This species is particularly known for its heavily bulbous, almost "blistering" leaves.

Anthurium luxurians is one of the most spectacular species within the genus Anthurium – and with over 1000 species, that's an impressive feat! Its hallmark is its strongly bulbous, dark leaves. The strongly bulbous and almost black-green leaves grow up to 50 cm long and 25 cm wide with a clear, deep veining.

Botanical Description

Anthurium luxurians is believed to be endemic to the western Andes, Colombia. Interestingly, Anthurium luxurians has never been observed in the wild. The species is believed to originate from the western part of the Andes, near the western Cordillera in Colombia, where other close relatives such as Anthurium splendidum and Anthurium debilis also grow. However, collector Marta Posada has found plants resembling luxurians in moist, small valleys along dry slopes in the area.

Appearance.

Of all the Anthurium species, A. luxurians probably has the most extreme form of bullae (“blisters”) on its leaves. The leaf veins are deeply sunken, and the leaf blade bulges upward into a bubbly structure between them. Similar surfaces are found in many other plants that grow in very shady environments, probably to maximize leaf surface area and better utilize weak, diffuse light.

The color of Anthurium luxurians leaves is also spectacular. Young plants start out with completely silvery leaves. This color fades over time, and in fully grown specimens the leaves become very dark, almost black. Newly formed leaves are initially reddish-brown and then gradually turn to their final color over a few weeks. The species grows slowly – it takes 2 to 3 months for a new leaf to reach its full color.

Anthurium luxurians remains relatively small and compact. The sturdy rhizome reaches a diameter of about 8 cm, while the leaves grow to about 50 cm long and 25 cm wide. They are located on petioles that can grow up to 90 cm long.

Despite its exclusive appearance, Anthurium luxurians is surprisingly robust and makes an excellent houseplant. However, it grows more slowly than many other popular species, especially if kept in ordinary home environments.

Care:

Anthurium luxurians thrives in well-drained aroid soil and prefers high humidity and indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times.

Anthurium luxurians is a must for the passionate plant collector, buy Anthurium luxurians online and let this unusual plant become part of your plant collection!