Anthurium miniatum Sodiro

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: First published in Anales de la Universidad Central del Ecuador 15:16 (1901) by botanist Luis Sodiro, a key figure in cataloging Ecuador’s flora.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to Ecuador, specifically recorded in Napo province between Papallacta and Cuyujua.
• Environment: Grows as an epiphytic subshrub in subtropical or tropical moist montane (cloud) forests with high humidity and frequent cloud cover.

Leaves

• Coriaceous and glossy 
• Elongate‑oval with a slight cordate base, roughly twice as long as wide (up to 80 cm × 40 cm)
• Prominent lateral veins and converging posterior lobes

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• The inflorescence has a ~20 cm erect peduncle
• Bearing an oblong‑lanceolate spathe 
• Cylindrical spadix (~20 cm long, 12 mm thick)
• Anthesis the spadix turns Saturn‑red

Growth Habit

• A scandent or short‑scandent epiphytic subshrub with stems 2.5–3 cm in diameter
• Internodes 1–2 cm long
• Early‑deciduous cartilaginous cataphylls
• Forms a short rhizome rather than tubers

Light Requirements

• Bright, filtered or indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to simulate cloud‑forest canopy shade

Watering & Humidity

• Maintain consistently moist
• Well‑draining media
• High ambient humidity (60–80%) to mirror natural conditions

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use an airy, well‑draining mix of peat, bark, perlite, and optional tree‑fern fiber
• A layer of pot shards or coarse material at the base enhances drainage

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Optimal range 15–25 °C
• Apply a balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer monthly at half strength, combining slow‑release and liquid feeds with nitrate‑rich formulations

Division and Cuttings

• Divide mature clumps or remove the basal portion with roots to induce side‑shoots
• Stem cuttings with at least one node root readily in moist media

Seeds

• Germinate immediately when sown on tree‑fern fiber or fine
• Well‑draining media under 75–80% shade
• Seedlings transplantable in 4–6 months but may take years to bloom

Typical Issues

• Anthuri thrips (Chaetanaphothrips orchidii), spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot
• Ensure good air circulation, avoid waterlogging, and inspect regularly

Treatment Recommendations

• IImplement integrated pest management
• Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil for pests, improve drainage
• Reduce irrigation for root rot, and employ biological controls when available

• The epithet miniatum likely alludes to its vividly colored spadix
• Like many aroids, it emits scent at anthesis to attract fly pollinators

• Rare in cultivation but has impressive glossy foliage and red spadix
• Prized by specialist collectors 
• Ideal for terrariums or shade‑house displays

Wild Population Status

• Listed as Vulnerable (VU) under IUCN criterion B1ab(iii) due to ongoing habitat loss in montane forests

Market Availability

• Not listed in major horticultural collections or the International Aroid Society species list
• Remains rare in trade 
• Accessible through specialist sources