japanese anthurium Anthurium 'King of Spades' – Dark Velvet Hybrid with Prominent Veins

japanese anthurium Anthurium 'King of Spades' – Dark Velvet Hybrid with Prominent VeinsAnthurium King of Spades (Anthurium HU) Anthurium King of Spades, also known as Anthurium HU, is a dark velvet foliage Anthurium with broad leaves, a deep sinus and fine pale veining. Mature blades have a heavy, smooth outline and can appear dark green to almost black in suitable filtered light. Large leaves rise on upright petioles from a compact base. As the blades increase in size, light support can steady the foliage and keep the petioles from

Anthurium ‘King of Spades’ (Anthurium ‘HU’)

Anthurium ‘King of Spades’, also known as Anthurium ‘HU’, is a dark velvet foliage Anthurium with broad leaves, a deep sinus and fine pale veining. Mature blades have a heavy, smooth outline and can appear dark green to almost black in suitable filtered light.

Large leaves rise on upright petioles from a compact base. As the blades increase in size, light support can steady the foliage and keep the petioles from pulling too far outward.

Leaf details on Anthurium ‘King of Spades’

• Blade shape: Broad heart- to spade-shaped leaves with a deep sinus at the base.
• Surface: Dark velvet texture that shows pale marks if handled roughly or kept wet.
• Venation: Fine, subtle silver veins across the dark blade.
• Margins: Smooth leaf edges give the mature blade a clean, wide outline.
• Growth habit: Upright to semi-self-heading growth from a compact base.
• Support option: Larger leaves may sit better with a discreet stake or low support.

Velvet leaves and support

As the weighty velvet leaves size up, the petioles can lean outward. A stable pot and low support keep the base secure while the leaves develop in their semi-upright shape.

Velvet leaves mark less easily when the plant grows in stable conditions. Warmth, humidity and an open substrate help new leaves unfold without tearing or sticking, while good airflow reduces the risk of marks on the leaf surface.

Care for Anthurium ‘King of Spades’

• Light: Give bright filtered light. Direct sun can scorch velvet leaves, especially where glass intensifies heat.
• Water: Let the upper part of the mix dry before watering again, then drain the pot fully.
• Humidity: Higher humidity helps emerging leaves release cleanly from the cataphyll.
• Air movement: Gentle airflow matters in humid conditions, especially around large velvet blades.
• Temperature: Keep the plant warm and stable, away from cold windows and sudden night drops.
• Substrate: Use bark, coco chips, coarse perlite, pumice or similar large particles around the roots.
• Support: Add a small stake when leaf weight pulls the petioles outward.

Problems to watch for

• Stuck or torn new leaves: Usually linked to dry air, low humidity swings or interrupted growth while the leaf is expanding.
• Yellowing leaves: Check the roots if the pot has stayed wet or the mix has become compacted.
• Brown tips: Can appear after dry spells, mineral buildup or very dry indoor air.
• Leaning petioles: Larger leaves may need gentle support while the crown stays at normal planting depth.
• Pest damage: Fine pale speckling, dull patches or distorted new leaves can point to mites or thrips.

Safety for Anthurium ‘King of Spades’

Keep Anthurium ‘King of Spades’ away from pets and children. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate the mouth, throat and stomach if chewed or swallowed.

Name etymology and background

Anthurium comes from Greek words meaning flower and tail, referring to the tail-like spadix of the inflorescence. ‘King of Spades’ and ‘HU’ are cultivated names for this dark velvet Anthurium bred by Haji Uli, with broad spade-shaped leaves, subtle pale veins and a semi-upright habit.