Anthurium hookeri, sold as Bird's Nest Anthurium, is a member of the largest aroid genus and a Neotropical epiphyte or terrestrial rainforest plant. A Caribbean species named for the 19th-century botanist William Jackson Hooker, forming a striking upright rosette of broad paddle-shaped leaves like a giant bird's nest. 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.
- 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 hookeri is one of about 1,000 species in Anthurium, the largest genus in the aroid family Araceae. A Caribbean species named for the 19th-century botanist William Jackson Hooker, forming a striking upright rosette of broad paddle-shaped leaves like a giant bird's nest. 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 (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a moss pole for Anthurium hookeri?
No — A. hookeri is a terrestrial rosette species that does not climb. Use a wide stable pot and provide chunky aroid mix; the plant slowly adds new leaves at the centre of the rosette.
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.
Is Anthurium toxic to pets?
Yes — all Anthurium contain calcium oxalate crystals and are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes oral burning, drooling, and vomiting. Keep out of reach of pets that chew leaves.
