Anthurium Besseae and Anthurium Crystallinum are two stunning species of the Anthurium genus that boast unique characteristics, making them popular choices among plant enthusiasts. These tropical plants share similar features in their foliage, but they exhibit distinct differences in growth habits and care requirements. Exploring their individual attributes can help you choose the best option for your indoor or outdoor garden.
The Anthurium Besseae is an epiphytic species with velvety, dark-green leaves that strongly resemble those of the Anthurium Crystallinum. However, their leaf veins are narrower compared to the Crystallinum species. Besseae plants can grow up to 3-5 feet tall indoors, producing vibrant red flowers in the summer under optimal conditions. These plants thrive well in indirect light and are relatively easy to maintain given the right humidity levels 50% or higher.
On the other hand, Anthurium Crystallinum is known for its ornamental foliage rather than its blooms. This species has dark-green, velvety leaves, and its green spathes are not as eye-catching as Besseae’s red flowers. Despite the difference in overall appearance, Crystallinum’s care requirements are similar to Besseae, both plants enjoy sunlight and high humidity levels. Understanding their differences in appearance and growth patterns can help you make an informed decision when adding either of these beautiful plants to your collection.
Anthurium Besseae Overview
Origins and Habitat
Anthurium Besseae is a semi-evergreen tropical plant that originates from the rainforests of South America, specifically in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This plant is an epiphytic species, meaning that it grows upon another plant or object, obtaining its nutrients and moisture from the atmosphere without causing any harm to its host plant source.
Physical Characteristics
The leaves of Anthurium Besseae are dark-green, velvety, and resemble those of Anthurium Crystallinum. However, Anthurium Besseae has narrower veins than its counterpart. It is sometimes challenging for beginners to differentiate between these two plants due to their similar appearance. Anthurium Besseae produces red flowers during summer, given the right growing conditions, and can reach a height of 3-5 feet when grown indoors source.
Growing Conditions
Anthurium Besseae thrives in sunlight (70-85% of sunlight) and prefers a high-temperature environment. It is well-suited for USDA zones 10 or above. To provide optimal growing conditions:
- Place the plant near windows, patios, or doors so it can receive 8-10 hours of indirect sunlight daily source.
- Maintain a humidity level of 50% or higher for the plant to grow readily source.
When cared for correctly, Anthurium Besseae is relatively easy to maintain and can thrive in indirect light, growing slowly and steadily.
Anthurium Crystallinum Overview
Origins and Habitat
Anthurium Crystallinum is a tropical, evergreen plant native to Central and South America. It is primarily found in countries such as Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. This unique and eye-catching species thrives in rainforests, growing on the surface of trees or rocks. This epiphytic behavior is quite typical for Anthuriums as they absorb nutrients and moisture from their surrounding environment.
Physical Characteristics
This stunning plant is known for its heart-shaped, velvety leaves that showcase intricate, silvery-white venation. The velvety texture and intricate patterns on the foliage are what make it so sought-after amongst plant enthusiasts. The leaves can grow up to 12-20 inches in length, adding a touch of elegance and tropical flair to your indoor garden.
Growing Conditions
Anthurium Crystallinum thrives in a warm, humid environment with access to bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature range for this species is between 70-85°F. It’s crucial to provide the plant with 8-10 hours of indirect sunlight daily. To mimic its natural habitat, maintain high humidity levels, either by using a humidifier, regular misting, or placing the plant in a well-ventilated bathroom.
When it comes to soil, Anthurium Crystallinum prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich mix. You may want to use a combination of peat moss, orchid mix, and perlite to achieve the optimal potting medium. Water your Crystallinum regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not soggy; an overly wet environment may lead to root rot. Regularly check the plant for pests such as mealybugs or spider mites, as these critters can harm your Anthurium.
In summary, Anthurium Crystallinum exudes an air of sophistication and exoticism with its velvety leaves and silvery veins. Providing proper growing conditions, including indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity, will help ensure your Crystallinum flourishes and maintains its unique characteristics.
Comparing Anthurium Besseae and Crystallinum
Differences in Appearance
Anthurium Besseae is a semi-evergreen tropical plant characterized by its broad, dark-green, velvety, and uniquely shaped leaves ^gardeningit.com. On the other hand, Anthurium Crystallinum is known for its heart-shaped, dark green leaves with prominent silver veins ^thespruce.com. The petioles, or leaf stalks, also differ between the two species. Anthurium Besseae has smooth, slender petioles, while Anthurium Crystallinum has distinctive circular petioles^a-z-animals.com.
Growth and Care Requirements
Both Anthurium Besseae and Crystallinum require a warm and humid environment to flourish, as they are tropical, epiphytic species. However, there are some differences in their care requirements:
Anthurium Besseae:
- It prefers bright, indirect light^gardeningit.com.
- This plant requires a well-draining potting mix and consistent watering to maintain a slightly moist soil^gardeningit.com.
Anthurium Crystallinum:
- This plant fares best in bright, indirect light^thespruce.com.
- Its ideal potting mix should be loose, well-draining, and kept consistently moist^thespruce.com.
Popular Hybrid Varieties
As Anthurium contains over 1,000 species, there are numerous hybrid varieties available 4. Some popular hybrids are derived from Anthurium Besseae and Crystallinum and exhibit unique features. One such popular hybrid is the Anthurium Clarinervium, which falls between Anthurium Crystallinum and Besseae in appearance, with heart-shaped, broader dark green leaves ^greengardentribe.com.
Overall, both Anthurium Besseae and Crystallinum are eye-catching plants with unique foliage characteristics, ideal for plant enthusiasts who desire an exotic touch to their indoor garden.
Cultivating Successfully
Anthurium besseae and Anthurium crystallinum are two stunning tropical plants, each with distinct foliage and care requirements. They make wonderful houseplants, but in order to grow them successfully, it’s essential to understand their unique needs and address any potential issues promptly.
Common Pests and Diseases
Both Anthurium besseae and crystallinum are susceptible to common houseplant pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. You can detect their presence by carefully inspecting the leaves and stems. To keep these pests at bay, you could:
- Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
- Use a gentle insecticidal soap, making sure to follow the application instructions.
- Introduce beneficial insects, like ladybugs or lacewings, which naturally control the population of harmful pests.
Furthermore, these plants can be prone to root rot if overwatered. To avoid this issue:
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Propagation Techniques
Anthurium besseae:
- Remove a healthy stem cutting with at least two leaves.
- Plant the cutting in a well-draining, moist potting mix.
- Keep the humidity around the cutting at least 50% or higher, which helps this species grow readily.
- Maintain a consistently warm temperature, ideally between 75 and 85°F.
Anthurium crystallinum:
- Wait for the plant to produce offsets, which are smaller plantlets growing at the base of the mother plant.
- Carefully separate the offset from the parent plant, making sure to retain some roots.
- Plant the offset in a well-draining, moist potting mix.
- Maintain high humidity levels (around 70%) and temperatures between 75 and 85°F for optimal growth.
By understanding the different requirements of Anthurium besseae and crystallinum, as well as addressing common pests and diseases and utilizing proper propagation techniques, you’re well on your way to successfully growing these beautiful tropical plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Besseae vs Crystallinum care
Anthurium besseae and anthurium crystallinum are both tropical evergreen plants and share some similar care requirements. Both plants prefer warm, humid conditions and indirect sunlight. They should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry and should be fertilized with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every month during the growing season. The anthurium besseae has dark green, velvety leaves, while the anthurium crystallinum has leaves with prominent white veins.
Difference between Regale and Besseae
Anthurium regale and anthurium besseae are two different species and have distinct characteristics. Anthurium regale is known for its large, veined leaves while anthurium besseae has smaller, dark-green, velvety leaves.
Besseae Affinity for sale
It’s best to shop at specialized plant shops or trustworthy online retailers since the Anthurium besseae is a rare plant. Look out for healthy plants with a few dark green leaves that appear firm and have no signs of pest infestation.
Mature Besseae characteristics
A mature anthurium besseae can reach a height of 3-5 feet when grown indoors with proper care. The plant produces red flowers in the summer in ideal growing conditions. The leaves of the mature plant are velvety, dark green, and more pronounced in their unique structure compared to younger plants.
Besseae Silver care tips
Anthurium besseae Silver is a variant with slightly different care requirements. Ensure proper humidity by placing the plant on a tray with damp pebbles or using a room humidifier. Allowing the plant to dry out completely between waterings can prevent root rot. Use a well-draining soil mix and avoid overwatering. Provide filtered light away from direct sun rays.
Forgetii vs Crystallinum comparison
Anthurium forgetii and crystallinum have somewhat similar appearances but differ slightly in leaf shape and coloration. Forgetii leaves are rounder, with a cordate base, and lack the prominent white veins found in crystallinum leaves. Both plants require similar care, including humidity, indirect light, and well-draining soil.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
