Anthurium Queremalense Care – Best Tips!

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The Anthurium Queremalense has gorgeous-looking, large green leaves that can adorn any home. We always discuss warm-temperature plants, but this one loves cold temperatures.

In fact, it’s one of the few Anthurium that thrives in cool night temperatures. 

Collected from shaded areas of the native region, it needs bright filtered sunlight or shade to grow.

You should prepare the soil using compost, coco coir, bark, perlite, and charcoal.

The average daytime temperature range for this plant is 60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 26 degrees Celsius). 

You will not find this terrestrial anthurium plant in every other garden because it is grown rarely. It’s a treat for rare plant growers because of the green heart-shaped foliage. 

Even in nature, this plant is available in limited areas. It’s found growing in western Colombia. Some growers confuse it for Anthurium Marmoratum, but the inflorescence for this plant helps in differentiating both of them. 

Some growers consider it easy, while others say it’s a difficult one because of the cool temperature requirement.

Let’s explore more about this plant but keep in mind that it belongs to the montane forests!

 

 

Anthurium Queremalense Care

To care for Anthurium Queremealense maintain 70-80% relative humidity and provide bright filtered sunlight. Water when the first 1-2 inches (2.54 – 5 cm) of soil is dry. The ideal temperature range is 60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 26 degrees Celsius) during the day. Fertilize every two weeks with ¼ of the recommended strength.

 

Soil

Your Anthurium will grow the healthiest as a houseplant when you keep the growing environment close to the native one.

This starts with using the right soil. Anthurium Queremalense needs loose well-draining soil. 

Anthurium benefit from growing in soils rich in organic matter.

Aim to create a mixture that can hold water for plant growth but also drains the excess water efficiently. This is the simple formula to avoid root rot on the Anthurium Queremalense. 

I use the following ingredients to create an aroid mix for this variety. 

• Charcoal 
• Coco coir 
• Perlite
• Compost 
• Bark 

 

Water

Follow the regular anthurium watering schedule to water this variety as well. This means it should be watered when the first 1-2 inches (2.54 – 5 cm) of soil is dry. 

Another key point about watering anthurium varieties is that they should be watered deeply. So instead of watering your plant lightly every other day, you can water it deeply once or twice a week. 

Deep watering is ensured by letting the water trickle down the drainage hole of the container. It is crucial to prevent the excess water from trapping in the soil.

Ensure the following to protect the beautiful Anthurium Queremalense from over-watering:

• The soil mixture drains well
• The pot has a drainage hole

If these two criteria are fulfilled, even if your plant is overwatered once in a while, it will recover. 

You will have to water this plant with lukewarm water to avoid root shock.

The actual number of waterings required per week will change depending on light and temperature exposure.

You can judge the moisture level by lifting the pot because a light pot means dry soil. The foliage can also help you decide if the plant needs water.; a thirsty anthurium will have droopy leaves. 

 

Light

Anthurium Queremalense is growing best under bright, filtered sunlight. 

 

Temperature

It likes cool nights and warm days. Do not let this fact discourage you from growing this plant because, luckily, Anthurium are adaptable and they can adjust to temperature within your house. 

You can keep it in warm temperatures of 60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 26 degrees Celsius) during the day. At nighttime, they can withstand temperatures lower than this. 

Anthurium Queremalense is not your typical Anthurium, so where other varieties struggle at 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit ( 4 -10 degrees Celsius), this one might thrive at these temperatures. 

This plant needs the following protection in terms of temperature:

• Do not place the pot near heaters or air conditioners as the direct air from these will make the plant dry. 
• Do not place the pot in the drafty window or door openings.
• Protect the plant from sudden fluctuation in temperature because it can shock the plant leading to slow or no growth. 
• Protect this plant from extreme cold and hot temperatures.

 

Humidity

This plant has one thing common with other tropical Anthurium, i.e., it requires high humidity to grow the best. Like others, this houseplant is native to humid climates.

You have to pay special attention to humidity levels in the winter season as the heaters and other warming equipment make your house dry. 

You have to maintain 70-80% relative humidity for this plant. But do not worry; you can follow any of the following methods to uplift the humidity in your house: 

Pebble trays – these are simple saucers or trays filled with stones. The theory behind this method is that you fill the tray with water, and as this water evaporates, the air humidity around the plant increases.

If you keep the tray filled at all times, this process repeats several times during the day to create above-average humidity. Just ensure that the water never touches the soil at the bottom else; the risk of root rot increases. 

Indoor microclimate – group all high humidity plants together to create a humid atmosphere. Grouping means several plants release moisture at the same time, which will contribute to the increase in humidity. 

Misting – this is the old fashion way to enhance indoor humidity, but luckily it still works. All you have to do is mist the foliage of your Anthurium several times during the week. This water on the leaves keeps the foliage moist and humidity high. Ensure plant misting during the morning using good quality water. 

Humidifiers – these are becoming the new popular solution for humidity issues. They can increase the humidity with little work from your side. Take note that these can make whole room humid. 

 

Fertilizer

This plant requires lots of energy and nutrients to produce its giant leaves. Therefore fertilizers can help you in supplying some extra energy during the active season of the Anthurium Queremalense. 

You can opt for a liquid or granular fertilizer every two weeks. But I prefer liquid fertilizer for my indoor Anthurium. Use the fertilizer at a ¼ rate of the recommended strength.  

Avoid giving too much fertilizer because it might cause growth spikes initially, but it’s unhealthy for the long-term health of the plant. 

 

Repotting

Staying root bound might force the plant to flower, but keeping the root ball crowded can lead to a stunted Anthurium Queremalense plant.

This moderate growing plant does not require frequent repotting, but you have to repot every one to two years. Repotting helps your plant in the following ways:

• It ensures the roots are never suffocated
• Gives plant more room to grow and expand 
• Replacing the soil increases the level of micro and macronutrients 
• Any extra salt buildup will be removed from the soil 

But choosing an extremely large container can work negatively because your plant will become vulnerable to overwatering. You can avoid root bounding by selecting a container that is only 2 inches bigger than the old pot. 

You can use a peat-based or coco coir mixture for your anthurium plant after repotting. 

 

Pruning

This is a giant leafed anthurium, and it can take lots of space if you do not prune it throughout the year. Therefore pruning is recommended to get rid of extra foliage or diseased plant parts. 

 

Propagation

The contrasting veins and velvety foliage make this plant worth sharing. However, since it’s rare to find in plants shops or garden stores, you can take advantage of propagation.

If you are an experienced gardener, you already have an idea about the propagation of houseplants. 

Propagation is a well-known method of dividing and multiplying your houseplant collection. Anthurium Queremalense can be propagated using different techniques, but we are sharing steps for one of them.

Whatever method you choose, begin by collecting and sterilizing the required tools. This step is essential to prevent any infections in the plant. 

Take your plant out from the pot to inspect the root system. If you find any signs of root rot or disease, trim the roots and foliage before proceeding. 

If everything looks normal, divide the root system into small sections. You can decide the size of the sections based on the how many plants you need. 

Plant these sections in pots filled with an appropriate soil mix. Ideally, use a mix designed for Anthurium. 

Regularly water your plants to help them thrive. You should also maintain the temperature required for this plant.  

 

Blooms

This plant also produces the standard anthurium inflorescence type flowers with a spathe and spadix. However, the peduncles are shorter compared to other varieties. 

 

Growth

Anthurium Queremalense grows moderately, but the leaves can grow up to 6 feet in lenght (1.8m).  The plant’s heart-shaped leaves have blotches of light and dark green.

The light-colored leaf veins are also visible clearly. The bullate features of this plant enhance as it matures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Common Problems for Anthurium Queremalense

 

Damaged Leaves or Sunburn

While Anthurium Queremalense leaves may handle early morning or late afternoon daylight, it is not a good idea to keep your plant outside in direct sunlight.

Keep in mind that this plant is accustomed to growing in shaded locations; therefore, it cannot handle constant sunlight outdoors.

If you ever need to transfer your plant outside due to lack of indoor space. You’ll need to slowly increase your plant’s light and temperature tolerance through a technique known as hardening off.

Gradually introduce your Anthurium Queremalense to new conditions to acclimate it to the new environment and circumstances.

Initially, place the plant in bright light for an hour and bring your plant inside. After that, leave the container outside for 2 hours, then start increasing to 4 hours.

Repeat for another seven days, and keep increasing the number of hours the plant spends outside.

Soon your Anthurium Queremalense will develop resistance to light levels outdoors. This will protect the foliage from damage or sunburns. 

 

Tips for Growing Anthurium Queremalense

• This plant needs wind protection, so avoid putting the pot in windy locations outside. 
• Make sure you empty the tray below the pot to prevent any bacteria or excessive mineral buildup.  
• If you notice that your plant is not growing actively in winter or fall months, avoid fertilizer or water because it might have entered dormancy.
• You can mist the foliage as well as the aerial roots on this plant to create an optimum level of moisture.  
• If your plant requires frequent misting, fill a spray bottle with clean water to make this easier. 
• If you want to enhance the inflorescence type blooms of Anthurium Queremalense, you have to let the plant rest for about 6 weeks in winter. This is done by limiting the water and fertilizer supply. 
• Avoid using an oversized pot after repotting as it holds too much water.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Queremalense Care

 

What are some major signs of humidity stress on this Anthurium variety?

This variety also shows common symptoms as brown leaf edges and tips when the humidity levels are not adequate. You have to remember that high humidity is one of the important and hard to achieve requirements of this plant. 

 

Is the Anthurium Queremalense poisonous? 

This variety is also toxic for humans or pets because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. Care should be taken while pruning or trimming the plant because the sap also causes skin irritation.

 

What is the tiny white growth on the stems of your Anthurium?

This growth indicates the aerial roots. These special air-loving roots are also common to other houseplants like orchids. You can let them grow or use them for propagating the Anthurium. 

 

Conclusion

Anthurium Queremalense is not only a giant but also a rare plant to grow both indoors and outdoors. Anthurium Queremalense’s an absolute gardeners’ must-have plant if you’ve got lots of empty space.

You can read our articles about other velvet leafed anthuriums like the  Anthurium Crystallinum and Anthurium Forgetii.