Florivern Herbarium · Sheet HERB-08
Det. — species determination
Anthurium clarinervium
Velvet Cardboard Anthurium
Fam.
Araceae
Lithophytic aroid prized for deeply cordate, coriaceous dark-emerald leaf blades etched with contrasting crystalline primary and secondary veins.
Hab. — where it grows wild
Karst limestone outcrops of Chiapas, Mexico
HERB-08
Characters
Group
Tropical Foliage
Setting
Indoor
Size class
Medium Specimen (40–100 cm)
Temperament
Specialist / Collector
Animals
Unverified / Unknown
Sheet II — Conditions of cultivation
How it has been grown,
and what changes it.
Thick, fleshy epiphytic roots require high aeration and rot quickly in compacted peat. Water when the upper half of the chunky bark-moss medium dries, adjusting intervals based on root-zone temperature and enclosure humidity.
65% – 85% RH
18°C – 27°C (65°F – 80°F)
Air temperature as recorded for this species in cultivation. Cold drafts matter more than the average.
Ultra-chunky lithophytic/epiphytic mix: 45% Orchiata bark, 25% coarse pumice, 20% sphagnum moss, 10% lump horticultural charcoal.
Height 45–65 cm; cordate matte-velvet blades with ivory venation
Sheet III — Animals and households
If a cat, a dog or a child shares the room
Not yet verified
There is no reliable species-level record. Treat it as unknown — an absence of evidence is not evidence of safety.
The record
Species-specific veterinary toxicology for Anthurium clarinervium has not been independently indexed by the ASPCA; however, as a member of Araceae, tissues are presumed to contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Marked Unverified / Unknown and excluded from Pet-Safe filter results.
Florivern is a herbarium and a shop, not a veterinary authority. If you suspect a plant has been eaten, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line.
Sheet IV — Monograph
Notes toward cultivation
Papillose Epidermis & Karst Lithophytism
Native to shaded karstic limestone formations in Chiapas, Anthurium clarinervium develops convex epidermal cells (papillae) that act as microscopic lenses to focus diffuse understory light onto chloroplasts while creating a velvety visual sheen.
The velvet leaf
The matte, velvety surface and pale veins are what collectors prize. The texture comes from the structure of the leaf surface itself, so avoid leaf shine products and wipe dust off gently with a soft, damp cloth.
In cultivation
Give bright, indirect light and a very chunky, airy mix — the thick roots rot quickly in dense soil. Water when the upper part of the mix has dried, and aim for warm temperatures and good humidity. New leaves may emerge bronze and darken as they harden.
Propagation
Mature plants can be divided when they produce offsets with their own roots. Stem sections with a node and roots can also be rooted in a moist, airy medium. Growth is slow, so patience matters more than technique.
Common problems
Yellow leaves with a wet mix usually mean root rot; check the roots.
New leaves that stick or tear as they unfurl are often a sign of dry air.
Brown spots with yellow halos can indicate bacterial or fungal infection; isolate the plant and remove affected leaves.
Supplementary plates
Plates show cultivated individuals, not a type specimen. Leaf form, color and habit vary between plants of the same species.
Sheet V — Cited in the Journal
Further reading on this plant
Held in the Store
Specimens and materials
Anthurium Clarinervium — Karst Velvet Specimen
Sold Out
$135
Epiphytic Aroid & Orchid Bio-Substrate (8 L)
In Stock
$34
Each specimen is an individual plant; size and form differ from the plates on this sheet.