Anthurium clarinervium guide
Anthurium clarinervium, also called velvet cardboard anthurium, clarinervium
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Above average. Dry air browns the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Chunky mix of orchid bark, perlite, and a little potting soil
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Division, or stem pieces with aerial roots
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes anthurium clarinervium different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the anthurium care guide.
What it is
Anthurium clarinervium is grown for its leaves, not its flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped, thick and stiff like cardboard, and dark green velvet with bright silver-white veins. It comes from Mexico and stays compact.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Clarinervium | Thick, stiff, heart-shaped, white veins | Leaves feel like thick cardboard |
| Crystal anthurium | Thinner, longer, softer, white veins | Thinner leaves with a pink-bronze new leaf |
| Anthurium (flowering) | Glossy green, red or pink flowers | Shiny leaves and bright flowers |
Care differences
Velvet anthuriums need a much chunkier mix than the flowering kind. Use a mix that is more than half orchid bark and perlite. The roots rot in dense soil.
Aim for 50% humidity or higher. Do not wipe the velvet leaves. Dust them with a soft dry brush.
Grow it by division
Separate offsets with their own roots when you repot.
Pet safety
Like all anthuriums, it contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs.
Buying it
Clarinervium is sold at plant shops and online. Look for thick, flat leaves with crisp white veins. Many are grown from tissue culture now, so prices have come down.