Anthurium gonzalezii Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background:

  Described by Thomas B. Croat in Aroideana 8: 131 (1985; publ. 1986), based on collections from high-elevation evergreen forests in Carabobo and Yaracuy states, Venezuela.

• Geographical Range: Restricted to the Venezuelan Andes, primarily in Carabobo and adjacent Cordillera de los Andes foothills, at elevations of 1900–2450 m.
• Environment: Grows as an epiphyte in wet tropical cloud forests, favoring high humidity, well‑drained organic substrates, and consistent moisture without waterlogging.

Leaves

• Ovate to narrowly ovate, apex acuminate, base rounded to subcordate
• Blades 10–16 cm long, < 7 cm wide
• Subcoriaceous; both surfaces matte to semi‑glossy with dense dark glandular punctations
• Primary lateral veins 6–7 per side; interprimary veins scarcely visible
  

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Lanceolate spathe, 5–8 cm long, 1–1.8 cm wide, green to slightly maroon-tinged
• Cylindric spadix, 6–10 cm long, 5–7 mm diam.; green at anthesis, turning faintly purplish
• Rhombic flowers, ~3 mm; 4–6 per spiral; protogynous pollination

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic subshrub with elongate stems up to 1 m
• Short internodes, persistent fibrous cataphylls
• Aerial roots anchoring in canopy humus

Light Requirements

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

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist
• Allow slight surface drying between waterings; maintain ≥ 60 % RH

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well-draining mix of orchid bark, peat, and perlite
• Mount on cork or grow in airy pots

Temperature & Fertilizer

Ideal range 18–25 °C
• Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, during active growth

Division & Cuttings

• Most commonly propagated by dividing mature rhizomes
• Stem cuttings with at least one node, keep humid until roots form

Seeds

• Fruit set is uncommon without hand‑pollination
• Require warm (22–26 °C), humid conditions and germinate in 4–8 weeks in a sterile, fine‑grade mix

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects
• Root rot from overwatering
• Leaf spots in low‑airflow conditions

Treatment Recommendations

• Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
• Remove affected tissue, introduce predatory mites
• Improve cultural conditions

• Part of the A. bredemeyeri complex, this narrow endemic highlights the high aroid diversity in Venezuela’s Andes

• Sought by specialist collectors for its diminutive size, striking glandular-dotted foliage, and rarity in cultivation

Wild Population Status

• Likely data‑deficient but potentially vulnerable due to narrow endemism and habitat alteration

Market Availability

• Rarely encountered in trade
• Available only through specialty nurseries and tissue‑culture providers