Anthurium globosum Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by botanist Thomas Bernard Croat in “Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden”.

• Geographical Range: Native to the wet tropical biome of western Panama, specifically Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí provinces.
• Environment: Thrives in lower montane rain forests at 1,700–2,300 m, under high humidity and frequent cloud cover, often growing on tree trunks or mossy substrates.

Leaves

• Ovate to ovate‑triangular blades
• 21–36 cm long and 11.5–20 cm wide with long‑acuminate apex and deeply lobed base
• Moderately thick, semiglossy upper surface with conspicuous raphide cells
  
• Matte underside with raised veins

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Subcoriaceous spathe, green, ovate‑elliptic, 3–5 cm long and 1.5–4.5 cm wide, held erect at anthesis
• White at emergence, turning red‑violet, 2–5.3 cm long and 7.5–20 mm in diameter; flowers 1.5 mm long, glossy tepals

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic or terrestrial subshrub
• Stems to 25 cm long, 1–2 cm in diameter
• Persistent coriaceous cataphylls up to 20 cm

Light Requirements

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

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Water once top 2 cm of soil feels dry
• Aim for 70–80% relative humidity
• Use humidifiers or pebble trays if indoor air is dry

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well-draining, coarse mix (orchid bark, peat moss, perlite) to mimic epiphytic substrate

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Thrives between 65–85°F (18–29°C)
• Balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer monthly during spring and summer; reduce in fall and winter

Division & Cuttings

• Divide clumps at the rhizome or use stem cuttings with at least one node
• Keep medium moist until roots form

Seeds

• Produced in small numbers
• Possible under sterile, moist conditions

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and root rot from overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Improve drainage and reduce watering

• All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals, which deter herbivores and can irritate skin or mucous membranes if ingested
• Valued for its deeply lobed leaves and compact inflorescences

• Montane origin makes it cooler‑tolerant compared to lowland aroids

Wild Population Status

• Restricted range suggests potential vulnerability
• Habitat protection in Panamanian montane forests is critical

Market Availability

• Rare in general trade
• Available primarily through specialist nurseries and aroid societies