ace of spade anthurium Anthurium papillilaminum × 'Ace of Spades' – 'Raven's Heart' Hybrid

ace of spade anthurium Anthurium papillilaminum × 'Ace of Spades' – 'Raven's Heart' HybridAnthurium papillilaminum Ace of Spades Deep green velvet leaves give Anthurium papillilaminum Ace of Spades its dark, high contrast look. The broad blades harden with a dense matte surface, while pale veins stand out clearly across the foliage. This cross involves the Panamanian species Anthurium papillilaminum and the cultivated Anthurium Ace of Spades. The same plant may also appear under the alternate trade name Ravens Heart. Dark velvet foliage

Anthurium papillilaminum × ‘Ace of Spades’

Deep green velvet leaves give Anthurium papillilaminum × ‘Ace of Spades’ its dark, high-contrast look. The broad blades harden with a dense matte surface, while pale veins stand out clearly across the foliage.

This cross involves the Panamanian species Anthurium papillilaminum and the cultivated Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’. The same plant may also appear under the alternate trade name ‘Raven’s Heart’.

Dark velvet foliage traits

• Dark velvet foliage: The leaves mature to a deep green tone with a soft, matte surface.
• Broad leaf outline: The blades develop a heart-shaped form with a defined central vein.
• Light vein contrast: Pale veins stand out clearly against the darker leaf surface.
• Soft expanding leaves: New growth is tender and can mark easily while the blade is still unfurling.
• Compact Anthurium base: The plant grows from a central crown and keeps most of its visual weight close to the pot.
• Air-loving roots: Thick roots need a loose mix with oxygen around the root zone.

Leaf texture and indoor growth

New leaves emerge soft and flexible, then become darker and firmer as they mature. A little space around the crown helps the leaves open without rubbing against shelves, glass or other plants.

The plant grows as a potted Anthurium with a central crown, petioles and thick roots. A well-drained pot, open substrate and stable humidity around new leaves keep the crown steady and the root zone aerated.

Indoor care for Anthurium papillilaminum × ‘Ace of Spades’

• Humidity: Higher humidity helps the soft new leaves unfurl with fewer creases and torn edges.
• Light: Keep it in bright filtered light. Direct sun can scorch the dark velvet surface and dry the margins.
• Water: Water thoroughly, then let the upper part of the mix begin to dry before the next watering.
• Substrate: Use an open Anthurium mix with bark, coarse mineral material and fibres that hold light moisture.
• Leaf care: Handle new leaves carefully. The surface can show pressure marks before the blade has fully hardened.
• Temperature: Keep conditions warm and stable, ideally above 18 °C, with no cold wet pot after watering.
• Feeding: Apply diluted fertiliser during active growth and reduce feeding when the plant is resting or growing slowly.

Troubleshooting dark velvet leaves

• Marked new leaves: Soft expanding blades can crease, tear or spot if they press against nearby surfaces.
• Dry brown edges: Low humidity, irregular watering or root stress can brown the margins.
• Yellow lower leaves: Check the root zone for dense wet mix, especially if the crown feels loose.
• Faded or scorched patches: Strong direct light can damage the velvet surface quickly.
• Pests: Thrips and spider mites can leave silvery marks, speckling or distorted new growth on velvet leaves.

Safety for Anthurium papillilaminum × ‘Ace of Spades’

Keep this plant away from pets and children that may chew leaves or stems. Anthurium contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, skin and eyes.

Name notes for Anthurium papillilaminum × ‘Ace of Spades’

The genus name Anthurium comes from Greek roots for “flower” and “tail”, referring to the spadix. Anthurium papillilaminum Croat was published in 1986 in Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden, and its native range is Panama. The epithet papillilaminum refers to papillae on the leaf blade.

Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ is a cultivated Anthurium name. ‘Raven’s Heart’ is an alternate trade name for the same hybrid.