Anthurium gracile (Rudge) Lindl.

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: First described as Pothos gracilis by Edward Rudge and reassigned to Anthurium by John Lindley in 1834, the species has been studied in major revisions of Anthurium by botanists such as Thomas Croat.

• Geographical Range: Occurs naturally from Trinidad through Central America (e.g., Belize, Costa Rica, Panama) into South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela).
• Environment: Grows as an epiphyte or hemiepiphyte in wet tropical forests at elevations of 10–2300 m, favoring high humidity and well‑drained substrates.

Leaves

• Thin, erect, oblanceolate leaves measuring 11–32 cm long and 3–8.5 cm wide
• Blades 10–16 cm long, < 7 cm wide
• Acuminate apex, long‑cuneate base
• Surface matte to semiglossy

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Emerge from leaf axils
• Spadix sessile, purple‑brown
• Spathe membranaceous, red‑violet, lanceolate to oblong‑elliptic, subtended on a 13–40 cm peduncle
• Fruits are bright red berries on pendent infructescences.

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic subshrub with creeping stems and white aerial roots
• Lacks true tubers but retains membranous cataphylls on new shoots

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light 
• Tolerates partial shade but should be protected from direct sun

Watering & Humidity

• Allow the top 3 cm of substrate to dry between waterings
• Maintain humidity around 60–80% to prevent leaf desiccation

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well-draining, airy mix (e.g., orchid bark, perlite, peat moss) in a container with drainage holes

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range: 15–35 °C (60–95 °F);
• Balanced water‑soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during active growth.

Division & Cuttings

• Dividing clumps or taking stem cuttings ensuring each has at least one node and some roots

Seeds

• Germinate readily under warm, humid conditions on sterile media
• Commercial propagation often employs tissue culture for uniformity

Typical Issues

• Scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats
• Anthracnose, bacterial blight, root rot

Treatment Recommendations

• Insecticidal soap or neem oil 
• Systemic insecticides for severe cases
• Trimming affected roots and repotting in fresh, well‑draining medium

• Bright red berries give rise to its common name “red pearls”
• Some indigenous communities use the plant in traditional remedies

• Prized or its delicate, pendulous habit and ornamental berry clusters
• Often grown mounted or in hanging baskets

Wild Population Status

• Listed as Least Concern due to its broad distribution and stable wild populations

Market Availability

• Widely available through specialty nurseries and online plant retailers
• Moderately common among aroid enthusiasts