Anthurium ‘Legume’

Anthurium ‘Legume’ is an unusual tropical foliage plant with a distinctive, exotic appearance that makes it an excellent choice for collectors looking for something a little different from more familiar Anthurium varieties.

Its attractive green foliage develops with a strong, architectural form, bringing texture and a lush tropical feel to an indoor plant collection. Like many foliage Anthuriums, ‘Legume’ is best appreciated for its leaves rather than its flowers, and becomes increasingly impressive as it matures.

Anthuriums originate from tropical environments where many species grow beneath the forest canopy or as epiphytes on trees. As a result, Anthurium ‘Legume’ appreciates warm temperatures, good humidity, filtered light and an open growing medium that allows plenty of air around the roots.

Given the right conditions, it can make a striking feature plant while remaining relatively straightforward to care for.

Light

Give Anthurium ‘Legume’ plenty of bright, indirect light.

A position near an east- or west-facing window is ideal, while plants close to a south-facing window may need some protection from strong midday and afternoon sunlight.

Avoid prolonged direct sun, particularly during summer, as intense light can scorch the foliage.

Although Anthuriums can tolerate slightly lower light levels, growth may become slower and new leaves may emerge smaller.

Watering

Allow the upper layer of compost to begin drying before watering again.

Anthuriums enjoy consistent moisture but do not like sitting in permanently wet compost. Check approximately the top 2–5cm of the growing medium and water when it feels close to dry.

Water thoroughly until excess water drains through the bottom of the pot, then make sure the plant is not left standing in water.

Watering will usually need to be reduced during autumn and winter when lower light levels slow the plant's growth.

If possible, use rainwater or filtered water, particularly in hard-water areas. Anthuriums generally prefer slightly acidic growing conditions and can be sensitive to the mineral build-up associated with hard tap water.

Humidity

Anthurium ‘Legume’ appreciates moderate to high humidity.

Aim for around 60% humidity or above where possible. Higher humidity can encourage larger, healthier foliage and reduce the likelihood of dry or crispy leaf edges.

It can still grow successfully in many homes, but avoid positioning it directly beside radiators or other sources of particularly dry air.

A humidifier can be beneficial for collectors growing several tropical foliage plants together.

Good airflow remains important even at high humidity levels.

Temperature

Keep Anthurium ‘Legume’ warm throughout the year.

An ideal temperature range is approximately 18–28°C.

Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°C and protect the plant from cold draughts, open doors and sudden changes in temperature.

Anthuriums are tropical plants and tend to perform best when their conditions remain relatively stable.

Soil

Use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix that allows plenty of oxygen to reach the roots.

A suitable mixture might include:

• Houseplant compost or coco coir

• Orchid bark

• Perlite or pumice

• Coco chips

• A small amount of sphagnum moss

The exact ingredients are less important than achieving a balance between moisture retention, drainage and aeration.

Anthurium roots dislike dense, compacted compost that remains saturated for prolonged periods.

Feeding

Feed regularly during the active growing season.

A balanced liquid houseplant or orchid fertiliser can be applied approximately every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer, depending on the strength of the fertiliser.

If using a concentrated feed, dilute according to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overfeeding.

Reduce feeding considerably during autumn and winter if the plant is producing little new growth.

Repotting

Repot Anthurium ‘Legume’ when its root system begins to fill the existing container.

Anthuriums generally prefer being slightly snug rather than being moved into an excessively large pot.

When repotting, choose a container only one size larger and make sure it has adequate drainage holes.

Spring and early summer are usually the best times to repot because the plant is entering its most active period of growth.

Common Problems

Brown or crispy leaf edges

Usually associated with low humidity, inconsistent watering, mineral build-up or allowing the plant to become excessively dry.

Yellow leaves

Occasional yellowing of older leaves is normal. Multiple yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage or root problems.

Drooping leaves

Check the moisture level of the compost. Both excessively dry compost and waterlogged roots can result in drooping.

Brown or black patches

Dark patches can sometimes result from cold damage, prolonged wet conditions or fungal/bacterial leaf problems.

Pale or scorched foliage

This can indicate exposure to too much direct sunlight. Move the plant further from the window or provide filtered light.

Small new leaves

Insufficient light, low humidity, a lack of nutrients or an immature root system can all result in smaller foliage.

Pests

Regularly inspect your Anthurium for common houseplant pests, particularly:

• Thrips

• Spider mites

• Mealybugs

• Scale insects

Check both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, as well as new growth and the base of the plant.

Early treatment makes infestations significantly easier to manage.

Is Anthurium ‘Legume’ Pet Safe?

No. Anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and young children.

Chewing or ingesting parts of the plant can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive system.

Wash your hands after handling damaged plant material and avoid contact with the sap where possible.

Anthurium ‘Legume’ Care at a Glance

Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Allow the upper layer of compost to begin drying between waterings
Humidity: Moderate to high, ideally 60%+
Temperature: 18–28°C
Soil: Chunky, airy and free draining
Feeding: Every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer
Growth rate: Moderate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Pet safe: No – toxic if ingested