Anthurium modicum Croat & Oberle

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described in 2004 by Thomas B. Croat and Barbara J. Oberle in Aroideana. Type specimens collected by Ricardo Callejas et al. at 1,500–1,875 m elevation in Antioquia.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to northwestern Colombia (Antioquia) in premontane to lower montane wet forests at 1,500–1,875 m elevation.
• Environment: Thrives in humid understory of wet tropical forests with consistent moisture, high rainfall, and well‑drained organic substrates.

Leaves

• Chartaceous, ovate‑lanceolate blades with long‑acuminate apex
• Base truncate to subcordate to 34–70 cm long, 7–16 cm wide
• Matte adaxial surface, semiglossy abaxial surface
• Midrib raised with 3–4 basal vein pairs and 17–20 primary lateral veins per side

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Erect inflorescence with a 24–29 cm peduncle
• Spathe green, 6–10 cm long, 0.7–1.1 cm wide
• Spadix green turning yellow, 9–12 cm long, 6–8 mm diameter
• Flowers 2–2.2 mm in spirals
• Pollinated by small insects such as flies and beetles

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial herb or epiphytic subshrub
• Stem erect to reclining
• Internodes 1–1.5 cm long; cataphylls persistent as coarse fibers; no true tubers or rhizomes

Light Requirements

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

Watering & Humidity

• Keep growing medium evenly moist

• Maintain humidity above 60 %

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a loose, well‑draining mix of peat, orchid bark, perlite, and coarse organic matter

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 16–24 °C; apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer monthly during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Propagate by dividing clumps or rhizome segments; stem cuttings with at least one node root readily

Seeds

• Seeds are rarely used by hobbyists
• Fresh seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks on moist sphagnum or milled moss at 22–25 °C

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale
• Prevent by regular inspection and maintaining high humidity

Treatment Recommendations

• Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
• Use fungicides for leaf spot control

• Part of the diverse Andean cloud forest aroid flora
• One of several new species described by Croat & Oberle in 2004

• Valued by collectors for its large, architectural foliage and erect inflorescence

• Remains rare in cultivation

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by IUCN

• Restricted to a few localities in Antioquia, potentially vulnerable to habitat loss

Market Availability

• Rarely available commercially

• Not known to be in tissue culture production