Anthurium balslevii
Anthurium balslevii (Balslev's Anthurium) Care Guide
Featured photoanthurium-balslevii.jpgAnthurium balslevii, sold as Balslev's Anthurium, is a member of the largest aroid genus and a Neotropical epiphyte or hemi-epiphyte. An Ecuadorian collector species named for the Danish botanist Henrik Balslev, with lance-shaped velvety green leaves and slow climbing growth. Like most Anthurium, it needs bright filtered light, chunky aroid mix that drains immediately, and humidity above 60 percent.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
- Soil
- Chunky aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir for excellent aeration.
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic if ingested. Sap and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. (pets)
- 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 balslevii is one of about 1,000 species in Anthurium, the largest genus in family Araceae. An Ecuadorian collector species named for the Danish botanist Henrik Balslev, with lance-shaped velvety green leaves and slow climbing growth. 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 or pumice, 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; rosette species are fine in pots.
Common Problems
Yellow lower leaves with mushy stems indicate overwatering or compacted mix. Brown crispy edges signal dry air or fluoride-heavy tap water. Webbing under leaves means spider mites — rinse the plant and treat with insecticidal soap.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
How rare is Anthurium balslevii in cultivation?
It is a collector species rarely seen in mainstream retail. Care follows the velvet-leaved Anthurium pattern — chunky mix, humidity above 70 percent, and very bright indirect light.
What soil mix should I use for Anthurium?
A chunky aroid mix is best — roughly equal parts orchid bark, perlite or pumice, and coco coir. Standard potting soil holds water around the roots, which causes the rot Anthurium are notorious for.
Is Anthurium toxic to pets?
Yes — all Anthurium contain calcium oxalate crystals and are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Keep out of reach of pets that chew leaves.
