DocBlock Anthuriums: The Rare and Revered Houseplants Reviewed

While some of us are happy with common houseplants, an increasing number of horticultural enthusiasts are branching out. This has resulted in a growing interest in ‘exotic plants’ - rare and unusual plants that you won’t see at your local garden centre. 

One exotic houseplant species that has caught the attention of collectors is DocBlock’s Anthuriums. These rare hybrid specimens have been selectively bred for their striking velvet heart-shaped leaves.

But are they worth the high price tag? This DocBlock review takes a close examination of these plants to determine what’s so unique about them and why they could be a great addition to your home. 

Who is DocBlock?

First of all, let’s get to know the ‘inventor’ behind this revered species. Dr Jeff Block (AKA DocBlock) is a physician-turned-botanist who has become quite a celebrity in the world of horticulture. Since the 70s, he has gradually turned his humble houseplant hobby into a committed cross-breeding career - tracking down the most stunning anthuriums from remote rainforests and private collections and creating his own specialist hybrid breed.

His work has been featured in prestigious journals and exhibitions, and his anthuriums have become a prized collectible as a result. What makes DocBlock stand out from other breeders is his dedication to breeding not just for looks but longevity - whereas some designer houseplants are short-lived and easy to kill, DocBlock’s Anthurium’s have made a name for themselves for being hardy, making them accessible to beginner houseplant collectors. 

It’s worth noting that Dr Jeff Block is not just respected for his work with houseplants, but also his work in botanical medicine. In fact, he was chosen as Florida Medical Association’s ‘Designated Expert on Botanical Medicines’ in 2014 and is an authority on cannabinoid medicine. 

The Most Attractive Anthuriums?

Anthuriums come in many exciting varieties. This includes many impressive natural varieties and a range of other show-stopping hybrids produced by fellow celebrity growers like Paul Marcellini and Mr Jeera.

DocBlock’s line of anthuriums are perhaps best known for their eye-catching velvet leaves. They are genuinely soft to touch and glimmer in the light like a luxurious fabric. Many of them come in bright colors including regal reds and deep purples with contrasting bold veins. Others feature more subtle gradients of emerald green.

While it’s possible to buy a number of imitation varieties, none of these quite compare to the striking plants from DocBlock’s own nursery. They are truly botanical works of art - you can truly tell that it has taken decades of meticulous tweaking to make them as vibrant and velvety as they are. 

Bred for Looks and Longevity

Unlike other rare plants that can be quite delicate, DocBlock’s anthuriums are also bred for strength and vitality. They are more disease-resistant than their wild counterparts, but also more drought-tolerant with robust root systems.

This means that you don’t have to give them too much fuss to keep them looking good. This makes them a good investment that may not have the time for daily leaf inspections and precise water calculations. 

Of course, there are still certain steps you should take to keep these plants as healthy as you can. They thrive in bright but indirect sunlight (their natural habitat is the understory of a rainforest) and so are best placed near an east-facing window or a south-facing window with blinds or voile curtains. They also like humidity - ideally levels of 60 to 80%. Many experts recommend buying a humidifier, using a pebble tray or regularly misting the plant with a spray bottle. 

Will It ‘Leave’ You Broke?

Rare plants always come at a higher cost and this is certainly the case with some of DocBlock’s varieties. However, prices aren’t always as eye-wateringly expensive as you might assume given this plant’s status.

The desirable ‘Michelle’ cultivar is typically priced over $110 (although Home Depot has been selling the plant for less than $95). When buying a larger mature plant, you’re definitely looking at several hundred dollars. Some of the most uniquely striking plants have been known to exceed $1000, but these are not for your average collector.

If you’re a serious houseplant enthusiast, buying a young DocBlock anthurium for $100 is definitely going to seem worth it. Those just getting into houseplants however may feel that this is out of their budget. What is worth remembering is that these plants can live over a decade and aren’t as finicky as other similarly priced varieties, making them a better investment than some other plants. 

The Pros and Cons of a DocBlock Anthurium

To give you a better overall idea of whether this plant is worth owning, here is a roundup of some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Stunning unique appearance: The colorful velvet-textured heart-shaped leaves of a DocBlock anthurium truly do make it a statement plant that will grab the attention of guests.
• Appeal of exclusivity: There’s an appeal in owning a houseplant that is slightly rare - this is not your average anthurium.
• Less fussy than other rare plants: Whereas other plants like this can require a lot of TLC and may only live a few years, DocBlock’s anthuriums are bred to be robust and see many years. 

Cons:

• Potentially high price tag: Prices can vary for this plant, but it is a rare exotic plant, so be prepared to pay more for it than your average houseplant. 

Should I Get a DocBlock Anthurium?

DocBlock’s line of anthuriums is worth looking into if you have a fascination in houseplants and are looking for something rare and robust. Even if you are a houseplant newbie, you will not find this plant too much of a challenge to care for. It’s also guaranteed to look impressive and is a good plant to buy if you’re looking for a conversation starter. They are not cheap plants, but they’re not overpriced either - there are much less impressive exotic plants that you could pay much more for. Make sure to do your research in order to buy the right cultivar from the right seller.