Anthurium regale Linden

Anthurium regale Linden

Scientific Name

Accepted Name: Anthurium regale Linden

Author: Jean Jules Linden

First Published: La Belgique Horticole, Volume XVI, page 200 (1866)

Family: Araceae

Genus: Anthurium

Section: Cardiolonchium

Overview

Anthurium regale is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular velvet-leaved species within the genus Anthurium. Renowned for its enormous heart-shaped leaves, striking pale venation, and remarkable colour transformation during leaf development, the species has fascinated botanists and collectors for more than 160 years.

Native to the humid montane forests of northern Peru, Anthurium regale grows primarily as a terrestrial species on the forest floor, where it develops a powerful root system and progressively larger leaves with age. Its majestic appearance and historical significance have made it one of the iconic representatives of Anthurium section Cardiolonchium.

Quick Facts

Native Range: Peru

Distribution: Eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes (Upper Marañón region)

Growth Habit: Primarily terrestrial

Leaf Type: Large, velvety, cordate leaves

Distinctive Features:

  • Prominent pale leaf veins
  • Remarkable colour change of emerging leaves
  • Strong root system
  • One of the largest velvet Anthurium species

Variegata.Vienna Rating

🌍 Rarity: ★★★☆☆

💎 Collector Value: ★★★★★

🎨 Ornamental Value: ★★★★★

🌿 Cultivation Difficulty: ★★★★☆

🌱 Beginner Friendly: ★★☆☆☆

📈 Growth Rate: ★★★☆☆

History

The story of Anthurium regale begins in the cloud forests of Peru during the great era of nineteenth-century botanical exploration.

German plant collector Gustav Wallis (1830–1878) explored the tropical forests of South America on behalf of the Belgian botanist and horticulturist Jean Jules Linden. During one of his expeditions through the eastern Andean slopes of Peru, Wallis discovered an extraordinary Anthurium with exceptionally large heart-shaped leaves in the valleys surrounding the Upper Marañón.

The species reached Europe, where Jean Jules Linden formally described it in 1866 under the name Anthurium regale. The original description was published in La Belgique Horticole and remains the scientific foundation of the species today.

In the protologue, Linden compared Anthurium regale directly with the recently introduced Anthurium magnificum, considering the new species at least its equal—if not even superior—in ornamental beauty. He also highlighted the remarkable colour transformation of the developing foliage, describing young leaves changing from deep blood-red and chestnut tones to olive hues before finally maturing into rich emerald green.

More than 160 years after its scientific description, Anthurium regale continues to be admired as one of the most impressive members of the genus Anthurium.

Habitat

Anthurium regale is endemic to Peru, where it inhabits humid montane and cloud forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes.

Its natural habitat is characterised by:

  • High humidity throughout the year
  • Mild temperatures with little seasonal variation
  • Bright, filtered light beneath the forest canopy
  • Organic, humus-rich forest soils
  • Consistently moist environmental conditions

Cultivation

☀️ Light

In nature, Anthurium regale grows beneath the canopy of tall trees, receiving bright but filtered light throughout the day.

Recommended Conditions

  • Very bright location
  • Avoid prolonged direct midday sun
  • Gentle morning or late afternoon sunlight is generally well tolerated
  • High-quality LED grow lights produce excellent results

Cultivation Data

  • Light Intensity: approximately 10,000–20,000 lux
  • PPFD: approximately 50–150 µmol/m²/s

These values represent current cultivation recommendations and may be refined as additional research and long-term observations become available.

💧 Humidity

High humidity is essential for healthy foliage development.

Recommended Conditions

  • Minimum: approximately 60% RH
  • Optimal: 70–85% RH
  • Good air circulation is strongly recommended

🌱 Substrate

As a primarily terrestrial species, Anthurium regale performs best in coarse, well-aerated substrates that retain moisture while allowing excellent drainage.

Suitable components include:

  • Pine bark
  • Perlite or pumice
  • Coconut chips
  • Small amounts of organic material

Waterlogged conditions should always be avoided.

🌡 Temperature

Ideal growing temperatures range between:

18–26 °C (64–79 °F)

Short periods of cooler temperatures are generally tolerated, while prolonged cold conditions should be avoided.

🌿 Growth Habit

As the plant matures, Anthurium regale develops an increasingly robust root system accompanied by progressively larger foliage.

Many experienced growers report that mature specimens often maintain only a few fully developed leaves at any given time. Whether this represents a natural characteristic of the species or is influenced by cultivation conditions has not yet been fully investigated in the scientific literature.

Taxonomy

Family: Araceae

Genus: Anthurium

Section: Cardiolonchium

Species: Anthurium regale Linden

Scientifically Supported Information

The information presented in this article is supported by multiple independent botanical sources, including:

  • Original protologue (La Belgique Horticole, 1866)
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  • Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
  • Modern taxonomic literature on the genus Anthurium

References

  • Linden, J. (1866). La Belgique Horticole 16:200.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online.
  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.
  • Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Additional botanical literature and historical references.

Editorial Note

This species profile is based on the current state of botanical knowledge and carefully documented cultivation experience. The article is continuously reviewed and updated as new scientific publications and verified observations become available.