Anthurium Crystallinum vs Clarinervium - Key Differences to Know

Jan 29 2023 Written by Ivy

Anthurium crystallinum has narrower brilliant green leaves, whereas Anthurium clarinervium has broader dark green leaves. Anthurium clarinervium develops more slowly than Anthurium crystallinum.

These plants can be mistaken for replicas if you don't know the differences between them.

Additionally, you might be confused by these plants' close inspection and behavior.

Making the right choice can be aided by having a basic understanding of some similarities and differences. Your doubts will disappear after reading this article just once.

Are Anthurium Crystallinum and Clarinervium the Same?

Contrary to popular belief, clarinervium and anthurium crystallinum are not given the same names.

The plants differ in more areas overall, despite having similar light and soil needs, watering requirements, and pests and diseases that they are susceptible to.

Clarinervium and Anthurium crystallinum are compared on a general level in the table below.

Characteristics	Anthurium Crystallinum	Anthurium Clarinervium
Plant Type	Epiphytic Perennial	Epiphytic Perennial
Common name	Crystal Anthurium	Velvet Cardboard Anthurium
Genus	Anthurium	Anthurium
Family	Araceae	Araceae
Native	Tropical area of Central and South America	Southern Mexico
USDA Growth Zones	13 and above	9 to 11
Grown For	Foliage	Foliage
Toxicity	Toxic to Human and Pets	Toxic to Human and Pets

They are not at all the same, despite these numerous similarities. Throughout this article, the differentiating factor will be discussed.

The gem-like sheen that can be seen on the finely veined leaf in bright light gave rise to the name crystallinum.

It is one of the easiest plants to maintain in the interim. It has dark green leaves with reddish-purple tints and discernible white veins, as well as greenish-yellow panicles, and can reach heights of over 3 feet.

The clarinervium, on the other hand, is a smaller growing species that is perfect for indoor cultivation.

Like Anthurium crystallinum, it has heart-shaped foliage with lovely concentric veins of dim green, gold, or silver, but it is darker.

The reason for the cultivation of these plants is also due to their beautiful, leathery, dense leaves.

Key Differences Between Anthurium Crystallinum Vs Clarinervium

Anthurium crystallinum and anthurium clarinervium differ significantly in a few key ways. For instance, the leaves of the crystallinum plant grow much larger than the leaves of the clarinervium plant. Additionally, compared to the leaves of the crystallinum plant, the leaves of the clarinervium plant are typically a darker green. Finally, the underside of the leaves of the crystallinum plant are coppery or shiny, whereas those of the clarinervium plant are not.

Now let's get into more detail about all of these variations.

Anthurium Crystallinum Vs Clarinervium: Classification

It makes sense why these anthurium plants have an uncanny resemblance to one another. Due to their shared genus and family of plants, they are genetically related. They are two different species from one another, though, and as a result, they have very slight physical differences. In case you hadn't already guessed, the names of these plants are indeed their scientific classifications: anthurium crystallinum and anthurium clarinervium.

Anthurium Crystallinum Vs Clarinervium: Description

If you were unable to distinguish between anthurium crystallinum and anthurium clarinervium, no one would be inclined to hold it against you. They are closely related, but their sizes and leaves differ in a few minor ways. For instance, the leaves and overall growth of crystallinum are larger than those of clarinervium, both in height and width. Speaking of leaves, this is where the distinctions between crystallinum and clarinervium are the clearest.

While clarinervium leaves typically grow to a height of 10 inches indoors, leaves of the crystallinum plant typically grow to a height of 20 inches. While the leaves of crystallinum are spade-shaped with less separation, those of anthurium clarinervium are clearly heart-shaped with a distinct separation at the top. The leaves of the clarinervium plant are also darker green and have whiter veins than those of the less striking crystallinum plant. However, the distinct yellow-copper undersides of the crystallinum plant, which the clarinervium plant lacks, make up for this.

Anthurium Crystallinum Vs Clarinervium: Uses

The uses of the anthurium crystallinum and anthurium clarinervium plants are very similar. Both of these plants are prized by experts on houseplants for their eye-catching foliage and generally straightforward maintenance. Keep in mind, though, that the clarinervium plant and the crystallinum plant require more maintenance than the typical houseplant, so if you're a new houseplant collector, keep that in mind!

Anthurium Crystallinum Vs Clarinervium: Origin and How to Grow

The care that the crystallinum plant and the clarinervium plant require is very similar. These two anthuriums, which both have their roots in tropical rainforests in Mexico, South America, and Central America, both flourish in warm, humid environments. They prefer to remain consistently moist, but be sure to create an aerated soil mixture that will help you prevent root rot. Additionally, the lighting should be appropriate for crystallinum and clarinervium since they prefer bright, indirect light to prevent leaf burning without losing any of their distinctive colors.

Anthurium Crystallinum Vs Clarinervium: Special Features

These two anthurium varieties are unique for a variety of reasons. Depending on how they look, they go by different slang names. For instance, because of its shine and delicate leaves, anthurium crystallinum is also referred to as the crystal laceleaf plant. Because of its velvety-textured leaves, the anthurium clarinervium plant is also known as a cardboard anthurium.

1. Soil Requirements

Both of these Anthuriums have essentially the same soil requirements.

The first prerequisite is having well-drained soil. These are the jungle conditions that these plants prefer. Their roots either grow in the top soil layer, where water is not retained, or they cling to the bark of enormous trees.

A loose soil is also necessary.

In soil with a lot of clay, anthurium will have a hard time growing, and root rot is a possibility.

Due to the abundance of plant remains that haven't decomposed, the topsoil where Anthuriums naturally grow has a high acidity level.

These plants need slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.8) as a result.

A soil that satisfies all requirements is made by combining 50% sphagnum moss with 25% perlite and 25% bark.

The perlite will maintain the proper moisture, the moss will give the substrate some sponginess, and the bark will give it some acidity.

Furthermore, buying orchid growing soil will save you time and money. It does everything for you, which makes it perfect.

2. Light Requirements

Additionally, the Anthurium has specific lighting needs.

As was already mentioned, this plant grows well in the shade of large trees, so it doesn't get much direct sunlight.

It is not implied by this, though, that it can be left in total darkness. Because of the tropical tree canopy, the Anthurium might photosynthesize.

Never place an anthurium crystallinum or an anthurium clarinervium in direct sunlight for the best light balance. Hence, avoid placing it in front of a window with a southward facing window.

Place it closest to a window that gets plenty of sunlight. Furthermore, it can be positioned in front of an east or west facing window. The plants need to receive indirect light for at least six hours each day.

3. Water Requirements

The same amount of watering is required for both types.

They need more water when they are actively growing, which is from Spring to Fall. During this time, they should be watered once or twice a week.

If you live in the country's south or the summers are oppressively hot, you might need to water your plants three times per week.

When it doesn't rain, anthuriums grow so that the substrate dries up by almost a quarter. A layer of soil below is referred to as a substrate. It is the area of a surface on which a plant grows or is affixed.

If your Anthurium is in a pot, you should use a moisture meter or your fingers to check the substrate's moisture content. If it is 25% dry, you should water the plant.

Overwatering may result in root rot. Employ pots with drainage holes to prevent this. It would be best if you watered only once every 10 to 14 days or less during the Winter dormant season. As little water as possible should be used.

4. Growing Conditions

Temperature

Anthuriums don't need as high of a temperature in the winter as they do in the spring or summer. This does not imply that they are cold-tolerant.

If the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, they will be destroyed and end up dead. So don't leave them in a cold room during the winter.

Humidity

The second problem is humidity. Compared to other indoor plants, Anthurium Clarinervium and Anthurium Crystallinum do not thrive in dry air.

The ideal humidity range is between 75 and 85 percent, or between 55 and 65 percent.

Humidifier

To provide the best conditions, a humidifier should be placed close to the plant.

Although it isn't a cheap solution, it is quite practical.

A minimum of once per day should be spent spraying the foliage.

A dish with water and stones can also be placed next to the plant to aid in drying.

5. Feeding

Nutrition

Although not as important as it is for other indoor plants, nutrition is still important for Anthurium growth.

Fertilizing

After transplanting, fertilize the plants as soon as possible. It's crucial to avoid using too much fertilizer.

It needs twice as much nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The plant's ability to establish a strong root system will benefit from phosphorus.

Spring to End of Summer

Apply a small amount of fertilizer then every 45 to 60 days from Spring until the end of Summer.

There is no requirement to fertilize the plant in the winter.

On the market, there are many excellent fertilizers. For anthuriums only, some products are made.

Your responsibility is to choose the best alternative because cutting corners here can (and frequently does) backfire.

Final Thoughts on Anthurium Crystallinum and Anthurium Clarinervium

Both the Anthurium Crystallinum and the Anthurium Clarinervum are majestic and lovely to behold.

The Anthurium family is unquestionably exotic and aesthetically pleasing, with origins in Mexico, Argentina, and the Caribbean.

These plants are surprisingly low maintenance and make a powerful statement, especially given the mystique and charisma of their past.

Despite only covering two of the many varieties available in this article, there are many to choose from.

Go take a look at these beautiful plants, then reward yourself with the one that appeals to you the most. You'll be happy you did!