Anthurium oxyphyllum Sodiro

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by Luis Sodiro in 1902 in Anales de la Universidad Central del Ecuador.

• Geographical Range: Native to subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests of Ecuador .
• Environment: Grows epiphytically (rarely terrestrial) on tree trunks in high‑humidity forests with diffused light and organic‑rich substrates.

Leaves

• Erect, lanceolate, acuminate blades up to 32 cm long
• Thick, leathery (coriaceous) texture; petioles D‑shaped in cross section
• Upper surface matte dark green, underside lighter and semi‑glossy

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Single, pendant inflorescences shorter than the leaves
• Spathe reflexed, green with purple tinges
• Spadix green to yellow‑green on a short, nodding stipe
• Fruits orange berries scattered along the spadix 

Growth Habit

• Primarily an epiphytic subshrub with a short stem (to 8 cm) and numerous ascending aerial roots
• Rarely terrestrial

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged

• Maintain humidity above 60 percent

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use an airy, well‑draining mix rich in organic matter (e.g., orchid bark, peat, perlite) to mimic epiphytic conditions
  

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 16–25 °C
• Feed with a balanced, dilute fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Divide clumps at the rhizome or take stem cuttings with at least one node; maintain high humidity until roots form

Seeds

• Less common; seeds lose viability quickly and require warm, humid conditions for germination

Typical Issues

• Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies
• Fungus gnats

Treatment Recommendations

• For Mealybugs & Aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil
• For stubborn infestations use alcohol swabs or Malathion/dimethoate‑based sprays
• Remove manually or apply horticultural oil and systemic insecticides may be effective for scale insects
• Allow soil to dry between waterings and use yellow sticky traps and apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis to the soil for fungus gnats
• Cease watering, prune away rotten roots, repot in fresh, well‑draining mix and consider a fungicidal drench if necessary for root rot

• Leaves form a loose “birdsnest” rosette that channels organic debris and moisture to its roots 

• Orange berries along the spadix may attract frugivorous wildlife, aiding seed dispersal

• Rare in cultivation
• Prized by specialist collectors for its birdsnest form and unique reflexed spathe, offering textural contrast to common Anthuriums

Wild Population Status

• IUCN Red List

• Vulnerable due to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation in Ecuador

Market Availability

• Scarce in commercial trade
• No propagation or germination data published, indicating limited availability through specialist nurseries