Anthurium glandulicostum Croat & O.Ortiz

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by renowned aroid specialists Thomas B. Croat and Orlando O. Ortiz in Aroideana 45(2): 137 (2022). Croat has authored major revisions of Anthurium for Central America and Panama, advancing knowledge of its diversity.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to lowland and foothill rainforests of Panama, primarily in Bocas del Toro and Darién provinces.
• Environment: Thrives in humid, shaded understories with well‑drained, humus‑rich soils.

Leaves

• Blades lanceolate, typically 2.5–4 times longer than wide, coriaceous, apex acute, base attenuate
• Surface with conspicuous glandular‑punctate dots, especially on abaxial side

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe is lanceolate, 4–6 cm long, green turning pale red in anthesis, reflexed
• Spadix is cylindroid, 3–5 cm long, green to purplish; flowers small, arranged spirally; scent faint or absent; pollination likely by small flies or beetles

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial to facultative epiphyte; stems short (< 6 cm), internodes short
• No true tubers, but a short rhizomatous stem with persistent cataphylls

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun which may scorch leaves

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged

• Maintain high ambient humidity (60–90 %)

Soil & Potting Mix

• A loose, well‑draining mix rich in organic matter (orchid bark, peat, perlite)

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Optimal range: 20–28 °C; protect from temperatures below 15 °C
• Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer

Division & Cuttings

• Best by dividing rhizomatous clumps at the stem base, ensuring each division has at least one growth node
• Stem cuttings in moist medium also root readily
  

Seeds

• Berries mature to orange-red; seed viability low to moderate
• Sow fresh seeds in fine, moist medium under warm, humid conditions
• Germination can take several weeks

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids; inspect underside of leaves

• Root rot from overwatering; leaf spot from high humidity without air flow

Treatment Recommendations

• Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays for pests
• Systemic insecticides for severe infestations; fungicide drench for root rot
• Ensure good drainage and air circulation
  

• Part of the pendent Anthurium group prized for hanging basket displays
• Valued by collectors for its elegant, strap‑like foliage and rarity in cultivation
  

• The species name refers to its gland‑studded (“glanduli‑”) ribbed (“‑costum”) leaf veins

Wild Population Status

• Not yet assessed by IUCN; habitat loss in Panama may pose future threats

Market Availability

• Rare in trade
• Occasionally offered by specialist nurseries and aroid societies; propagation mainly via division