How to Grow and Care for Anthurium Luxurians

Anthurium luxurians is a member of the Araceae family and grows year-round. With its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, deep green hue, and peculiar texture, Anthurium luxurians adds a tropical touch to any room and is a worthy addition to your houseplant collection.

Anthurium luxurians thrives under bright indirect light, in well-draining soil, and needs regular watering to stay moist and hydrated. It flourishes in warm, humid environments, like its native habitat, and requires minimal pruning, repotting, and fertilizing, making it a popular choice for plant lovers.

Growing Anthurium luxurians from seed is a time-consuming, yet rewarding, endeavor. All you need to do is prepare high-quality seeds, plant them in a fertile potting mix, and provide enough moisture and filtered light. In a few years, you’ll have an exotic and lush aroid companion at home.

What Are Anthurium Luxurians Plants?

Anthurium luxurians, also known as Quilted Hearts, is a tropical plant species native to the rainforests of Columbia and Ecuador. It’s one of the rarest types of Anthurium, known for its deeply lobed, dark green leaves that are often described as “blistered” or “puckered.”

These plants belong to the Araceae family and also go by the names Flamingo Flower, Hawaiian Love Plant, and Lace Leaf alongside other Anthurium varieties. They have short stems and can bear flowers that have a white spathe and a green spadix. 

At maturity, luxurians can reach 15 to 20 inches tall, with leaves that are 23 inches long and 18 inches wide. They’re compact, hardy, and require minimal maintenance, making them great indoor plants. However, their leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to pets.

Quick Summary of Anthurium Luxurians

Here’s a brief overview of Anthurium luxurians to help you get to know these stunning and sought-after tropical plants:

• Rare species of anthurium native to the lowland rainforests of Columbia and Ecuador
• Known for its large, heart-shaped, bullate leaves that darken into deep green over time
• Thrives in well-lit, warm, wet, and humid conditions similar to its natural habitat
• Can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in tropical climates
• Slow to moderate growth rate, can bloom creamy white and green flowers year-round

Scientific Name

Anthurium luxurians is the scientific name of this herbaceous, perennial plant.

Common Names

Quilted Hearts, Flamingo Flower, Hawaiian Love Plant, and Lace Leaf are some widely used names for Anthurium luxurians.

Light

Anthurium luxurians need access to bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily to survive. Their leaves are quite sensitive and are prone to scorching, so avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Watering

These plants need regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Allow your Anthurium’s soil to dry out between waterings, and soak when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch.

Temperature

Anthurium luxurians are native to the tropics, which means they grow best at high humidity levels of around 60% or more, and temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.

Hardiness Zone

Warmth-loving aroids, like the Anthurium luxurians, don’t tolerate frost. They thrive indoors, in greenhouses, and outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 11 and above. 

Soil pH

Anthurium luxurians prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

Soil Type

The best soil type for Anthurium luxurians is rich, well-draining, moist, and airy soil made from high-quality potting mix, orchid bark, perlite, and other amendments like sand and peat moss. 

Repotting

An Anthurium luxurians plant will need repotting every one to two years when it has doubled in size and when its roots have started growing out of the drainage holes or at the soil surface.

Pruning

Due to their steady growth and compact size, Anthurium luxurians don’t require regular heavy pruning. Remove discolored foliage occasionally to promote plant health.

Size

At maturity, Anthurium luxurians plants can measure up to 15 to 20 inches in height, with broad, deep green leaves that can grow up to 23 inches long and 18 inches wide.

Bloom Time

Under ideal conditions, Anthurium luxurians grown indoors can bloom year-round, with each blooming season lasting around two to three months.

Propagation

There are three ways to propagate Anthurium luxurians: by starting from seeds, by stem cuttings, and by root division.

How to Care for Anthurium Luxurians Plants?

Anthurium luxurians are relatively low-maintenance plants, which makes them great candidates for growing indoors. Their basic needs involve a moderate amount of filtered light, regular watering to keep the soil moist, and a loose, well-draining potting medium with enough nutrients.

If you want your luxurians houseplant to thrive, a warm and highly humid environment will help it grow best. Yearly repotting, occasional pruning, and fertilizing during the growing seasons promote healthy and hardy growth, resulting in large and lush foliage that’ll liven up your home.

Provide Sunlight

Anthurium luxurians need at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Place your houseplant near a south or east-facing window, and use a sheer curtain to prevent scorched leaves. Anthuriums are more light-sensitive than other aroids, so steer clear of harsh sunlight.

If your place has no windows at all, grow lights are always an option. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, light intensity, quality, and duration are key factors to consider when adding artificial lighting. Types of grow lights include LED, fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs.

Poor growth, leaf loss, and few flowers are signs that your anthurium isn’t receiving enough light or is too far from the light source, while yellowish or bright green leaves can indicate too much natural or artificial lighting. Happy and healthy Anthurium luxurians will have deep green leaves.

Mix Soil

Like most indoor plants, Anthurium luxurians require fertile, well-draining, and aerated soil to flourish. These plants prefer soil that’s slightly acidic with a 5.5 to 6.5 pH level. You can use a high-quality potting mix specifically made for anthuriums, or you can mix your own soil. 

A 1:1:1 ratio of peat moss, perlite, and bark promotes good Anthurium growth, says the University of Florida. Another popular soil recipe for potted Anthurium plants involves a mixture of 20% regular potting soil, 50% bark, and 30% perlite for excellent drainage.

Ensure that the pot you’re using for your plant has adequate drainage holes, and keep them clear and unblocked at all times. This will help maintain healthy roots and prevent root rot.

Add Water

Moisture-loving luxurians originated from wet tropical forests, so you’ll need to maintain evenly moist soil to keep your plant happy and hydrated. 

Indoor Anthuriums will need thorough watering at least once a week, while outdoor plants require watering every two to three days. You can use a moisture meter or simply stick your finger in the top inches of the soil and feel for dampness. If it feels dry, it’s watering time!

It’s equally important to avoid overwatering your plant, as luxurians’ fleshy roots are susceptible to root rot. Soggy soil is also a potential breeding ground for bacteria and pests.

Control Temperature

Room temperatures between 65°F and 85°F are ideal for indoor aroids, including Anthurium luxurians, according to Iowa State University. Protect your plant from chilly temperatures below 60°F, as this can damage its leaves. 40-degree temperatures can cause your Anthurium to die.

Aim to provide high humidity for your plant, either from a pebble tray with water, a spot in a steamy bathroom, a nearby humidifier, or regular light misting, especially during the winter months. Around 60 to 80% humidity will promote lush leaves on a lively luxurians plant.

Keep your Anthurium away from drafty windows, exterior doors, heating vents, and air conditioners, to avoid harsh and fluctuating temperatures.

Provide Fertilizer

To promote speedy leaf growth and healthy root development, and encourage bountiful blooms, enrich your Anthurium luxurians’ soil with a high phosphorus liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer seasons. Dilute the fertilizer to ¼ strength and carefully follow package instructions.

Remember that moderation is key when it comes to fertilizing your luxurians. These plants aren’t heavy feeders, so refrain from fertilizing during their dormant period in the winter. 

Watch out for signs of overfertilization, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, browning leaf tips, and a visible crust of fertilizer on the soil surface, says Pennsylvania State University. You can treat this by washing the soil with running water, to flush away any excess nutrients. 

How to Grow Anthurium Luxurians Plants?

Growing Anthurium luxurians from seeds is possible, but the process requires time and effort. It can take up to four years for a seedling to mature into a full-sized, flowering luxurians plant.

The first step would be to collect healthy seeds from your Anthurium or to buy high-quality ones from reputable producers or garden stores. Expert gardeners recommend soaking the seeds in water for two hours, while you prepare a loose, fertile potting mix in a pot with drainage holes.

Spread the seeds on the soil, and lightly sprinkle soil on top of them. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks for successful germination, and place it in a bright spot or greenhouse with lots of filtered light. You can cover the pot with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity levels.

Allow your luxurians to develop strong and healthy roots and sprout several lush leaves for a few months before repotting to new containers.

How to Repot Anthurium Luxurians Plants?

To support healthy growth, repot your Anthurium luxurians plant whenever it doubles in size or outgrows its current pot every one to two years. You’ll know that it’s time to repot when you notice its roots growing out of the drainage holes or aerial roots poking out of the soil surface.

The best time to repot is early in the morning or on a cool evening, during the active growing season of spring to summer. This will allow your plant to quickly adjust to its new environment without experiencing temperature stress.

Carefully remove your plant from its previous pot, and transfer it into a new pot that’s around two inches larger with a fresh batch of fertile, well-draining soil. Lightly pack the soil around the plant base, and water well after repotting.

How to Care for Anthurium Luxurians Plants in All Seasons?

Like most plants, Anthurium luxurians’ growing requirements will vary from one season to another, and adjusting your care routine accordingly will yield the best results. 

For instance, during the hot and dry months of summer, your plant will require more frequent watering than the wet and chilly months of winter. Additionally, luxurians will suffer from stunted growth and frost damage in temperatures below 60°F, so it’s best to bring them inside in winter.

The ideal time for repotting your luxurians is in the springtime, to promote speedy growth, nurture well-established roots, and avoid drastic temperature changes. Spring and summer are the best times to fertilize your plant, as this is when they can utilize extra nutrients the most.

How to Propagate Anthurium Luxurians Plants?

The quickest, safest, and most common way to propagate plants like Anthurium luxurians is by root division. Gently remove your plant from its pot, and find root sections that divide into petioles or leaves. Cut off these sections from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife.

Plant your cuttings in moist, high-quality potting mix, and provide high humidity for best results. You can expect new growth in around four weeks. When your plant has already produced several leaves, you can transfer them into individual containers.

Another method of propagating luxurians plants is to take a healthy four to six-inch stem cutting from the mother plant, and place it in a fertile, well-draining potting medium. You can also propagate Anthurium from seeds, but this can take more time than other methods.

What Family Do Anthurium Luxurians Plants Belong to?

Anthurium luxurians is a species that belongs to the Araceae family, a large group of flowering plants comprising over 4,000 species. Most members of Araceae, including Anthurium luxurians, hail from the tropical regions of the world, specifically wet and humid rainforests.

There are eight recognized Araceae types or subfamilies: Aroideae, Lasioideae, Lemnoideae, Monstereae, Pothoideae, Orontioideae, Gymnostachydoideae, and Zamioculcadoideae.

Alongside Anthuriums, other popular houseplants that belong to the Araceae family are Philodendron, Peace lily, Alocasia,  Monstera, Taro, Pothos, and the ZZ plant. 

The name Anthurium comes from two Greek words, anthos, which means flower, and oura, which means tail. There are more than 1,000 varieties of anthurium, many of them with heart-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers.

How Long Do Anthurium Luxurians Plants Live for?

With proper care and ideal growing conditions, indoor Anthurium luxurians plants can live for three to five years, or longer. To promote good health and extend the lifespan of your plant, the right balance of sunlight, soil, water, temperature, and fertilization is essential.

Outdoor luxurians tend to have shorter lifespans, since they’re exposed to extreme weather conditions, can suffer from a lack of nutrients, and are vulnerable to pests and diseases. Additionally, many areas experience cold winters that are too harsh for luxurians to survive.

In tropical regions that mimic the luxurians’ natural habitat, these plants can survive for several years. If you start with anthurium seeds, it can take one to four years for your plants to mature and reach the flowering stage.

What Are Common Pest and Plant Diseases for Anthurium Luxurians Plants?

The most common pests that can bother your Anthurium luxurians plants are spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, scales, whiteflies, and aphids. Since Anthuriums’ foliage is thick, you may not notice these insects right away. Regularly inspect your plant’s leaves to prevent an infestation.

To treat pest problems, you can wash the insects of your plant using strong streams of water and horticultural soap. You can also use neem oil or a natural homemade insecticide. 

Diseases that commonly affect Anthurium luxurians include root rot, bacterial blight, and bacterial wilt. You’ll need to isolate your infected Anthurium from the rest of your plants to avoid contamination, and prune off and discard its damaged leaves. 

Treat your plant by applying an organic fungicide, providing sufficient air circulation, and avoiding damp leaves and soggy soil.

How to Tell If Anthurium Luxurians Plant Is Not Growing?

Anthurium luxurians plants are slow growers, compared to other species of Anthurium. A single leaf can take one to two months to sprout, and it may take several years for your plant to reach its full size. Because of this, it can be hard to tell if your luxurians plant isn’t growing as it should.

Signs of stunted growth in Anthurium luxurians include small, abnormally shaped, or no new leaves, leaf loss, reduced flowering, pale leaves, and a lifeless and lackluster appearance.

One of the most common causes of slow or stunted growth in Anthurium luxurians is nutrient deficiency. A lack of nitrogen produces light green anthuriums and minimal plant growth, while poor potassium levels result in smaller flower sizes and shorter stem lengths.

Cold temperatures, insufficient lighting, and transplant shock can also cause poor growth in Anthurium luxurians plants.

Are Anthurium Luxurians Plants Poisonous?

Yes, Anthurium luxurians plants can be toxic to both pets and people when eaten. Their leaves contain tiny calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and discomfort in pets, and lip swelling, burning sensations, and an upset stomach in humans.

When handling your luxurians plant, always use gloves, a face mask, and goggles, because contact with any part of the plant can cause eye and skin irritation. Elevate your plant on a high shelf or hanging basket and use baby gates to keep it out of reach of small children.

If you think your cat or dog may have consumed part of your luxurians plant, contact the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 or seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment will start with a thorough rinsing of your pet’s mouth with water to remove crystals.

Does the Anthurium Luxurians Plant Flower?

Yes, the Anthurium luxurians plant blooms inflorescence flowers, which consist of a creamy white spathe with a green spadix. When a plant reaches full maturity under the right environmental conditions, it can bloom multiple times throughout the year.

There can be over a dozen flowers on an Anthurium luxurians plant during the blooming season, lasting for six weeks to eight weeks, with rest periods of around three months. If your plant isn’t blooming well, you can use phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering.

How to Help Anthurium Luxurians Plant to Grow?

Fading or yellowing leaves, burnt or brown edges, spotting, stunted growth, leaf loss, wilting, and weak flowering are a few telltale signs that your Anthurium luxurians is struggling to survive.

To revive a dying luxurians houseplant, ensure that all of its growing needs are met, and tackle the root cause of the problem immediately, whether it’s over or underwatering, too much or too little sunshine, lack of humidity, overfertilization, or a disease or pest infestation.

For instance, drooping leaves are often the result of improper watering. Care for your plant by regularly checking the soil moisture and adjusting your watering schedule according to its needs. Consider repotting with fresh soil to improve drainage. 

Extreme temperatures, nutrient deficiency, and pest problems are other possible causes that you’ll need to address to revitalize drooping Anthurium leaves.