Anthurium clarinervium is an unusually interesting plant with a thick texture to the leaves.  That leaf thickness is known botanically as being coriaceous, or "leather like".  Anthurium clarinervium is one that has a relatively normal heart shape but feels almost like cardboard!  A beauty with an unusual leaf pattern, it grows quickly and new plants can be easily begun by clipping and repotting the newer growths as they reach a size of a 10cm (3 or 4 inches) and are beginning to develop. 

Anthurium clarinervium is found in nature in the southern part of Mexico in the state of Chiapas.  The plant spreads and grows laterally producing leaves with a deep, dark green that borders on green mixed with black.  Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden says in his journal A Revision of the Genus Anthurium (Araceae) of Mexico and Central America, the species is like endemic to Mexico, or exclusively found in that country.  Anthurium clarinervium is generally found only in a well defined area at an elevation of 800 to 1200 meters (2500 to 3800 feet). The leaves are unusually thick and stiff as well as  decorated with silvery veins.  Dr. Croat indicates this species is likely related to Anthurium crystallinum.  Anthurium species are known to be highly variable and not every leaf of every specimen will always appear the same.  This link explains in greater detail the scientific principals of natural variation and morphogenesis.  Click here.

A. clarinervum prefers to stay damp, but never wet.  The inflorescence is pink and not as attractive as those of many Anthurium sp.  None the less, it is a handsome plant and is easy to grow.  Plant in a good mixture of potting soil with Perlite™, lots of peat moss and some added sand for good drainage.  We also add orchid potting bark, such as Schultz, for additional drainage and to artifically create a soil mixture similar to that found in a rain forest.  The leaves of Anthurium clarinervium can reach 20 to 25cm (8 to 10 inches).  Our personal experience has shown the species prefers bright indirect light.

This species is commonly confused with Anthurium crystallinum.  See that species here:  http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Anthurium%20crystallinum%20pc.html

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Need more information on Anthurium species?  Click this link.