Anthurium glaucospadix Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Formally described by Thomas B. Croat in 1991. Croat’s monograph on section Pachyneurium remains a cornerstone for Anthurium taxonomy.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to Colombia, occurring in departments including Cundinamarca, Huila, Meta, Nariño, Risaralda, Santander, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca at elevations of 140–3 000 m.
• Environment: Grows in wet tropical and montane forests, often on mossy tree trunks or rocky banks. It favors high humidity, dappled canopy light, and well‑drained organic substrates.

Leaves

• Ovate blades 39.8 cm long by 26.5 cm wide, coriaceous, matte to weakly glossy
• With about 19 pairs of primary lateral veins and a 2.5–3 cm geniculum

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe lanceolate, 7 cm long by 1.9 cm wide, reflexed and green
• Spadix glaucous‑tinged, short, later producing magenta berries. Likely insect‑pollinated

Growth Habit

• An herbaceous epiphyte with a slender rhizome; some populations grow terrestrially
• No true tubers
  

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged

• Allow slight surface drying between waterings

• Maintain humidity above 60 percent
  

Soil & Potting Mix

• A loose, well‑draining mix of orchid bark, peat, and perlite in a container with good drainage

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–28 °C; avoid below 15 °C
• Feed monthly with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season

Division & Cuttings

• Divide mature rhizomes or take stem cuttings with at least one node
• Keep cuttings in high humidity until roots form

Seeds

• Short‑lived; sow fresh in a warm (24–28 °C), moist medium
• Germination typically occurs in 4–8 weeks 

Typical Issues

• Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects
• Root rot if overwatered

Treatment Recommendations

• Ensure good air circulation
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests
• Reduce watering and repot into fresh, well‑draining mix

• The name glaucospadix refers to the pale, bluish‑green hue of its spadix
• Its medicinal applications in local communities are noted but not extensively studied
  

• Collectors prize it for its dramatic foliage and unique inflorescence, though it remains rare in general cultivation

Wild Population Status

• Assessed as Least Concern by IUCN and Colombia’s national red list

Market Availability

• Not commonly found in mainstream trade
• Occasionally available through specialized aroid nurseries