Anthurium minutiglandulum Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: First published in Aroideana 45(2): 350 (2022), A. minutiglandulum adds to the 1,000+ known Anthurium taxa described by Dr. Thomas B. Croat, a leading authority on Neotropical Araceae

• Geographical Range: Ecuador’s Los Ríos Province in lowland wet forests
• Environment: Shaded understory of humid rainforests, often as an epiphyte on trees. Soils rich in organic matter and mean annual temperatures around 22–28 °C

Leaves

• Slender-lanceolate and pendent, arranged in loose clusters
• Adaxial surface glossy dark green, abaxial lighter
• Prominent midrib with reticulate venation; entire margins

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spadix slender, green, bearing small perfect flowers in tight spirals
• Subtended by a narrow lanceolate green spathe
• No notable scent; pollination likely by small flies or beetles

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic or lithophytic with a thin creeping rhizome
• Pendent habit typical of sect. Porphyrochitonium
• Aerial fibrous roots
• No tubers present

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep media evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Allow top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings
• Maintain high humidity (>70 %)

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining, organic‑rich mix (e.g., orchid bark, peat, perlite)

• Ensure pots have drainage holes

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 16–22 °C (60–72 °F)
• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Division

• Divide mature rhizomes into sections with at least one growth point

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

• Stem cuttings with a node root readily in moist medium

Seeds

• Can be sown on sterile, moist medium under warm, humid conditions
• Germination may take several weeks
• Propagation is slower and less common

Typical Issues

• Scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites
  

Treatment Recommendations

• Neem oil or insecticidal soap every 2 weeks, ensuring underside of leaves is treated
  
• Fungicides containing mancozeb for fungal pathogens (e.g., Colletotrichum sp.
• Strict sanitation and well‑drained media to prevent root rot

• This was among the newest Ecuadorian Anthurium described in 2022, underscoring ongoing discoveries in Neotropical Araceae

• Valued by specialist collectors for its rare pendent foliage and compact epiphytic habit
• Ideal for terrariums or hanging displays

Wild Population Status

• Not yet assessed by the IUCN
• Many Ecuadorian Anthurium species are data deficient but may be vulnerable due to habitat loss (e.g., A. linguifolium is Critically Endangered)

Market Availability

• Extremely rare in general trade

• Occasionally offered by specialist aroid nurseries and plant exchanges