Anthurium pachylaminum Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by Thomas B. Croat in 1991 in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 78(3):693–722.

• Geographical Range: Occurs naturally from southern Ecuador through central Peru.
• Environment: Grows as an epiphyte in wet tropical biomes under high humidity and frequent rainfall.

Leaves

• Blades are subcoriaceous, broadly elliptic, typically 20–30 cm long with a cordate base and long‑acuminate apex
• Lateral veins (8–12 pairs) are impressed adaxially and raised abaxially

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe is green, heavily tinged with maroon on the inner surface, spreading and reflexed
• Spadix is dark violet‑purple (B&K purple 2/7.5), slender, with pale orange pollen
• Tepals are matte

Growth Habit

• An epiphytic subshrub with a short, densely rooted caudex and short internodes
• Aerial roots develop at the nodes

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun

Watering & Humidity

• Water when the top inch of medium begins to dry

• Maintain humidity above 50–60 percent

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use an airy, well‑draining epiphyte mix (for example, equal parts sphagnum moss, bark chips, and perlite or coconut coir)

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–25 °C
• Feed monthly during the growing season with a high‑phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., N‑P‑K 0.15‑0.85‑0.55)

Division and Cuttings

• Propagate by dividing clumps or by stem cuttings that include at least one node

Seeds

• Can be sown in warm, moist conditions with light exposure

• Germination is slow and sporadic

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and root rot
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests

• For root rot, repot in fresh medium and reduce watering

• The epithet pachylaminum means “thick lamina,” referring to its robust leaf blades
• Anthurium flowers are protogynous (female phase precedes male phase) to reduce self‑pollination

• Valued by aroid collectors for its sculptural, thick foliage and contrasting violet‑purple spadix

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by the IUCN

• Andean rainforest habitat is under pressure from deforestation

Market Availability

• Rare in general trade

• Occasionally offered by specialist aroid nurseries