Anthurium lancea Sodiro

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: First described by Italian‐Ecuadorian botanist Luis Sodiro in Anales de la Universidad Central del Ecuador (1901), A. lancea contributes to his extensive work on Ecuadorian Araceae.

• Geographical Range: Occurs in Andean and Pacific biogeographic regions of Colombia (Cauca, Chocó, Nariño, Valle del Cauca) and adjacent parts of Ecuador.
• Environment: Thrives in shaded understory of moist tropical forests, favoring well‑drained yet humid soils along trails and stream banks.

Leaves

• Lanceolate, subcoriaceous blades (10–20 cm long)
• Semi‑glossy, darker above and paler beneath
• Petioles narrowly rounded abaxially and sulcate adaxially

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe pale green with occasional red flush
• Spadix yellow‑green, maturing to deeper yellow
• Pollination likely by small beetles

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial subshrub with short stem to 30 cm
• Can climb or grow epiphytically
• Lacking true tubers but forming short rhizomes

Light Requirements

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

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged
• Maintain high humidity (60-80%) via misting or humidifier

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well‑draining, airy mix (e.g., equal parts peat, perlite, orchid bark)

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–24 °C
• Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Division and Cuttings

• Split clumps at rhizomes, ensuring each section has roots and leaves

Seeds

• Harvest ripe berries, clean seeds, and sow on sterile medium under warm (25 °C), humid conditions
• Germination in 4–8 weeks.

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs and scale
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root‑rot

Treatment Recommendations

• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests
• Improve drainage and reduce watering for root issues

• Young shoots and leaf bases are locally consumed as a food source in indigenous communities

• Its slender, lance‑shaped glossy foliage makes it a striking specimen for collectors and interior plantings

Wild Population Status

• Predicted to be not threatened; not formally assessed by IUCN

Market Availability

• Offered by specialty aroid nurseries but remains uncommon in general trade