Anthurium 'Crystalinum Dark Form'
Overview Anthurium 'Crystalinum Dark Form' is a striking, slow-growing aroid prized for its large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with dramatic white venation on a deep, dark green to almost black background, and red “emergent leaves”. This cultivar is a collector favorite for its bold contrast and sculptural foliage; it’s grown primarily for leaves rather than flowers.
Light Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves; low light will slow growth and reduce leaf contrast. East- or north-facing windows or filtered light through a sheer curtain are ideal.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: Keep between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect from drafts and sudden temperature drops below 60°F (15°C).
Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) helps maintain leaf size, color, and overall vigor. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or place plants grouped together to raise local humidity.
Watering Water when the top 1–2 inches of the potting mix feels slightly dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains; do not allow the plant to sit in water. Overwatering can cause root rot; underwatering leads to limp, dull leaves. Adjust frequency by season—less in winter, more during active growth.
Soil & Potting Mix Use a well-aerated, fast-draining, chunky aroid mix. A good blend includes:
High-quality indoor potting soil or coco coir
Orchid bark or perlite for drainage and air pockets
A small amount of sphagnum peat or compressed sphagnum moss to retain some moisture
Repotting & Roots Repot every 2–3 years or when roots become pot-bound. Handle roots gently—Anthurium roots can be sensitive. Provide a pot with drainage holes. Consider shallow wide pots for stability and encouraging horizontal root spread.
Fertilizer Feed lightly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants or a fertilizer higher in nitrogen to support foliage. Apply at half the recommended strength every 4–6 weeks. Hold back or stop feeding in winter when growth slows.
Pruning & Care
Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base with clean shears to keep the plant tidy and reduce disease risk.
Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Monitor for pests (mealybugs, spider mites, scale) and treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Flowering While Anthuriums can produce spathes, ‘Crystalinum Dark Form’ is primarily grown for foliage and rarely flowers to any impressive degree indoors. When it does bloom, the spadix and spathe are secondary to the plant’s leaves.
Common Problems
Brown leaf margins or tips: often from low humidity, inconsistent watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Flush soil occasionally and adjust care.
Pale veins or loss of contrast: insufficient light. Move to brighter, indirect light.
Wilting and soft roots: overwatering/poor drainage—check roots and repot into fresh, airy mix if needed.
Propagation Propagate by division during repotting if the plant has multiple crowns. Carefully separate sections with their own roots and replant in fresh mix. Some growers also use stem cuttings in moist sphagnum or water, but division is most reliable.
Toxicity Toxic to pets and humans if ingested (contains calcium oxalate crystals). Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Display Tips
Showcase the foliage with simple, neutral pots that highlight the leaf color.
Place near other high-humidity houseplants to create a microclimate.
Rotate the plant periodically for even growth and to maintain symmetry.
Sourcing & Shipping Notes As a slower grower and a collector’s plant, availability can be limited. When ordering online, choose sellers who ship well-rooted, healthy divisions and package plants securely to protect leaves and roots during transit. Consider acclimating the plant slowly if moving from high-humidity greenhouse conditions to a drier home environment.
Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect
Temp: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
Humidity: 60–80%
Water: When top 1–2" of soil is slightly dry
Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix
Fertilizer: Diluted, balanced feed during growing season
Anthurium 'Crystalinum Dark Form' makes an elegant centerpiece for collectors and anyone seeking a dramatic-leaved indoor plant. With stable humidity, careful watering, and bright indirect light, it rewards patience with bold, long-lasting
Anthurium 'Crystalinum Dark Form'
Overview Anthurium 'Crystalinum Dark Form' is a striking, slow-growing aroid prized for its large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with dramatic white venation on a deep, dark green to almost black background, and red “emergent leaves”. This cultivar is a collector favorite for its bold contrast and sculptural foliage; it’s grown primarily for leaves rather than flowers.
Light Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves; low light will slow growth and reduce leaf contrast. East- or north-facing windows or filtered light through a sheer curtain are ideal.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: Keep between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect from drafts and sudden temperature drops below 60°F (15°C).
Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) helps maintain leaf size, color, and overall vigor. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or place plants grouped together to raise local humidity.
Watering Water when the top 1–2 inches of the potting mix feels slightly dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains; do not allow the plant to sit in water. Overwatering can cause root rot; underwatering leads to limp, dull leaves. Adjust frequency by season—less in winter, more during active growth.
Soil & Potting Mix Use a well-aerated, fast-draining, chunky aroid mix. A good blend includes:
High-quality indoor potting soil or coco coir
Orchid bark or perlite for drainage and air pockets
A small amount of sphagnum peat or compressed sphagnum moss to retain some moisture
Repotting & Roots Repot every 2–3 years or when roots become pot-bound. Handle roots gently—Anthurium roots can be sensitive. Provide a pot with drainage holes. Consider shallow wide pots for stability and encouraging horizontal root spread.
Fertilizer Feed lightly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants or a fertilizer higher in nitrogen to support foliage. Apply at half the recommended strength every 4–6 weeks. Hold back or stop feeding in winter when growth slows.
Pruning & Care
Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base with clean shears to keep the plant tidy and reduce disease risk.
Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Monitor for pests (mealybugs, spider mites, scale) and treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Flowering While Anthuriums can produce spathes, ‘Crystalinum Dark Form’ is primarily grown for foliage and rarely flowers to any impressive degree indoors. When it does bloom, the spadix and spathe are secondary to the plant’s leaves.
Common Problems
Brown leaf margins or tips: often from low humidity, inconsistent watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Flush soil occasionally and adjust care.
Pale veins or loss of contrast: insufficient light. Move to brighter, indirect light.
Wilting and soft roots: overwatering/poor drainage—check roots and repot into fresh, airy mix if needed.
Propagation Propagate by division during repotting if the plant has multiple crowns. Carefully separate sections with their own roots and replant in fresh mix. Some growers also use stem cuttings in moist sphagnum or water, but division is most reliable.
Toxicity Toxic to pets and humans if ingested (contains calcium oxalate crystals). Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Display Tips
Showcase the foliage with simple, neutral pots that highlight the leaf color.
Place near other high-humidity houseplants to create a microclimate.
Rotate the plant periodically for even growth and to maintain symmetry.
Sourcing & Shipping Notes As a slower grower and a collector’s plant, availability can be limited. When ordering online, choose sellers who ship well-rooted, healthy divisions and package plants securely to protect leaves and roots during transit. Consider acclimating the plant slowly if moving from high-humidity greenhouse conditions to a drier home environment.
Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect
Temp: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
Humidity: 60–80%
Water: When top 1–2" of soil is slightly dry
Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix
Fertilizer: Diluted, balanced feed during growing season
Anthurium 'Crystalinum Dark Form' makes an elegant centerpiece for collectors and anyone seeking a dramatic-leaved indoor plant. With stable humidity, careful watering, and bright indirect light, it rewards patience with bold, long-lasting
