Where Sculpture Meets Botany
Some plants have flowers to show off, others have dramatic colours, Anthurium Ferrierense Crisped? It has edge. Gloriously wavy, deeply undulating, almost theatrical edges that transform what would be an ordinary leaf into something that looks like it belongs in a fairytale illustration or a designer's mood board.
This compact cultivar showcases broadly ovate, mid-green leaves with prominently crisped margins - those characteristic ruffled edges that give it both its name and its appeal. Unlike most Anthuriums bred for their colourful spathes, the 'Crisped' selection is all about architectural foliage. Each leaf is a study in texture and form, with visible venation adding depth to the smooth, subtly glossy surface.
A Historic Hybrid with Modern Appeal
Anthurium Ferrierense holds an important place in horticultural history - it was the first documented primary Anthurium hybrid with decorative spathes, published in 1883. This cross between Anthurium Andraeanum and Anthurium Nymphaeifolium marked the beginning of Anthurium breeding as we know it today. Both parent species hail from the humid forests of Colombia and Venezuela, where they grow in lowland to mid-elevation zones.
The 'Crisped' cultivar takes the elegant, upright foliage form inherited from A. Nymphaeifolium and emphasises it with those spectacular wavy margins. The result is a stable cultivar that's grown purely for texture and leaf shape - sculptural, compact and surprisingly low-fuss for something that looks so distinctive.
Light Requirements
Position in bright indirect light to promote healthy growth and maintain those pronounced ripple margins. Moderate light is tolerable, but the best leaf development occurs with good indirect illumination. Avoid direct sunlight which scorches leaves and can cause the delicate crisped edges to brown. An east-facing window or a spot near but not in the direct path of brighter light works well. This plant is designed for interior spaces and thrives where bright natural light filters through.
Watering
The key with Anthurium Ferrierense Crisped is gentle consistency rather than dramatic drenches. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times with small, regular waterings - it's better to water frequently with smaller amounts than to flood the pot occasionally. Allow the top 15-20% of the substrate to dry between waterings, but don't let it dry out completely. Never let the plant sit in water; ensure excess drains away after each watering. Use rainwater, distilled water or filtered tap water if your tap water is particularly hard.
Humidity and Temperature
This hybrid prefers humidity levels of 60-75% to maintain healthy foliage and pronounced crisped margins. Low humidity can cause those distinctive wavy edges to flatten or develop brown tips - a clear sign your plant is asking for more moisture in the air. A humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping with other humidity-loving plants helps create the microclimate this species enjoys. Temperature-wise, keep between 15-30°C (optimum 18-27°C) and protect from drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Potting Medium
An airy, chunky aroid mix is essential for healthy root development. Combine orchid bark (30-40%), perlite (20-30%) and coco coir or quality potting mix to create a substrate that drains freely while retaining some moisture. Like all epiphytic Anthuriums, the roots need to breathe - think of how these plants grow naturally in tree forks where breezes quickly dry the roots after rain. Heavy, waterlogged soil leads rapidly to root rot.
Feeding Your Anthurium
During the growing season (September through March), feed regularly with Growth Technology Foliage Focus or a balanced liquid fertiliser at the recommended dilution. The frequent but gentle approach applies to feeding as well as watering - regular light applications support steady growth without overwhelming the roots. Reduce feeding during the cooler months when growth naturally slows.
Perfect For
- Interior plant styling and design-focused collections
- Those who appreciate foliage texture over flowering
- Compact spaces that benefit from architectural forms
- Plant lovers seeking something distinctive but manageable
- Anyone wanting a low-fuss Anthurium with high visual impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the wavy edges stay pronounced?
Yes - the undulate margins are a stable characteristic of this cultivar. Ensuring adequate humidity (60%+) helps maintain their definition. If edges begin flattening or browning, it's typically a sign of insufficient humidity or inconsistent watering.
Is this grown for flowers or foliage?
Primarily foliage. While it can produce the typical Anthurium inflorescence, the 'Crisped' selection was specifically chosen for its sculptural leaf texture and form rather than flower production. The foliage is the star here.
How compact does it stay?
This is a moderately sized Anthurium - expect up to 100cm height and 75-100cm spread when mature. It's considerably more manageable than many collector Anthuriums while still making a statement.
Is it difficult to care for?
No - despite its distinctive appearance, this is considered an easy to intermediate Anthurium. It has similar needs to other common houseplants and adapts well to typical indoor conditions. The main consideration is maintaining adequate humidity for those crisped margins.
What's the historical significance?
Anthurium Ferrierense was the first documented Anthurium hybrid with decorative spathes, published in 1883. It represents the beginning of over 140 years of Anthurium breeding that has produced the thousands of cultivars we know today.
Please Keep in Mind
Each plant develops its own character - the degree of leaf crisping can vary slightly between leaves and specimens, though all will display the characteristic undulate margins that define this cultivar. New leaves often show the most pronounced ruffling.
This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
