Anthurium Metallicum Care - Teak And Terracotta

We cover all you need to know about anthurium metallicum care, the key to caring for this plant is to make sure you maintain a high humidity level and keep the soil moist. Other than that they are really easy to care for…

Anthurium Metallicum Care Summary

Light needs:	Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check once a week, water if top half of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced plant feed once a month in the spring and summer.
Soil:	A mix of orchid bark, perlite and normal compost.
Humidity:	60-70%.
Temperature:	15°C to 25°C (59-77°F).
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Root rot from over watering.

Introduction

The anthurium metallicum is another long-leaved anthurium, which grow in the wild in Ecuador. I love the leaves on this plant.

Anthurium Metallicum Light Needs

Bright, indirect sunlight, but no direct. They do well under grow lights or in a west facing window.

How Often to Water

Check it once a week and only water it if the top half of soil is already dry. The don’t want to be over or underwatered, it will show on those great leaves.

Tip: aim to keep the soil moist but not soaking well or dry. So check the soil each week (twice a week in hot weather) and water them if the soil is starting to dry out. Tip out any excess water after, don’t let he plant sit in it.

Fertilizer

Only feed them in the warmer growing months in summer and spring, use a balanced feed or one higher in nitrogen. Feed once a month.

Anthurium Metallicum Soil Needs

A really well draining mix of orchid bark, perlite and normal compost will give them the drainage and nutrients they need. For more on anthurium soil (what to buy and how to make your own) see our guide here: Anthurium Soil.

When To Repot

Check them in spring and repot them up a size if they are close to outgrowing their pot. If if they don’t need more space you can repot them in their current pot and refresh the soil.

Humidity

High humidty is essential. Aim for 60-70%. The leaves will not do well in lower levels and can even fall off.

Tip: Keep them humid, at least 60% in the day and they’ll be ok with a bit less at night. You can buy a humidity meter (affiliate link) to keep an eye on maximum and minimum levels.

Temperature

15°C to 25°C (59-77°F) is an ideal temperature range. Do not let them get below 12°C (54°F) at night or in the winter. I would keep it out of the way of cold drafts too, especially in winter.

How To Propagate Anthurium Metallicum

They should be propagated by division. Take the pot out of the pot and remove as much soil as you can then divide out any smaller pup by removing them at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the plants or roots. Then plant each plant separately in its own plant pot.

Anthurium Metallicum - leaf detail — Anthurium Metallicum – leaf detail

anthurium metallicum x warocqueanum

There is an impressive hybrid of these two plants available, it’s not cheap, over 100 USD or euros, but it is a real stunner.

anthurium metallicum USDA Zone

Zones 9b-11.

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.

Do Anthurium Metallicum Flower?

They can flower when mature and if given the right conditions.

Anthurium Metallicum Aff

The anthurium metallicum aff is a hybrid of the metallicum. Aff means it is not the pure form of the plant, but one that is closely related and similar to the pure plant, but may have slight differences in how it grows.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

Anthurium Metallicum Care FAQs and Common Problems

Common problems with an anthurium metallicum are root rot from over watering, lack of humidity issues like dry or crispy leaves, and pests. Give it the highest humidity you can and check it once a week for pests and to see if it needs watering.

Additional Resources

Links:

More info on the Kew Gardens plant page.