Black Love Anthurium

Black Love Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Black Love') is a small-scale anthurium, 40cm to 60cm tall and about 40cm wide, with decorative heart shaped leaves and dramatic, almost black glossy flowers through the year. It belongs to the Love series, which is smaller than other anthuriums, so it fits a bedside table, a bathroom window or a tropical shade garden.

Why you'll love it

• Near black flowers. Smooth, teardrop shaped blooms in as close to black as plant breeding gets, glossy and dramatic.
• Flowers on and off all year. The dark blooms appear intermittently through the year, not just in a single season.
• A smaller scale. The Love series is smaller than other anthuriums, which makes this one practical for indoor pots.
• Very long lasting in water. The flowers last a long time as cut stems.
• Two homes. It does as well on a bedside table as in a tropical shade border.

Where it works best

Bedrooms and bathrooms. A pot in bright filtered light, such as a bathroom window or a bedside table, shows off the dark flowers. Keep it away from cold draughts.

Tropical shade gardens. In frost-free gardens, plant 40cm apart under taller foliage, where the dark blooms stand out against bright green.

Contemporary containers. A pale or white pot makes the near black flowers read even more clearly.

Growing Black Love Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight. Black Love likes humid conditions and needs frost protection, so it grows outdoors only in tropical and subtropical regions. Elsewhere, treat it as an indoor plant. For the longest flowering period, provide plenty of bright, filtered light.

Soil. A free draining, organic rich potting mix, or free draining garden soil with mulch to keep it moist.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it moist during dry periods. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring, and liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove spent flowers and tired leaves at the base. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to refresh the shine, and re-pot at the beginning of spring. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so avoid contact with skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Love Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. Supply comes from our grower and is not constant. If the tube reads sold out, none is available at the moment, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is back. Expect a small young plant. Unpack promptly, pot it up or plant it in a sheltered spot, and keep it warm and humid while it settles.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor plants
• More tropical plants
• Indoor exotic plants guide
• Plants for small gardens

Common questions

How dark are the flowers?

They are close to black, with a glossy finish, and they appear intermittently through the year.

Will it cope in a bathroom?

Yes, if the room has bright, filtered light. Anthuriums thrive in humidity, but keep the plant away from cold draughts.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so keep it out of reach of children and pets.