Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix' – Compact Velvet Aroid with Deep Black-Green Leaves
Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix' is a rare velvet-leaf selection prized for its near-black foliage, slow upright growth, and thick, textured leaves. New growth emerges in deep burgundy and gradually darkens to a matte, almost-black green. The velvety surface and subtle venation give this plant a luxurious, sculptural presence — ideal for collectors, design-forward interiors, and semi-hydroponic setups.
This is not a gimmick cultivar. 'Dark Phoenix' offers stable traits, durable structure, and a bold aesthetic rooted in species-level consistency.
What 'Dark Phoenix' Likely Represents
Though often circulated with speculative names like “papillilaminum × dressleri” or “TC 782,” there’s no verifiable connection to the 1986 hybrid created by Dr. Tom Croat at Missouri Botanical Garden. In contrast, 'Dark Phoenix' lacks key features of A. dressleri and aligns much more closely with Anthurium papillilaminum.
 
Round, smooth petioles — no angular or ribbed traits seen in A. dressleri
 
Consistent velvet surface and bullate texture typical of A. papillilaminum
 
Likely a selected or unregistered clonal line within the papillilaminum group
This cultivar entered the Southeast Asian trade around 2020 and has since become a collector term for dark-toned papillilaminum types.
Key Visual Traits of Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix'
 
Leaf Shape: Broadly cordate with well-defined lobes and a narrow sinus
 
Texture: Matte, velvety, and slightly bullate — no gloss or glossing over time
 
Coloration: Juvenile leaves start deep burgundy, aging into black-green hues
 
Petioles: Round to shallowly grooved; no stellate cross-section
 
Size: Reaches 40–60 cm in height indoors when mature
 
Blooming: Rare indoors; spadix and spathe resemble wild-type A. papillilaminum
Natural Origin and Habitat of the Parent Species
The most probable origin species, Anthurium papillilaminum, is endemic to Panama’s lowland rainforests, growing on limestone substrates between 100 and 600 meters. It occurs as a terrestrial or epilithic aroid in shaded, humid understory habitats with steady warmth and filtered light.
How to Care for Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix'
 
Light: Bright, filtered light; no direct sun — UV exposure may damage velvety tissue
 
Watering: Let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering again
 
Humidity: Prefers 60–80%; avoid cold drafts and low humidity
 
Temperature: Best between 18–27 °C; keep above 15 °C year-round
 
Substrate: Loose mix with orchid bark, perlite, coconut fiber, and humus-rich base
 
Feeding: Monthly during growth with diluted, balanced aroid fertilizer
 
Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound
 
Semi-Hydro: Adapts well to mineral substrates like pon with consistent nutrition
Issues and Fixes – Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix'
 
Brown Tips: Usually linked to dry air or erratic watering
 
Yellow Leaves: Caused by overwatering or compacted mix
 
Slow Growth: May indicate low light or lack of nutrients
 
Leaf Curling: Often due to cold stress or low humidity
Safety Information
Like all Araceae, Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix' contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.
Origin of the Name and Cultivar Status
‘Dark Phoenix’ is a trade name rather than a registered cultivar. It refers to the foliage’s dramatic color transition. The name does not appear in official plant databases or registries and should be seen as a collector label for a dark form of Anthurium papillilaminum.
Frequently Asked Questions – Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix'
Is this a real species?
 No — it’s a market name for plants resembling Anthurium papillilaminum.
Is it a hybrid with Anthurium dressleri?
 Unlikely. The plant lacks any dressleri-type traits and shows no hybrid indicators.
Can I grow it in low light?
 It tolerates it, but growth will slow and leaves may shrink. Bright, indirect light is best.
Will it flower indoors?
 Occasionally. The inflorescence is small and subtle, but healthy mature plants may produce it.
Is it pet safe?
 No. It’s toxic if eaten or chewed — keep out of reach of curious pets.
Why Add Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix' to Your Aroid Collection?
For collectors seeking sculptural texture, deep color tones, and low-footprint elegance, Anthurium 'Dark Phoenix' offers rare appeal with reliable indoor performance. Don’t miss the chance to add this dramatic velvet-leaf beauty to your collection.