Anthurium gleasonii R.Kr.Singh & Sanjeet Kumar

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: First described as A. glaucophyllum by H.A. Gleason in 1929 (Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 56: 9). Renamed A. gleasonii in 2024 by Singh & Kumar to resolve a later-homonym conflict under ICN rules.

• Geographical Range: Co‑operative Republic of Guyana; known only from wet tropical lowland forests
• Environment: Understorey of evergreen rainforests, often on well‑drained slopes, with warm, humid (annual rainfall > 2 000 mm), mean temperatures 24–28 °C.

Leaves

• Elliptic to lanceolate, glaucous (bluish-green) surface, t

  pically 20–35 cm long on mature plants (inferred from related species)

• Thinly coriaceous, entire margins, acute apex, shallowly cordate base

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe is pale green, hood‑shaped, 5–8 cm long
• Spadix is cylindrical, cream‑white, 3–5 cm long; bears tightly spiraled perfect flowers

• Pollination is likely by beetle or fly‑mediated

  
  

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial to hemiepiphytic; develops a creeping rhizome
• Adventitious aerial roots may develop when climbing or on moist substrates
  

Light Requirements

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

Watering & Humidity

• Keep soil evenly moist; allow top 2 cm to dry before watering

• High humidity (≥ 60 %); use pebble trays or humidifiers in dry indoor settings

Soil & Potting Mix

• Well‑draining, coarse mix (e.g., equal parts orchid bark and peat‑based potting soil)

• Good aeration around roots prevents waterlogging
  

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–28 °C; avoid below 15 °C
• Feed monthly during active growth with balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer

Division & Cuttings

• Divide mature rhizomes, separate clumps ensuring each has roots and at least one growing point
• For stem cuttings, take 10–15 cm sections with a node; root in moist mix under high humidity

Seeds

• Fresh seeds germinate in 4–6 weeks in sterile, moist medium; low commercial use due to slow growth

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids; inspect undersides of leaves regularly
• oot rot from overwatering; leaf spot in poor air circulation
  

Treatment Recommendations

• Organic neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays; increase humidity to deter spider mites

• Systemic insecticides for severe infestations; fungicide drench for root rot

• The epithet gleasonii honors H.A. Gleason, a pioneer of neotropical botany
• Valued for its unique bluish-green leaves and compact habit
  

• Glaucous foliage may deter herbivores and reduce water loss
• Suitable as a terrarium or houseplant in high‑humidity displays
  

Wild Population Status

• Not yet assessed; known from limited localities in Guyana. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation in tropical forests

Market Availability

• Rare in cultivation; not yet commonly available commercially
• Propagation stocks are likely restricted to specialist aroid collections