Anthurium Superbum Care

Lush foliage and laid-back care requirements make the Anthurium superbum a favorite of anyone looking to add greenery to their space. This plant hails from the subtropical and tropical lowland forests of Ecuador. A member of the Araceae family, Anthurium plants run the gamut in terms of size and appearance, and the superbum is a sleek plant often grown for its foliage. While this is an easy-care houseplant, the superbum is somewhat particular about the level of care it receives.

Super Plant

The superbum’s look is part tropical and part prehistoric. The thick, dark green leaves have pronounced midribs and come to a rounded point. The leaves have a wavy texture, giving the plant dimension. Foliage grows in a rosette format, creating an upright cluster of leaves. This growth pattern inspires the nickname bird nest Anthurium. This plant is a climber in nature and uses its aerial roots to latch onto neighboring plants. The thick roots look similar to orchid roots and often grow above the soil, protruding from the base of the plant.

Mature plants can stand several feet tall. The superbum is a slow-growing plant, so if you want a large floor plant, be prepared to wait or track down an established plant. Providing excellent Anthurium superbum care will help this plant grow as quickly as possible.

Anthurium Superbum Light Needs

Grow the superbum in medium to bright indirect sunlight. Expect more growth from plants in a sunny location, but this leafy beauty is adaptable and can handle medium-light areas. Several feet from a south-facing window or close to a west-facing window are good spots for this plant. Keep the superbum away from direct light, which will damage the leaves.

Water Needs

Water superbum plants when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. This plant doesn’t like to be soggy but doesn’t like to dry out completely. Plan to water every five or six days during the warm months, but scale back to weekly watering during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Always feel the soil to determine the best time to water. Don’t water every five days just because that’s what you should do. Factors like sunlight, humidity, and the size of the plant impact how quickly the soil dries out, so check the soil to ensure the plant needs water. While the superbum likes to stay hydrated, it would much rather prefer missing out on a drink rather than receiving too much water.

Best Soil for Superbum

Plant the superbum in lightweight, moist, well-draining soil. Most houseplants need drainage, but this is not negotiable for the superbum. Drainage is vital for this plant since the roots cannot deal with overly wet conditions. Orchid potting mixes are a good fit, or use a premade potting mix but add perlite or sand to improve the drainage.

Temperature for Anthurium Superbum

Temperatures between 65° and 85° F are ideal for the Anthurium superbum. As a tropical plant, the superbum likes to be warm and chilly temperatures slow growth and can even be fatal. Keep the plant away from heating or cooling vents to avoid temperature fluctuations. This leafy plant makes a beautiful addition to an outdoor space during the summer, but wait until the temperature is consistently above 60° F before making a move.

Superbum Humidity Needs

Keep your plant lush, happy, and growing by ensuring it lives in increased humidity. Above-average humidity is necessary for the superbum to thrive and grow as quickly as possible. Large plants are especially dependent on increased humidity and cannot handle anything less, but smaller plants can adapt to average humidity.

Dryness at the tips or around the edges of the leaves or curling foliage indicates the plant is struggling due to a lack of humidity. Dampness changes depending on the season, so routinely inspect the leaves for signs of dryness. Select a naturally humid spot for the superbum, like in a kitchen or bathroom, or group the plant near other plants to give it more humidity. When all else fails, increase the moisture in the air using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water.

Fertilization Steps

Fertilizer provides a nutritional boost that will help the plant grow. The Anthurium superbum is not a heavy feeder, but feeding during the growing season will help the plant reach its full potential. Fertilize Anthurium superbum monthly during the spring and summer. Do not feed the plant when it’s dormant.

The type of fertilizer matters, but it depends on your goal for the plant. A balanced fertilizer, with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio, will provide consistent support for the entire plant. Anthuriums bloom, so if you want to encourage flowers select a product high in phosphorus with a ratio of 15-30-15. For a superbum primarily grown for foliage, use a nitrogen-rich product that will support leaf development.

How to Prune Superbum

Pruning is not a big part of Anthurium superbum care, but it is necessary on occasion. Older leaves naturally decline as the plant ages. Remove fading leaves by trimming them as close to the base as possible. Prune the leaves at the first sign of decline so the plant can redirect energy into new growth.

Does Anthurium Superbum Bloom?

The superbum does bloom and features waxy, tropical flowers. Other Anthurium varieties are grown specifically for their flowers, but the superbum is more of a foliage plant. Flowers can last several months, but only expect blooms if the plant receives excellent Anthurium superbum care.

When to Repot Superbum

Plan to repot Anthurium superbum every other year. The superbum is a slow-grower that will not quickly outgrow its pot but will still need an upgrade before becoming rootbound. Give the plant fresh soil and a new pot that is one to two inches larger when repotting.

Anthurium Superbum Propagation

Most Anthurium plants last about five years, so propagating is necessary to maintain this species long-term. Propagate the superbum through division. Wait until it is time to repot to divide the plant and repot each new plant in its own container.

Is Anthurium Superbum Pet Safe?

The Anthurium superbum is not the best choice for homes with pets. This plant is harmful if ingested, so be aware before bringing this plant into your home or giving it as a gift.

Superbum Styling Tips

Superbum styling is easy since the plant does all of the work. The Anthurium superbum adds elegance to a desk or end table, while large plants look stunning in a floor stand. The dark green foliage stands out against a light-hued planter and pairs nicely with a variegated plant.