Anthurium Ace Of Spades
Anthurium,  Plant Care,  Rare Houseplants

Anthurium Crystallinum Black

Anthurium Ace Of Spades Black Velvet or Dark Form Anthurium Crystallinum aka Anthurium Crystallinum Black, is an absolute showstopper! It’s got a few care needs like higher than normal humidity, but them can be met fairly easily in most homes…

Anthurium Ace Of Spade Summary

Light needs:Medium to bright indirect light.
Watering needs:Water when the top 30% of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:A well-diluted nitrogen fertilizer once a month in summer.
Soil:Well draining potting compost.
Humidity:60-70%.
Temperature:18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) .
Where to buy:Try our list of Rare Plant Shops or Etsy.
Common issues:Over and underwatering, lack of humidity.

Introduction

This anthurium is know for it’s leaves that are shaped like a playing card spade. The ace of spaces is a beautiful plant in it’s own right, but the big black leaves on the dark form of this anthurium are stunning, I cannot speak highly enough of this plant! Really nice colored and textured leaves.

See also: Anthurium Villenaorum, Anthurium Luxurians Care, Alocasia Azlanii, Anthurium Forgetii Care, Anthurium Plowmanii, Anthurium Regale, Anthurium Scherzerianum, Anthurium Wendlingeri Care.

Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.

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Anthurium Ace Of Spades Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect light. Just don’t give it direct sunlight, it can burn the leaves.

How Often to Water

Water when the top 30% of soil is dry. Check it at twice a week in summer and once in winter. Keep them moist, but at the same time do not let the soil get sodden. If they dry out completely you can get leaf browning, especially at the tips, so take care when watering this plant and check the soil twice a week if in doubt.

Anthurium Crystallinum Black Fertilizer

Feed once a month in summer, with a well-diluted high in nitrogen fertilizer. I stop feeding my plants in winter and then the first feed of spring / summer I dilute it really well to avoid fertilizer burn.

Anthurium Ace Of Spades Soil

Ideally they want a fast draining, chunky and airy soil. At a minimum a compost with lots of added perlite, as they must not get waterlogged. I use a mix of orchid bark, perlite and potting compost. You can use terracotta pots to keep the soil airy.

Tip: for more on anthurium soil (what to buy and how to make your own) see our guide here: Anthurium Soil.

When To Repot

Repot them up a size or two once they outgrow their current pot.

Anthurium Ace Of Spades Humidity

60-70% humidity is optimum, which means they will need some extra humidity than normal households can provide. putting a wet pebble tray underneath them is a good idea, and

Temperature

18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) is ideal, this should be no problem in most homes.

Where To Buy An Anthurium Ace Of Spades

Try one of our list of Rare Plant Shops, or try Etsy as there are often some plant dealers with stock there.

Propagating Your Dark Form Anthurium Crystallinum

The best way to propagate this anthurium is to divide it at the roots once there is a cluster of more than one plant in the pot. You’ll need to wait until the plant gets big enough that it has produced pups around the base.

Follow these steps:

  1. Take the anthurium out of it’s plant pot.
  2. Take as much soil off the roots as you can.
  3. Separate the plants out as best you can, and try to minimize damage to the roots. Each separate plant needs it’s own root system to come with it.
  4. I then leave the plants for a few hours so that any wounds callous over. This will reduce the chance of rot.
  5. Pot up the individual plants in their own pots and water them in.

You’re done!

For more on anthuriums see our anthurium category with all our different care and propagation guides.

Anthurium Crystallinum Black USDA Zone

Zones 10-11.

Anthurium Crystallinum Dark Form Vs Normal

The dark form is very similar with a much darker leaf color as well as darker colored veining.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

It is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so seek vets advice if your pet may have eaten any.

FAQs and Common Problems

Over and underwatering, as well as a lack of humidity are very common issues. Also watch out for common plant pests on those amazing leaves.

Other Articles You Might Like

Hope you like our guide to the mighty Ace of Spades, please check out our other articles on anthuriums and our guide to Anthurium Vittarifolium Care.

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Anthurium Crystallinum Black
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