Types of Anthurium
Anthurium is the largest genus in Araceae with about 1,000 accepted species, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. They split into two cultivated groups: the flowering Anthuriums (A. andraeanum, A. scherzerianum) sold for their colorful waxy spathes, and the foliage Anthuriums (A. clarinervium, A. crystallinum, A. warocqueanum) grown for their dramatic veined leaves.
How to tell Anthurium varieties apart
Flowering Anthuriums have heart-shaped green leaves and produce bright red, pink, or white "flowers" (actually modified leaves called spathes) year-round. Foliage Anthuriums have larger, velvety, often heart-shaped leaves with prominent white or silver veining and rarely bloom indoors. Both groups need 60%+ humidity and chunky aroid mix.
Which Anthurium should you buy?
For colorful flowers: Anthurium andraeanum (red, pink, white spathes). For dramatic foliage in a small space: Anthurium clarinervium. For larger velvet leaves: Anthurium crystallinum. For pendulous, very long leaves: Anthurium warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium). All foliage Anthuriums need high humidity to thrive.
Every Anthurium variety in this guide
- Anthurium ClarinerviumAnthurium clarinervium · species
Heart-shaped, thick, leathery leaves with prominent bright-white veining on a deep dark-green leaf surface (vein contrast is dramatic).
- Anthurium CrystallinumAnthurium crystallinum · species
Large heart-shaped velvet-textured leaves with brilliant silver-white veining that appears almost crystalline (hence the name).
Botanical reference: Kew Plants of the World Online — Anthurium
For care that applies to all Anthurium varieties — watering, light, repotting, pests — see the Anthurium care guide.