Anthurium Crystallinum Houseplant Care Guide

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Anthurium Crystallinum is a houseplant many people gravitate toward for its foliage and veins.

This plant is great for intermediate houseplant enthusiasts. If you’re a beginner, don’t shy away from this plant as there’s just a few key things to know to successfully take care of this plant.

Main things to know.

Water. Water Anthurium Crystallinum when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Do not let this plant dry out completely or else you’ll get yellowing leaves that will eventually fall off. Keep the soil on the moist side.
Light. Anthurium Crystallinum thrive in bright indirect sunlight and can also live under plant grow lights. A south, east, or west facing window is best.
Fertilizer. Fertilizer your plant with a diluted synthetic fertilizer or with a natural fertilizer. Only fertilize during the active growing season which is typically March through October.
Humidity. Anthurium Crystallinum thrive in high humidity conditions above 60%. This is a great plant for a greenhouse or a room getting high humidity.

Anthurium Crystallinum thrive with these care tips.

Light

Anthurium Crystallinum thrive in bright indirect sunlight.

If you have a south facing window, place your plant a couple of feet away from the window with a sheer curtain as it blocks out direct sun. Never let this plant get direct sunlight as this can burn the foliage or make the plant look washed out.

Anthurium Crystallinum need a good amount of sunlight or else you will notice the plant not growing as quickly and the leaves will not get as large. You may even notice the plant not getting vibrant dark green leaves.

This plant also does well in a greenhouse under plant grow lights, as long as the grow lights aren’t too strong. Something like T5 Barrina grow lights is a great option for this plant.

Water

Keep your Anthurium Crystallinum soil moist and never let the soil dry out completely.

Do a simple test to see if your plant needs water by sticking an index finger about two niches deep into the soil. If the plant is dry, it’s time for a thorough watering.

A moisture meter is another great option for people who don’t know when to water. If you notice the moisture meter is leaning toward the dry side, it’s probably time to water your plant.

Soil

Anthurium Crystallinum thrive in well-draining soil that also retains moisture.

This type of soil is ideal since this plant likes to stay on the moist side and having a chunky, well-draining soil won’t let the soil get compact and dense. Compact and dense, wet soil can easily lead to root rot.

A good chunky mix for Anthurium Crystallinum is 30% coco coir, 30% orchid bark, 30% perlite, and 10% worm castings.

You can also buy pre-made soil like Fox Farm Ocean Forest potting soil. Whenever I buy pre-made houseplant mix, I still like to add some extra perlite or orchid bark to create an even chunkier mix.

Temperature

Anthurium Crystallinum thrive in homes between the temperatures of 65°F to 90°F (18°C to 32°C).

Fertilizer

Anthurium Crystallinum need fertilizer and those extra nutrients to keep the plant growing and producing those beautiful dark green leaves.

Fertilize your plant using a natural or synthetic fertilizer. If using a synthetic fertilizer, make sure to dilute the recipe in half as synthetic fertilizer have very strong NPK ratios.

If you’re not sure if you’re using a natural or synthetic fertilizer, check the NPK ratios. If the ratio is 2-2-2, it’s more than likely a natural fertilizer. If the ratio is something like 20-20-20, you’re definitely using a synthetic fertilizer.

Many houseplants go dormant in the winter and this gives the plant time to rest. This means you don’t have to fertilize your plant in the winter.

If you live in a place like I do that doesn’t experience winters, you may find your plant growing year-round. If so, you can probably lean on the side of fertilizing your plant year round.

I love and use Blue Butterfly fertilizer. I mix this with my plants drinking water so my plants get fertilized every watering.

Humidity

Anthurium Crystallinum thrive in high humidity conditions above 50%.

This is a great houseplant for greenhouses or a room getting high humidity. Some people have success placing their Anthurium Crystallinum in average household humidity, but it’s best to slowly acclimate it.

If you need help increasing humidity, here are my best tips.

Put high humidity plants together in a group. When you group high humidity plants around each other, this creates a humid microclimate. The plants will continue to release moisture around each other through transpiration.
Place a pebble tray underneath your high humidity plants. I purchased small rocks at a hardware store and placed them on a planter tray. Place your planter on the tray. Put enough water in the tray until it hits the planter bottom and the water will evaporate around the plant.
Purchase a humidifier and run it daily near your plants.
Place high-humidity plants in your bathroom. I place certain high humidity plants in my shower and they’re thriving.

Propagation

To successfully propagate Anthurium Crystallinum, take a stem cutting with new growth at coming out of the base.

Anthurium Crystallinum can be propagated into damp sphagnum moss or moist well-draining soil. Make sure the substrate is moist every day and be careful to never let it dry out completely.

Anthurium Crystallinum Common Questions

Are Anthurium Crystallinum rare?

You probably won’t find Anthurium Crystallinum in a big box store like Lowes or Home Depot. Instead, you’ll see this plant on Etsy, Facebook marketplace, or specialty plant stores selling uncommon plants.

How much is a Anthurium Crystallinum?

You can purchase a 4 inch pot of Anthurium Crystallinum for around $50 on Etsy.

How do you care for Anthurium Crystallinum?

To properly care for a Anthurium Crystallinum, place your plant in a spot getting bright indirect sunlight, high humidity in the 60%+ range, keep the soil moist, and feed your plant fertilizer regularly.

Should you mist Anthurium Crystallinum?

You can absolutely mist your Anthurium Crystallinum but to keep things simple, I’d recommend placing in a spot getting high humidity or in a greehouse so you don’t have to worry about misting your plant all the time.

How do I know if my Anthurium Crystallinum is healthy?

If your Anthurium Crystallinum is producing new foliage with large, vibrant green leaves, your plant is most likely healthy.

Below is a picture of the newest leaf on my Anthurium Crystallinum. The leaves come out really dark and reddish brown.

Can I grow Anthurium Crystallinum in leca?

Many people choose to grow Anthurium Crystallinum in leca as their preferred substrate. It is totally possible and some people find it even easier to grow in leca as you always know when the plant needs water.

When should I repot Anthurium Crystallinum?

It’s time to repot Anthurium Crystallinum when the plant is almost root bound. Make sure to only put your plant in a pot 1-2 inches larger.

How do you prune Anthurium Crystallinum?

You don’t need to prune Anthurium Crystallinum but if you notice yellowing or dead leaves at the bottom of the plant, definitely prune those.

Are Anthuriums rare?

You typically won’t find Anthuriums in big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot, so some people may say they are on the rarer side.

How do you plant Anthurium Crystallinum seeds?

Plant Anthurium Crystallinum seeds by gently pressing the seeds into moist vermiculite.

For the best chances of the seed germinating, place a cover around the pot to increase humidity and heat. A heating seed mat may also increase odds of germination.

How long does it take Anthurium seeds to germinate?

Anthurium Crystallinum seeds should germinate in about 1 weeks time.

Is Anthurium Crystallinum easy to care for?

Anthurium Crystallinum is easy to care for as long as you get the watering schedule and humidity correct. If you place the plant in bright indirect sunlight, your plant will thrive with a proper watering schedule.

Is Anthurium Crystallinum a fast grower?

Anthurium Crystallinum is not known for growing quickly.

To increase your plants growth rate, feed your plant a high quality fertilizer and keep it in a humid environment. I use a natural fertilizer and mix the fertilizer into my watering can so every watering my plant is getting nutrients.

How big do Anthurium Crystallinum get?

Anthurium Crystallinum leaves get up to 30 inches long. Inside your home, you may not see the leaves get that large but if given the proper growing conditions, you can expect the leaves to get up to 20 inches long.

Can Anthurium Crystallinum take full sun?

Anthurium Crystallinum cannot take full sun as this can quickly burn the foliage or make the leaves look washed out.

How do I make my Anthurium Crystallinum larger?

Make your Anthurium Crystallinum larger by regularly feeding your plant fertilizer. It’s also important to make sure your plant is getting bright sunlight and high humidity as both of these things speed up growth.

How do you propagate Anthurium Crystallinum?

Propagate Anthurium Crystallinum by taking a stem cutting off the plant. If you look closely at your plants base, you’ll notice stems that are pushing out new growth at the base. Carefully take clean shears and cut these stems with the new growth at the base.

Can you put Anthurium Crystallinum cuttings directly into soil?

You can place Anthurium Crystallinum cuttings directly into soil.

Is Anthurium Crystallinum toxic to pets?

Yes, this plant is toxic to pets. You can get more information on toxic and pet-friendly plants at ASPCA here.

Common pests

Anthurium Crystallinum are susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and other pests.

To help prevent any pest infestations on your plant, her are my best tips.

Regularly check your plants for pests. This is also a great time to clean your plants.
Keep your plant looking healthy by cutting off dead foliage.
Use a natural or synthetic pest preventative to keep pests at bay.
Quarantine new houseplants for two weeks before bringing them around your other houseplants.

If your Anthurium Crystallinum has pests, quarantine the plant away from your houseplants. Clean the plant with an organic or nonorganic insecticide.

I use Bonide Systemic on my plants as a preventative. I sprinkle the systemic granules on top of my plants soil and the granules work into the soil. This product is so effective and popular especially for getting rid of fungus gnats.

Bonide Systemic Granules are a great way to get rid of unwanted pests.

Common issues

Brown tips: If your Anthurium Crystallinum has brown tips, you may be giving your plant too much sunlight. Place your plant away from direct sunlight. If your plant is near a window getting harsh light, place a sheer curtain to block some of the harsh light.

Yellowing leaves: If your Anthurium Crystallinum has yellow leaves, you’re possibly overwatering your plant. Make sure you’re only watering your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re still struggling with when to water your plant, you may consider moving your plant to leca as it’s far easier to tell when to water your plant.

Curly leaves: If your Anthurium Crystallinum has curling leaves, you may be underwatering your plant. Anthurium Crystallinum enjoy moist soil and don’t ever like to dry out completely.

Key Points To Remember

Anthurium Crystallinum is a stunning houseplant with unique foliage that stand out from many houseplants.

The veins on this plant make Anthurium Crystallinum a plant many people gravitate toward. Keep this plant in bright indirect sunlight, high humidity, a good watering schedule with regular feedings, and your plant will thrive in its new home.