Anthurium King Of Spades

The Anthurium ‘King of Spades’ is a rare and striking hybrid anthurium, immediately recognizable for its large, velvet-textured, heart-shaped leaves. These leaves can range from deep green to nearly black, often exhibiting a bold metallic sheen and strong, elegant veining—sometimes with hues of gold or silver. The mature leaf shape resembles a playing card spade or arrowhead, giving the plant its regal name. The foliage is particularly impressive for its thick, chubby structure and luxurious, leathery feel. Mature plants can reach up to 45–60cm leaf length indoors, and the plant as a whole may reach heights of 80–170cm under optimal conditions.

Care Requirements
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the velvety leaves. Moderate filtered light enhances vein contrast and maintains the deep green coloration.

Watering: Water when the top 2–3cm of substrate have dried. Avoid letting roots sit in water as anthuriums are sensitive to overwatering, which may cause root rot. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings, especially in low-light conditions.

Humidity: Thrives in high humidity (70–85%), but can tolerate levels as low as 60%. Consistent high moisture in the air helps maintain leaf health and prevents brown edges. Use pebble trays, humidifiers, or group with other tropicals for best results.

Temperature: Best kept between 18–26°C (64–79°F); do not let fall below 15°C (59°F). Avoid sudden drafts and dry heat sources.

Soil: Requires a well-draining, loose aroid mix—blend orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and some organic compost to provide both aeration and moisture retention. Good drainage is essential.

Fertilization: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (such as 20-20-20) diluted to half strength once a month during active growth. Over-fertilizing leads to leaf burn.

Pruning & Maintenance: Remove damaged or old leaves to encourage new growth. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to maintain their velvety appearance.

Support: Mature plants benefit from staking or a moss pole to support upright development and help aerial roots attach for stronger growth.

Adaptability
The Anthurium ‘King of Spades’ is adaptable to most indoor environments if its primary needs—humidity, indirect light, and good drainage—are met. It is moderately forgiving of occasional missed waterings or slight humidity dips, but does best with consistent care. It adapts well to LECA or semi-hydroponic setups with appropriate nutrient and moisture control. Like most aroids, it can develop aerial roots and climb if provided with support structures like a moss pole.

Growing Conditions & Additional Tips
Growth Habit: This plant is an epiphytic evergreen hybrid, meaning it naturally grows on trees or rocks in its native Southeast Asian environment, without being parasitic.

Size: Indoors, expect a well-cared plant to reach up to 0.8–1.7m in height and 0.6–1m in spread.

Longevity: Long-lived when well cared for; slow to moderate grower.

Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years, or when rootbound, into a slightly larger pot using the described aroid mix.

Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.

Common Problems:

Yellow leaves: Most often due to overwatering or poor drainage.

Brown tips: Usually from low humidity or the use of hard tap water (use distilled or rainwater).

Pests: Susceptible to spider mites and thrips; regular leaf inspection is recommended.

Fungal issues: Good airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

This combination of unique appearance and relatively straightforward but attentive care makes the ‘King of Spades’ Anthurium a standout for collectors wanting a statement tropical indoor plant.