Anthurium Antolakii - Formerly known as BVEP
Authored by: Roger Fahnert III
Anthurium Antolakii ‘Beetleback”
This particularly nice specimen was originally sourced from Scott Cohen in 2020
Anthurium antolakii is a recently described species of Anthurium from Eastern Panama. Formerly known as Anthurium BVEP (Black Velvet Eastern Panama), this species lives up to its name. With extremely dark foliage, and pillowy yet smooth texture, there is no wonder why this species is one of the most sought after species on the market. Named for Rory Antolak, the man who brought this species into cultivation, Anthurium antolakii is an easy and super rewarding species to keep.
Popularity 10/10
Ease of care 8/10
Emergent 8/10
Hardened Leaf 9/10
Hybrid Potential 8/10
Overall - 8.6/10
As stated earlier Anthurium antolakii has beautiful dark quilted leaves paired with round petioles, and a light abaxial leaf blade. The emergent leaf of antolakii ranges from red or brown to black with subtle iridescence. The inflorescence is green with protruding flowers. Along with many other species of Anthurium, antolakii has white berries with purple tops. It is a terrestrial species of Anthurium with compact growth making it a great option for those who grow in tents or cabinets.
Hybrids with Anthurium antolakii tend to carry the dark foliage and relatively little veining that is common with this species.
There are no deviations in care from EVILution’s Anthurium Care Guide.
Notable cultivated specimens of Anthurium antolakii include:
“Brazilian Butt Lift” (BBL) - Jaun Ahumada Jr - Gay Plant Heaux on Instagram
“Round”- Grant Abadal - www.granthuriums.com
RA# clones - Rory Antolak
PM# clones - Paul Marcellini - www.understoryoasis.com
“Felix” - Justin Jones - ‘Created in a Garden’ on Instagram
“Beetleback” (undesignated Scott Cohen cross)- Roger Fahnert III
Notable hybrids with Anthurium antolakii include:
A. Antolakii ‘Felix’ x A. Kunayalense - Justin Jones
Growers that produce ethical Anthurium antolakii include:
Grant Abadal - www.granthurium.com
Paul Marcellini - www.understoryoasis.com
Samuel Alfieri - www.hoyahole.com
Scott Cohen - “Time to Splurge and Purge” group on Facebook
