Full Specimen Plate
Anthurium besseae 'Variegata'
Variegated Besseae Anthurium
Quick Facts
Morphology
About
Anthurium besseae 'Variegata' is a striking variegated sport of the Bolivian species Anthurium besseae, prized for the irregular cream-yellow sectorial patches that break across its otherwise dark, velvety cordate leaves. The blotching follows the leaf's venation loosely rather than any fixed pattern, so no two leaves display quite the same balance of green and cream. Because the species itself was already a scarce, compact velvet anthurium from a restricted Bolivian locality, a stable variegated line is exceptionally hard to come by, and plants change hands for a considerable premium over the straight species. It retains the same compact, self-heading growth habit as the type, making it a manageable size for a plant of this rarity.
Native Range
Bolivia
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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
Growing More Plants
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
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