Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
Anthurium Besseae Aff. Dark is a striking collector Anthurium prized for its deep, velvety foliage, elongated heart-shaped leaves, and contrasting veins. Mature leaves can develop exceptionally dark green coloration, sometimes appearing nearly black under certain lighting. New foliage may emerge in warmer bronze, reddish, or olive tones before gradually darkening as it hardens.
This plant is commonly sold as Anthurium besseae aff. Dark or Anthurium aff. besseae Dark. The abbreviation “aff.” means affinis, or “having affinity with,” and indicates that the plant closely resembles Anthurium besseae but has not been definitively identified as that species. “Dark” is a horticultural or collector designation referring to selections displaying particularly deep foliage coloration. Because plants under the aff. besseae name can represent different collections or forms, some variation in leaf shape, coloration, and veining should be expected.
Anthurium Besseae Aff. Dark does best in bright, indirect light. Plenty of filtered light supports healthy growth and development of its characteristic foliage. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the velvety leaves and permanently damage their surface.
Water when the top inch or two of the potting mix begins to dry, then water thoroughly and allow all excess water to drain. This Anthurium appreciates consistent moisture during active growth but should never remain soggy or waterlogged. Avoid allowing the root system to remain completely dry for extended periods.
Use a very airy, chunky and well-draining aroid potting mix in a container with excellent drainage. A mixture containing orchid bark, coco chips or coir, perlite or pumice, and a small amount of moisture-retentive material works well. The roots benefit from a balance of consistent moisture and plenty of oxygen.
Anthurium Besseae Aff. Dark prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. Higher humidity can encourage healthy foliage and help new leaves expand properly. Good airflow is particularly important in humid conditions and helps prevent moisture from remaining on the velvety foliage.
This Anthurium develops an upright to spreading growth habit, with increasingly substantial foliage as it matures. Give emerging leaves plenty of room to expand without rubbing against surrounding plants or surfaces. Avoid unnecessary handling or wiping of the mature leaves, as the velvet surface can be easily marked or damaged.
Anthurium Besseae Aff. Dark is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Like other Anthuriums, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
