Anthurium pachyspathum K.Krause

• Genus: Anthurium Schott
• Botanical Background: Described by Kurt Krause in 1940 in Notizblatt des Botanischen Gartens und Museums Berlin-Dahlem as part of Diels’s “Neue Arten aus Ecuador” series.

• Geographical Range: Type locality in Ecuador; additional herbarium specimens from Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Bolivia indicate a broader northern South American distribution.
• Environment: Occurs in humid lower montane and premontane forests (often cloud forests) with high humidity, diffused light, and well‑drained substrates; found as an epiphyte or lithophyte on tree trunks and rocks.

Leaves

• Coriaceous, lanceolate to elliptic, clustered at the stem apex

• Pinnate venation visible on dark green surfaces

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Typical aroid inflorescence
• Cylindrical spadix bearing perfect flowers, subtended by a thick, lanceolate spathe (cream‑green to pale yellow)

Growth Habit

• Herbaceous epiphyte or lithophyte with a short, creeping rhizome

• Lacks distinct tubers

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Maintain evenly moist media

• High humidity (>60 %) is essential 

Soil & Potting Mix

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

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–27 °C

• Apply a balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer monthly during active growth 

Division and Cuttings

• Most reliably propagated by dividing the rhizome or taking stem cuttings with at least one node
• Keep in high humidity until rooted

Seeds

• Low viability and germinate slowly

• Require warm, moist, shaded conditions and sterile medium

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, and root‑rot pathogens
• Prevent by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Manage pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency to treat root rot

• The species epithet “pachyspathum” highlights its thick spathe
• It belongs to a section highly valued by collectors for robust inflorescences

• Like other Anthurium, prized in interior landscaping for exotic foliage and inflorescences
• Sought after by specialist aroid enthusiasts

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by the IUCN Red List

• Likely Data Deficient due to limited field data

Market Availability

• Rare in general trade

• Occasionally offered by specialty nurseries and aroid collectors