King Anthurium Plant Care

King Anthurium (Anthurium veitchii) belongs to the Araceae family within the Anthurium genus. King Anthurium is native to Columbia. King Anthurium is also known as Veitch's Anthurium, Giant Anthurium, Bird's Nest Anthurium.

King Anthurium displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. King Anthurium produces spathe and spadix.

Leaf size: approximately 78 inches.

Water a young or newly planted King Anthurium every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

King Anthurium thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing King Anthurium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Anthurium veitchii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. King Anthurium prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for King Anthurium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed King Anthurium every 7 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

King Anthurium is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

King Anthurium can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune King Anthurium while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

King Anthurium is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

King Anthurium can be propagated through division of mature plant or stem cuttings with several nodes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to flamingo lily plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

King Anthurium is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

King Anthurium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. King Anthurium is native to Columbia. In cooler regions, grow King Anthurium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.