Anthurium warocqueanum × waterburyanum

Parentage of Anthurium warocqueanum × waterburyanum

This is a cultivated cross between the Colombian species Anthurium warocqueanum and material grown as A. waterburyanum. The plant’s exact botanical status is still uncertain.

Seedlings from the cross can vary in their individual combination of parental traits.

Care for Anthurium warocqueanum × waterburyanum

• Provide bright indirect light: Diffuse overhead light supports strong growth without scorching the semi-velvet surface.
• Temperature: A range of 18–26 °C suits Anthurium warocqueanum × waterburyanum. Shield it from sustained temperatures below 15 °C.
• Humidity and airflow: Maintain roughly 60–80% humidity with light air circulation through the leaves. Stable humidity helps the opening leaf, and gentle circulation clears moisture from the sinus and veins.
• Keep watering consistent: Wait until the top of the open mix is partly dry, then water evenly through the pot and allow free drainage. Avoid alternating severe dryness with a waterlogged pot.
• Repotting: Repot when roots densely fill the container or the open mix begins to break down and drain more slowly. Move up only slightly in pot size when the roots need more room.
• Feeding: A light feed is enough as fresh leaves and roots develop. Reduce feeding as growth slows.
• Support: Start with a stable pot and add a stake only if the mature plant begins to lean.
• Leave a clear route below the crown: Use a stable raised pot and keep opening leaves away from walls, other plants and hard edges.
• Propagation: Separate rooted basal growth when available, or take a healthy stem section with an active growing point.

Problems to check on the hybrid

• A later leaf is broader or narrower than the one before it: Seedling variation and maturation can both change the proportions. Compare several later, fully hardened leaves before judging the plant. No correction is needed while the tissue remains firm, the roots are healthy and growth continues normally.
• The opening blade develops scratches and black specks: Inspect the fold and underside for thrips. If you confirm them, isolate the plant and apply a treatment labelled for thrips to the folded growth, leaf undersides and petiole bases. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course. Spray the petiole bases and folded growth only where the label permits those sites; avoid forcing the tender leaf open.
• Tan marks appear on the window-facing side: Filter direct sun and reduce heat near the glass. Existing marks remain, but later foliage can develop normally in the corrected position.

Anthurium warocqueanum × waterburyanum is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

The meaning and history of the names Anthurium warocqueanum and Anthurium waterburyanum

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. Warocqueanum honours the Belgian plant grower Arthur Warocqué. The epithet waterburyanum honours Bette Waterbury.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Anthurium in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 828.

Thomas Moore first described Anthurium warocqueanum in 1878 in The Florist and Pomologist, volume 1878, page 101.

Thomas Bernard Croat and David Scherberich first described Anthurium waterburyanum in 2025 in Aroideana 48(3): 255.