25 Incredible Anthurium magnificum Care Tips You Should Know

There are so many Anthuriums out there, and we love them all. But the Anthurium magnificum is one of our favorites, as it’s fairly easy to grow and it has a wonderful aesthetic. It’s a great accent piece that can make your home feel a bit like a rainforest. In this guide, we’re going through the ins and outs of growing this magnificent Anthurium! Read on for details.

What Is Anthurium magnificum

The Anthurium magnificum – also called the tail flower and the velvety Anthurium – is grown indoors for its massive, velvety green leaves and thick white veins. This tropical plant is an epiphytic perennial that thrives in bright indirect sunlight. Further, it grows to about 3-4 feet (prefers a south-facing window) and its leaf blades have an almost leathery feel.

Indoor gardeners frequently refer to the petioles, which support the leaf blade, as a “stem.” Petioles have four wings on both sides near the base and are winged on all four corners. The actual stem is the plant’s foundation, not the leaf support.

The stem of the plant is central and firmly rooted to support the large leaves.

Did You Know?

Anthuriums have many common names – and these names are often used interchangeably. These names include flamingo flower, velvet plant, laceleaf, and tailflower.

Origin And Family

The Velvety Anthurium is a member of the Anthurium genus and the aroid species and part of the Araceae plant family. It originated in the rainforests of Colombia.

Anthurium magnificum has become a popular indoor plant in recent years, thriving inside if given proper lighting, loose soil, and distilled water.

A. magnificum is considered a popular member of its genus. Dr. Thomas B. Croat, Ph.D. identified this beautiful plant, which was introduced in 1865.

Did You Know?

The Anthurium genus has over 1000 different plants, including many epiphytes and terrestrial plants.

Flexing my Anthurium Magnificum 😍#greensbyblue pic.twitter.com/U5RuGzqX0z

— ⚡️ (@joshuablueee) August 30, 2020

How Is magnificum Different Than Other Anthuriums?

Some will say that the magnificum looks pretty similar to the clarinervium and the crystallinum. 

The main difference between these other plants is that the magnificum has much bigger and has a more elephant-ear shape. You can read more about the Anthurium clarinervium and the Anthurium crystallinum on our blog.

You can also check out our ultimate Anthurium care guide here.

Where To Buy Anthurium Magnificum

Finding this Anthurium may be a challenge in a nursery, so I highly recommend you start online. Etsy is my favorite place to buy Anthurium plants currently.

They are also shipped in surprisingly sturdy boxes. It’s an excellent option for gardeners who want their plants delivered.

Anthurium magnificum Plant Size

The Anthurium magnificum grows to about 2-5 feet tall as a houseplant and has a leaf size of six to 10 inches long. This stunning epiphytic tropical perennial prefers to be placed about 3-4 feet from a south-facing window – but most east or west-facing windows will work fine, too. It’s considered a moderately fast grower.

Is Anthurium magnificum Rare?

Anthurium magnificum is considered rare, so it is generally more expensive than other plants, including other common Anthuriums. The rarity is mainly due to the high demand and low supply.

However, as this plant’s popularity has grown in recent years, more growers – both professionals and hobbyists – are producing and selling it. As a result, the price is expected to drop since demand drives supply.

In other words, we anticipate seeing more Anthurium magnificums at lower pricing in the coming years.

Anthurium magnificum Care Needs

Like any houseplant, your Anthurium magnificum will thrive if you take good care of it. Generally speaking, this Colombian native plant prefers bright indirect light and slightly moist soil with its exquisite heavy leaves. We’ll go into more detail about this plant below.

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Anthurium magnificum is moderately complex to grow. But with proper care, you can raise this plant without too many problems.

Anthurium magnificum Growth Rate

Mature plants grow to a height of 2-5 feet. They have a mature leaf size of six to 10 inches long. Their growing season is between spring to fall.

Most Anthurium species, including the magnificum, grow moderately fast.

Does Anthurium Magnificum Need A Moss Pole?

Since the magnificum is a epiphytic Anthurium, it likes to climb! A moss pole, while not strictly necessary, can help your magnificum group upward and give the plant some overall sturdiness.

Potting

It is usually acceptable to utilize a large – between 10-20 inches in diameter container in terms of container size. Most potting materials, including any material, will work perfectly. Drainage holes are recommended, as not having them can cause standing water, which leads to root rot. 

Repotting

To maintain your Anthurium magnificum’s health and growth, you should repot it when you notice roots starting to stick up from the soil.

You should typically repot in the spring, unless you have a plant that’s dying from root rot. If that happens, gently repot it and add new soil.

Typically, you can expect to repot every two years or so or so.

Soil Needs For Anthurium magnificum

The Velvety Anthurium should have a light potting mix specifically for Anthuriums with high organic matter. We recommend a soil type rich in perlite, mulch, charcoal, and sphagnum moss. This light and well-draining soil is exactly what your Anthurium needs.

Here are some potting mixes we recommend:

pH

For this magnificum, you’ll want your soil to have a pretty neutral pH, approximately between 6.5-7.5. A light potting mix precisely for Anthuriums is relatively near this, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Water Requirement

The Velvety Anthuriums like slightly moist soil, but they can usually stand to have about the top two inches of soil dry before you add water. 

Rain water is the ideal for Anthuriums. If you don’t have that, distilled or filtered water is the way to go. If you don’t have that, then leave tap water in a watering can for 24 hours before using it. 

In the winter, you won’t need to water as much. Water your plants deeply but less frequently.

Light Needs For Anthurium magnificum

This moderately tricky houseplant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours a day. Its stems and leaves may burn and have brown tips if exposed to too much light.

Remember, you’re trying to give the Velvety Anthurium a home that’s similar to its natural climate. Since magnificum comes from the rainforests of Colombia in northwestern South America, ideal conditions include bright indirect light.

If you’re concerned that your Anthurium magnificum isn’t getting enough light, you may need to purchase artificial lights. If you do this, remember not to put your magnificum directly underneath the light, as this will burn the leaves. Set it a foot or two away from the light.  

Avoid putting your Anthurium magnificum in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

A slow-release fertilizer is ideal for the Anthurium magnificum, specifically a fish emulsion fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers can potentially cause a salt build-up, which Anthuriums are sensitive to. During the spring to fall, feed the magnificum once a month for beautiful foliage.

In winter, you don’t need to fertilize the plant, as it will be dormant. Read about this plant’s light soil requirements in the section above.

Propagating Anthurium magnificum Via Division

While you can technically propagate this Anthurium through stem cuttings, propagation from division is more common and easier to do.

First, take the original plant out of the pot very carefully to protect it from damage.

Rinse the roots under the faucet, so you can see where the roots naturally separate. Carefully remove the roots of the new plant. I recommend using a plant that has at least a single healthy leaf, but preferably two healthy leaves.

From here, let the Anthurium sit out and dry for a full day.

Put the propagated plant in a new pot with Anthurium soil. For the potting size, choose something pretty small, as Anthuriums prefer to be a bit snug.

Propagation is most effective between spring or summer.

Humidity For Magnificum

Anthurium magnificum, or laceleaf, is a tropical epiphytic perennial that prefers moderate to high humidity – often between 60-80%.

If you need a humidity boost, the best option is to use a humidifier. I recently purchased this house humidifier, and it has significantly increased the moisture levels in our entire home. Here are some excellent home humidifier solutions that are ideal if you have many tropical plants.

Temperature For Anthurium magnificum

Generally, warm temperatures are best for your Velvety Anthurium plant, specifically a temperature range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. You can actually go slightly colder than this, but not for extended periods of time.

Like most plants, they don’t want to be shocked by cold or hot air, so keep them away from open windows and vents. Similarly, under no condition should they be outside in freezing temperatures.

The bigger consideration for this rare plant is consistency. Sudden temperature changes can seriously damage the Anthurium magnificum. Keep them away from vents, cold drafts, and openings that may allow chilly air in.

Toxic

The leaves, stems, and roots of this Anthurium are toxic and can cause skin irritation. Magnificum, if ingested, can cause symptoms in humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms include irritation of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. While usually non-life-threatening, we recommend you call a vet or doctor if a pet or child has eaten part of this plant. 

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Even though the magnificum is big, it’s actually pretty vulnerable to disease. 

Review these tips for diagnosing common Velvety Anthurium problems and discover ways to get your plant in fighting fit condition again!

Spider Mites

Spider mites are a common problem with indoor plants, including the magnificum. Unfortunately, spider mite damage may initially appear as little brown or yellow patches on the Anthurium’s leaves.

Spray your Anthurium with water from a sink nozzle to get rid of spider mites. Then, apply an insecticidal soap on the leaves.

Thrips

Silvery speckling and tiny white spots are both signs of thrips damage. If you have a thrips infestation, your plant may become stunted. This occurs as a result of the thrips sucking plant cells from your Anthurium.

When dealing with thrips, you can prune and remove any damaged sections of the plant. Thrips can be controlled by using a light insecticide such as insecticidal soap or neem oil or pruning correctly.

My Anthurium Magnificum and she’s magnificent 😭 pic.twitter.com/IQVwWGBrxp

— so thotful. (@WeLoveAshEm) October 3, 2021

Scale Insects

Scale insects look like lumps on the stems of your Anthurium plant. They latch onto your plants and typically stay there, causing havoc to the plant.

A teaspoon of neem oil mixed with a pitcher of water can keep scale insects from attacking your Anthurium, assuming the infestation isn’t too bad.

Aphids

Aphids are a pain. Yellowing and distorted leaves, decreased growth, and an unsightly black sticky film on the plant. Aphids feed on Anthurium magnificum, causing the plant to perish in severe cases. As they feed, they expel a sticky liquid known as honeydew, which quickly becomes infested with black sooty mold.

For starters, fill a spray container halfway with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and water solution, according to the package. To avoid harm, spray the solution on the plants while keeping the sprayer at least 18 inches away from the plant.

Yellow Leaves

Several factors can cause the Velvety Anthurium plant to have yellow leaves, including incorrect lighting (too much or too little), over-fertilization, and overwatering. 

Root Rot

Root rot is the silent killer of Anthuriums everywhere. It’s caused by overwatering and poorly-draining soil. Rotten roots and dying plants are a sign that you’ve got this disease.

If you think your plant is experiencing root rot, start by cutting back your watering. 

Similar Plants To Anthurium magnificum

Love the Velvety Anthurium? Here are some other similar flamingo flower plants you should try:

Anthurium regale – A. regale, popularly known as laceleaf or the flamingo flower plant, is a frost-free perennial. It is well-known for its extensive, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with lovely yellow-white veins.

Anthurium crystallinum: Crystal Anthurium and Crystal Laceleaf are other names for Anthurium crystallinum. The round, velvety leaves with white veins cascading from the base. Tiny crystals appear to cover the backs of the leaves.

Anthurium andraenum: The andraeanum, commonly known as Flamingo Lilies or Painter’s Palette, is distinguished by its long-lasting bright red flowers and a yellow spadix.

Anthurium warocqueanum – This stunning plant, sometimes known as Queen Anthurium, has dark-green velvety leaves with silvery-white veins.

Anthurium clarinervium: Clarinervium, sometimes known as Velvet Cardboard, has dark green leaves with prominent veins. It resembles the crystallinum but has bigger leaves.

Conclusion

With its massive, velvety green leaves and prominent white veining, the Anthurium magnificum is an excellent choice for plant lovers.

As we’ve said, it’s moderately complicated to grow, needing bright indirect light, moderate to high humidity, slightly moist soil, and warm temps.

But if you’re willing to put in the work, the magnificum is absolutely magnificent to behold. Use these instructions to get started growing this stunning Anthurium today!