Leaf Detail Portrait
Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium
Red-Vein Besseae Anthurium
Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium Morphology
About Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium
Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium is a botanical variety of the Bolivian species distinguished by strikingly red-to-orange venation contrasting against the same dark velvety leaf surface as the typical form, rather than the pale venation seen on plain besseae. The reddish vein colouring is most vivid on newly emerged leaves and remains visible, if slightly muted, as leaves mature and harden off. It shares the compact, self-heading growth habit and demanding humidity requirements of the species, and its distinct venation colour has made it a target for collectors already committed to the standard besseae who want a genuinely differentiated companion plant rather than a near-identical duplicate.
Native Range
Bolivia
Market Analysis
Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium Price Guide & Auction Value
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Before You Buy
Shared checklist for Anthurium besseae and its cultivated forms
- Inspect new growth carefully for thrips — check the undersides of unfurling leaves for tiny dark insects or silvery streaking, as velvet anthuriums are a primary target
- Roots should be firm and pale — mushy or dark roots indicate rot often caused by poor transit conditions
- Avoid plants with more than one yellowing leaf; minor leaf loss in transit is normal but multiple yellows suggest stress before shipping
- Request a photo of the most recently unfurled leaf to judge current health — a crispy or damaged newest leaf is a red flag
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium
Shared across every form of Anthurium besseae — see this form's own Morphology for variegation-specific propagation notes.
Root in a closed high-humidity environment. Mature specimens may produce basal offshoots that can be carefully divided. Patience is essential — establishment is slow.
Care Guide
Anthurium besseae var. rubrinervium Care Guide & Growing Conditions
General care shared across all forms of Anthurium besseae — cultivated forms may need brighter light or higher humidity than the plain species; check this form's Quick Facts above.
Very chunky, well-aerated mix: 40% orchid bark, 30% perlite, 20% sphagnum moss, 10% activated charcoal. Anthuriums suffocate in dense soil — roots need airflow.
Water when the substrate is nearly dry throughout. Less is more — overwatering is the primary killer of velvet anthuriums. Always use room-temperature water.
70–85% is essential. Below 60% causes stunted growth and curling leaves. A dedicated humidifier is strongly recommended for UK growers.
Low-nitrogen fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-10 or orchid fertiliser) at quarter strength every 3–4 weeks. High nitrogen produces lush but weak growth susceptible to pests.
Reluctantly — only when completely root-bound (every 2–3 years). These plants dislike disturbance and may sulk after repotting.
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering or root rot
Remove from pot, trim affected roots, repot into fresh dry substrate and reduce watering
Curling or crispy leaf edges
Low humidity or cold draughts
Increase humidity above 70% and move away from cold windows
Thrips
Common on velvet-leaf anthuriums; hard to detect early
Inspect new growth and leaf undersides regularly; treat with neem oil or systemic insecticide at first sign
