Anthurium 'King of Spades' (also known as KOS) is a highly coveted, rare hybrid Anthurium prized for its dramatic, thick, velvet foliage and prominent, architectural veining. Originally created by renowned Indonesian hybridizer Haji Ulih (giving rise to its alternative name designation "HU"), this plant is a crown jewel for rare aroid collectors.
🌿 Key Features
- Foliage: Massive, elongated shield-shaped leaves that can emerge with stunning copper or pinkish undertones.
- Texture & Color: Deep velvety-green to nearly black finish, highlighted by crisp, pale structural veins.
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Growth Habit: An upright, slow-maturing cultivar that requires patience as it establishes size.
📑 Care Instructions
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light (500 to 1000 foot-candles). Avoid harsh direct midday sun to prevent foliage burn.
- Watering: Allow the top 2–4 cm of the substrate to dry out between waterings. Ensure excellent drainage to completely avoid root rot.
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Substrate: Use a chunky, airy, and well-draining aroid mix. Combine orchid bark, perlite, sphagnum moss, charcoal, and coco chips.
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Humidity: Thrives best in high-humidity environments between 65% and 80%. Consider a dedicated humid cabinet or greenhouse setting.
- Temperature: Keep the environment warm, ideally between 18°C and 28°C. This cultivar is highly cold-sensitive and should never drop below 15°C.
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Feeding: Apply a balanced, foliage-focused liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Supplementing with silica can prevent leaf curling.