free water is beneficial, and consistency in the watering schedule is key.
During the active growing season of spring and summer, the plant benefits from regular, diluted fertilization to support its large leaves. A balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer should be applied monthly, or a “weakly, weekly” approach using a very low concentration can be used to avoid fertilizer burn. Fertilizing should be reduced significantly or stopped entirely during the cooler, darker winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
Repotting is typically needed every one to two years, or when the plant has completely outgrown its container and roots are circling the pot. When repotting, select a container that is only slightly larger and refresh the chunky aroid mix, taking care not to damage the delicate root system. Propagation is best achieved by division, separating any offsets or pups that have developed at the base of the mature plant during the repotting process. Ensure each division has a portion of the root system attached before potting it into its own fresh, airy medium. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic and can cause irritation and swelling if ingested by humans or pets, so it should be kept safely out of their reach.