Anthurium Silver Blush × Carlablackiae
Anthurium 'Silver Blush' × Anthurium carlablackiae

A cross between the compact, crystallinum-derived 'Silver Blush' hybrid and Anthurium carlablackiae — the Panamanian and Colombian understory species formally described by Croat and Ortiz in 2020, named for its discoverer Carla Black, and one of the most sought-after compact velvet anthuriums in cultivation for its near-black mature foliage, electric pink emergent venation, ridged burgundy petioles, and surprisingly fast, manageable growth relative to other velvet species. The Silver Blush parent contributes its crystallinum-lineage silver venation and rounded compact constitution; the carlablackiae parent contributes dark pigmentation, the characteristic ridged petioles similar to dressleri, and the vivid pink emergent vein coloration it passes reliably into hybrid offspring. The cross targets the pairing of crystallinum-lineage silver venation against carlablackiae's dark, compact, fast-growing constitution — producing a hybrid with manageable size, dark foliage, and the interplay of silver and pink venation character from both parents.

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light — carlablackiae is intolerant of prolonged high light levels or excessive heat; gentle consistent indirect light supports the deepest dark pigmentation from both parents.

• Soil: Open, chunky epiphytic mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir with excellent drainage; never waterlogged.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm but not hot temperatures between 65-80°F; avoid prolonged heat above 82°F. High humidity of 70-80%+ is essential for the velvet surface quality and best emergent coloration.

• Watering: Keep consistently but lightly moist — allow only the top inch to approach dryness between waterings. Never waterlog; never allow to dry out fully.

• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth; dilute to half strength. Reduce in winter.