Anthurium minutipustulum Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by botanist Thomas B. Croat in 2020 based on a specimen collected in Morona‑Santiago Province, Ecuador (Croat 82936, holotype MO‑6930904).

• Geographical Range: Eastern Ecuador in Morona‑Santiago Province at elevations of 700–1000 m.
• Environment: Grows in premontane moist forests on limestone outcrops, in humid conditions with well‑drained soils.

Leaves

• Elongated blades several times longer than wide
• Numerous primary lateral veins and parallel minor veins
• Drying to a medium‑light grayish green

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Inflorescences are stiffly erect with a reflexed green spathe
• Narrowly tapered yellowish spadix bearing large flowers and developing orange‑red berries

Growth Habit

• Lithophytic (limestone‑loving) habit
• Stems short with short internodes
• Cataphylls persist as fine, disorganized pale fibers; roots sometimes velamentous

Light Requirements

• Thrives in bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun and deep shade

Watering & Humidity

• Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging

• High humidity preferred

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining, organic‑rich mix (e.g., peaty soil with perlite or pot shards)

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 16–26 °C (60–79 °F)

• Feed with a balanced fertilizer three times during the growing season

Division and Cuttings

• Propagate by dividing rhizomes or taking stem cuttings in moist substrate

Seeds

• Germinate in 2–4 weeks under warm, moist conditions; viability may be moderate

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and soft scale
• Bacterial leaf spots and fungal root rots (e.g., Rhizoctonia, Pythium) may occur
• Prevent by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding leaf wetness, and not overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests
• Apply copper‑based bactericides for bacterial spots
• Treat root rot with appropriate fungicides and improve drainage

• The epithet “minutipustulum” refers to minute pustule‑like features on the leaf surface
• It's strict limestone affinity is unusual in the genus

• Compact size, slender foliage, and erect, colorful inflorescences make it prized by specialist collectors

  
  

Wild Population Status

• Not assessed by IUCN

• Known from limited localities and potentially threatened by habitat loss

Market Availability

• Described only in 2020, it remains rare in cultivation
• Not listed among major online aroid retailers as of April 2025