Anthurium Michelle × Black Velvet
Anthurium 'Michelle' × Anthurium crystallinum 'Black Velvet'

A cross between two established collector hybrids with complementary strengths. Anthurium 'Michelle' is a magnificum-lineage hybrid developed by Dr. Jeff Block — a plant selected over decades for its extraordinarily dramatic emergent coloration, with new leaves opening in intense burgundy to violet hues with purple venation that transitions through bronze and near-black before maturing to deep green with prominent white venation, carried on distinctive violet petioles. Anthurium crystallinum 'Black Velvet' is a dark-selected clone of the Colombian cloud forest species, chosen for near-black mature foliage and the brilliant, crystalline white venation that makes the crystallinum lineage so foundational in collector hybridization. The cross pairs the Michelle's dramatic emergent color sequence and magnificum-derived leaf scale against the Black Velvet's dark mature pigmentation and high-contrast crystallinum venation — targeting offspring that combine the vivid emergent color drama of the Michelle lineage with the near-black mature foliage and sharp venation brilliance of the crystallinum 'Black Velvet' parent.

• Light: Bright but soft indirect light — both parents are sensitive to harsh direct exposure which dulls dark pigmentation; consistent gentle indirect light supports the deepest coloration and most vivid venation contrast.

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

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 65-80°F; high humidity of 70-80%+ is essential for the velvet texture and cleanest emergent color expression from both parent lineages.

• 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 supplemented with calcium every 4-6 weeks during active growth; dilute to half strength. Reduce in winter.