How to identify Laceleaf (Anthurium)

How to identify Laceleaf (Anthurium)

Laceleaf, also known as Tailflower

Laceleaf is an evergreen perennial that typically reaches about 3 feet (90 cm) in height. It has a prominent straight or slightly curved spadix, juxtaposed at a right angle to its colorful, heart-shaped spathe, which ranges from pink to red hues. The leaves are distinctly leathery in texture, and its short stems thicken as the plant matures. Leaf bases are either flat or heart-shaped. The vibrancy and shape of the spathe alongside the texture of its foliage make it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Laceleaf

Distinct heart-shaped spathe in vibrant pink to red hues.

Leathery textured leaves with flat or heart-shaped bases.

Globose berries in clusters, measuring 0.2 to 0.8 inches (5 to 20 mm).

Erect stem with fibrous texture, occasionally developing aerial roots.

Leaves with palmately veined patterns, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length.

Detailed Traits of Laceleaf

Leaf Features

Laceleaf leaves are alternately arranged on a basal stem, displaying a range of shapes from cordate to ovate or auriculate to sagittate. They are acute with a truncate to subcordate base, entire or palmately lobed, and sometimes peltate. The glossy, moderately coriaceous leaves are green with palmately veined patterns, often featuring lighter colored veins. Their size can vary, typically reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The petiole is notably long and pulvinate at the apex.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of laceleaf are characterized by a small, slender spadix, which can be white, green, or yellow, accompanied by a shiny spathe below that comes in colors like red, white, or other shades. The heart-shaped, waxy spathe is a key identifying feature. The erect, cylindric spadix often tapers and may be twisted. The spathe is typically flat, sometimes hooded, with deeply veined margins. The blooming period can last several weeks, with the scape standing taller than the foliage, approximately 2 feet (60 cm) in height.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of laceleaf is typically short and erect, though it can sometimes be elongate and climbing. It features a tough, fibrous texture, often with a green to brownish hue. The stem may develop adventitious aerial roots, which help it cling to surfaces. Generally, the stem is moderately thick, ranging from about 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) in diameter. Branching is not common, and the stem can appear somewhat node-structured at intervals, where leaves and roots emerge.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of laceleaf is a distinctive globose berry, which typically forms in clusters. These spherical fruits are small, often measuring about 0.2 to 0.8 inches (5 to 20 mm) in diameter. When ripe, the berries can exhibit a variety of colors, commonly featuring vivid hues ranging from white to red or even purple. The surface texture of the berry is smooth, with a fleshy and glossy exterior. Each fruit contains several seeds, which are embedded within the juicy pulp inside. Integral to plant propagation, these berries mature from the plant’s notable spadix after pollination.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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