How to Grow Anthurium Ace of Spades
Anthurium Ace of Spades
Anthurium clarinervium × hybrid
flowerA stunning tropical houseplant prized for its dramatic deep green to near-black heart-shaped leaves with striking white or silver veining that resembles a spade. This is an aroid hybrid that produces elegant dark spadix flowers with deep burgundy or black spathes. It's an excellent choice for indoor collectors seeking a bold, dramatic foliage statement.
When should you plant Anthurium Ace of Spades in your zone?
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Example Anthurium Ace of Spades timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Anthurium Ace of Spades
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Anthurium Ace of Spades blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Anthurium Ace of Spades dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11b-12 year-round; zones 10-11 with winter protection indoors
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Get my Anthurium Ace of Spades timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew plant adjusting to home environment with 2-4 leaves; slow initial growth
Acclimate gradually to light conditions over 1-2 weeks; maintain high humidity (60-80%); avoid fertilizing for first month
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant produces new leaves every 2-3 weeks; leaves gradually larger with increasingly prominent white veining
Maintain warm temperatures (70-82°F); increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifier; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer; support with moss pole or stake as plant grows upward
Pre-flowering
3-6 monthsMature plant develops thick stems and larger leaves; leaf veining becomes more prominent and contrasting
Continue consistent watering and humidity; ensure bright indirect light (no less than 250 foot-candles); apply balanced fertilizer monthly; prune any yellowed or damaged leaves
Flowering
2-3 weeks per flower; can bloom multiple times yearlyDark burgundy or nearly black spathe emerges with pale yellowish spadix; flowers last 2-3 weeks on mature plants
Maintain 70-82°F and high humidity (65-75%); continue regular watering; increase phosphorus slightly with balanced or flowering fertilizer; ensure excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Rest/Recovery
2-4 weeks between bloomsPlant may slow growth between flowering cycles; no new leaf production for brief periods
Reduce fertilizer frequency by half; maintain consistent moisture and warmth; allow plant to rest naturally; inspect for pests during slower growth periods
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist leaves weekly with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for 3 weeks
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; apply horticultural oil spray; isolate plant from other houseplants
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Spray with neem oil; maintain high humidity; remove affected leaves; use yellow sticky traps for monitoring
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil; reapply every 7-10 days; quarantine infested plant
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Reduce watering; repot in fresh, dry medium; trim blackened roots with sterile tools; ensure excellent drainage
Uses
Premium Indoor Decor
HouseholdThe Ace of Spades serves as a striking focal point in contemporary interiors, adding drama to plant collections and contributing to sophisticated home design schemes. [source]
Air Purification
HouseholdLike other anthuriums, this plant filters indoor air by removing formaldehyde, ammonia, and xylene, improving air quality in homes and offices. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangement
CraftThe dramatic dark spathes and striking veined foliage make excellent, long-lasting additions to high-end floral arrangements and botanical displays. [source]
Traditional Tropical Medicine
MedicinalIn some tropical regions, anthurium species are used in traditional remedies, though scientific evidence is limited and caution is advised due to oxalate content. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe distinctive flowers attract insects and are valued by tropical pollinator species, supporting biodiversity in native rainforest habitats. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested. Flowers can be left on plant indefinitely for ornamental display. Remove spent flowers once spathe discolors or drops to encourage new bloom cycles. Cut leaves for arrangements can be harvested year-round, removing no more than 1-2 mature leaves per month to preserve plant vigor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Ace of Spades name references both the playing card suit and the dramatic white veining pattern that resembles a spade symbol on the nearly black leaves.
- 🌱 Unlike many houseplants, anthuriums can bloom multiple times per year under optimal conditions, with individual flowers lasting 2-3 weeks, making them valuable long-term decorative plants.
- 🌱 The 'flower' is actually a modified leaf (spathe) surrounding a clublike spadix; the true tiny flowers are embedded in the spadix and are primarily wind-pollinated in nature.
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