Anthurium warocqueanum, commonly known as the Queen Anthurium or the Queen Velvet Anthurium, is a rare and highly sought-after plant species in the Araceae family. Native to Colombia, specifically the regions of Antioquia and Chocó, this stunning foliage plant is renowned for its large, heart-shaped leaves with a velvet-like texture and deep green color.
The history of Anthurium warocqueanum is intertwined with the exploration and collection of exotic plants in the 19th and 20th centuries. As Western botanists and plant enthusiasts began to venture into the tropical regions of South America, they discovered and brought back various plant species, including the Anthurium warocqueanum.
Over time, as interest in rare and unique houseplants grew, Anthurium warocqueanum gained popularity among collectors and enthusiasts. Its distinctive appearance and limited availability contributed to its reputation as a prized botanical treasure. The plant's rarity and desirability also led to efforts to propagate and cultivate it, both for conservation purposes and to make it more accessible to plant lovers around the world.
Today, Anthurium warocqueanum remains a sought-after species, often commanding high prices in the market due to its scarcity and beauty. It has become a symbol of prestige and a prized possession among plant collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its aesthetic appeal and the challenge of successfully cultivating and caring for this exceptional plant.
I care for these plants by ensuring a constant humidity of greater than 55% and utilizing media substrates that are fast draining and airy, such as Lechuza Pon or a rich aroid mix. I would avoid using sphagnum moss as a substrate, but do use it liberally as a "ring" around the neck of the plant to encourage new root growth and a microclimate of humidity.
