Anthurium bakeri
Anthurium bakeri (Baker's Anthurium) Care Guide
Featured photoanthurium-bakeri.jpgAnthurium bakeri, sold as Baker's Anthurium, is a member of the largest aroid genus and a Neotropical epiphyte or terrestrial rainforest plant. A Costa Rican and Panamanian species with strap-like leaves and red-spotted ovoid berries clustered on green spadices, more often grown by collectors than at retail. Like most Anthurium, it needs bright filtered light, a chunky free-draining aroid mix, and humidity above 60 percent — the leaf surfaces brown and curl in dry indoor air.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried, then water thoroughly.
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
- Soil
- Chunky aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir for excellent aeration.
- Origin
- Neotropical rainforests of Central and South America.
- Mature size
- 30 cm to 1 m tall depending on species; epiphytic species spread along supports.
Overview
Anthurium bakeri is one of about 1,000 species in Anthurium, the largest genus in the aroid family Araceae. A Costa Rican and Panamanian species with strap-like leaves and red-spotted ovoid berries clustered on green spadices, more often grown by collectors than at retail. Most Anthurium are epiphytes or hemi-epiphytes in their native rainforest, which is why they need open chunky mixes rather than dense potting soil.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light, never direct midday sun.
- Use a chunky aroid mix — orchid bark, perlite, coco coir.
- Water thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix is dry; let excess drain.
- Humidity above 60 percent — group with other tropicals or use a humidifier.
- Provide a moss pole for climbing species; terrestrial species are fine in pots.
Common Problems
Yellow lower leaves with mushy stems mean overwatering or compacted mix — repot into chunky aroid mix. Brown crispy edges signal dry air or fluoride-heavy tap water. Webbing under leaves is spider mites; rinse the foliage and treat with insecticidal soap.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Are the red berries on Anthurium bakeri ornamental?
Yes — the bright red berry clusters are the species' main ornamental feature, lasting weeks before fading. Spent infructescences can be cut at the base to redirect energy to new leaves.
What soil mix should I use for Anthurium?
A chunky aroid mix works best — roughly equal parts orchid bark, perlite or pumice, and coco coir or peat. Standard potting soil compacts and holds water around the roots, which causes the rot Anthurium are notorious for.
How long do Anthurium spathes last?
Each spathe holds its colour for six to eight weeks under steady warm conditions before fading toward green. Mature plants in good light push new flowers most months of the year.
