Seed Parent: DocBlock’s Red Crystal®’ is a core breeding Anthurium having been selected for its dominant genetic expression of red color seen in its’ new emergent leaf. 40 years of committed refinement of this unique velvet leaf Anthurium’s hues now clearly express the “primary red” (“fire-engine red”) leaf color DocBlock sought in new emerging leaves!

As a physician healer, the doctor has also been intrigued by the verso (back) side of these hybrids’ leaves… and he has often commented about how these hybrids’ fascinating veins reminds him of circulating blood!  Red is a very strong color – and its color is associated with both fire… and blood!

Pollen Parent: The original ‘DocBlock Zara®’ when grown in South Florida, this magnificum X crystallinum F3 hybrid is recognized as having a dynamic seasonal color palette!  
Two generations of large leaf-sized parent plants were selected for expression of primary red color and growth vigor.  The vein pattern typically branches at right angles to the leaf’s vertical axis (where the petiole ends).

By focusing on where the petiole… hence, the leaf’s vascular support structure emerges, Dr. Block (a physician) visualized this feature as anthropomorphological “strong, square shoulders” capable of supporting a large leaf.

This longstanding favorite breeding plant prefers milder temperatures and lower humidity that can slow down Anthuriums’ growth rate.  This can preserve the emerging leaf’s color as it transitions from red to brown.