Anthurium warocqueanum, commonly known as the Queen Anthurium, is a species of plant in the genus Anthurium.[1] Native to Colombia, it is grown in more temperate climates as a greenhouse specimen or houseplant for its ornamental foliage.
Anthurium warocqueanum is a member species within Cardiolonchium—the so-called “velvet-leaved” Anthuriums, as they have a covering of tiny, flattened short “hairs” with a texture similar to that of velvet. Fellow velvet-leaf species include some of the most popular and famous plants today, such as A. crystallinum, A. regale, and A. magnificum.[2]
Queen Anthuriums grow as epiphytic creepers in the rainforests of Colombia, between in elevation. The leaves range from light-green to very dark greenish-black, and can mature to 3-4 feet long and 15 inches wide.[3] It has a green spathe and spadix, and produces red berries.
Named for the Belgian industrialist and horticulturalist Arthur Warocqué (1835-1880),[4] the queen Anthurium was first collected from Colombia in 1874 by Gustav Wallis (along with Anthurium veitchii) during his time working for Veitch Nurseries.[5] Long sought after for its stunning foliage, Anthurium warocqueanum is well known for being difficult to care for, requiring high humidity, indirect light, and well-draining soil.[6]