Crystal anthurium guide
Anthurium crystallinum, also called Anthurium crystallinum, crystallinum
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- 60% or higher
- 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
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 45 to 90 cm (18 to 36 in) tall
- Propagation
- Division, or stem pieces with aerial roots
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes crystal anthurium different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the anthurium care guide.
What it is
Crystal anthurium has large, heart-shaped, velvet leaves with silver-white veins that sparkle in the light. New leaves come in pink-bronze and turn dark green. The leaves are thinner and longer than clarinervium. It comes from Central and South America.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Crystallinum | Long, thin, velvet, white veins | Thinner leaves, bronze new growth |
| Anthurium clarinervium | Thick, stiff, round heart | Thick as cardboard |
| Queen anthurium | Long, narrow, hanging velvet | Leaves can reach 1 m (3 ft) |
Care differences
It needs more humidity than clarinervium, 60% or more. Its thin leaves curl and brown in dry air. A humidifier or a glass cabinet helps.
Use a chunky bark mix. Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) is dry.
Grow it by division
Separate offsets with roots when you repot.
Pet safety
It contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs.
Buying it
Crystallinum is sold at plant shops and online. Many plants sold under this name are hybrids. Look for flat leaves with crisp silver veins and no torn edges.