Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix' (papillilaminum x dressleri) Medium

Anthurium ‘Dark Phoenix’ is a rare and captivating plant admired for its luxurious, velvety foliage and deep, moody tones. New leaves emerge in a rich reddish-brown and gradually darken to an almost black shade with a soft matte finish. With its broad, heart-shaped leaves, subtle curvature, and elegant upright growth, this variety makes a refined statement in any indoor jungle.

Though the name may sound mythical, ‘Dark Phoenix’ is grounded in botanical reality. This cultivar stems from Anthurium papillilaminum and Anthurium dressleri, a species native to the tropical lowland rainforests of Panama, where it thrives in humid, shaded habitats on rocky or limestone-rich soils.

Why It’s Special

• Deep velvet texture with rich, dark coloration

• Noted for compact size and ornamental symmetry

• A collector’s favorite due to its dramatic appearance and rarity

• Smooth petioles, without the ribbed features seen in Anthurium dressleri

• Anthurium papillilaminum and Anthurium dressleri hybrid

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun

• Watering: Keep evenly moist but not soggy; allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings

• Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) preferred

• Temperature: Warm indoor temperatures (18–25 °C)

• Soil: Well-draining mix rich in organic matter (e.g., orchid bark, perlite, coco coir)

• Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced, diluted fertilizer

Plant Profile

• Botanical Background: Anthurium papillilaminum x Anthurium dressleri

• Trade Name: ‘Dark Phoenix’ 

• Leaf Shape: Broad heart with deep lobes and slightly indented base

• Color Transition: Reddish-brown to deep green, nearly black

• Size: Typically grows 40–60 cm tall indoors

• Flowers: Infrequent and typically inconspicuous indoors