Anthurium BVEP/antolakii "RA1"

Anthurium BVEP RA1, also known as Anthurium antolakii RA1, is probably the most distinctive and infamous of Rory's numbered BVEP selections.

In my experience, it is also the most difficult of them to grow. Unlike some of the other BVEPs, RA1 prefers consistently wetter conditions,and I've found that maintaining constant moisture is the key to growing it successfully. Once those conditions are established, I can leave it at the back of my grow tent and it generally does just fine.

What makes this plant so special is its outstanding leaf shape, pronounced pillowy texture and almost jet black leaves. From a breeding perspective, RA1 isn't the most productive seed parent. Similar to plants like Circus Peanuts and Nov DF, it generally only produces around 10 to 20 seeds per successful pollination.

I acquired my particular plant from a collector in San Francisco who originally received it from Grant, who had acquired it from Rory. Despite being more challenging to grow and less productive as a seed parent, RA1 remains one of my favorite BVEPs because of its incredibly distinctive appearance.