Anthurium pallens Schott

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1858’s Prodromus Systematis Aroidearum. Thomas B. Croat later included it in his 1983 revision of Middle American Anthurium species.

• Geographical Range: Occurs as an epiphyte in premontane and lower montane rainforests of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama at 1 000–2 200 m.
• Environment: Thrives in wet tropical biomes with consistently high humidity and well‑drained, organic‑rich substrates on host trees.

Leaves

• Blades lanceolate‑linear to narrowly oblong‑elliptic, 18–34.5 cm long by 2.5–6.5 cm wide
• Apex long‑acuminate
• Bases acute to rounded
• Midrib and 5–9 lateral veins raised beneath

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Green, lanceolate, 2.5–3.2 cm long, 0.8–1 cm wide spathe
• Spadix is green turning yellow or orange, 3–4.5 cm long, 3–6 mm diameter
• Small rhombic flowers in tight spirals

Growth Habit

• Scandent epiphyte with short internodes (5–9 mm), persistent reddish‑brown cataphyll fibers, and a pendent habit
• No tuber

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep medium evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Maintain humidity above 60 %

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use an airy mix of bark, sphagnum moss and perlite to mimic its epiphytic substrate

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–24 °C
• Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Divide the rhizome or take stem cuttings with at least one node

• Allow cuts to callus before planting

Seeds

• Seeds are viable but lose viability quickly; sow in warm (≈25 °C), moist conditions
• Germination typically in 2–3 weeks

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips
• Root rot (Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia solani)

Treatment Recommendations

• Insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Maintain humidity to deter spider mites
• Improve drainage
• Trim rotten roots
• Apply appropriate fungicides
• Ensure air circulation

• Easily confused with Anthurium microspadix but differs in shorter internodes, leaf base shape and blade drying color
  

• Valued by aroid collectors for its elegant, pendulous foliage and compact inflorescence
• Ideal for terrariums and shade houses

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by the IUCN Red List

• Occurs in protected areas such as Braulio Carrillo National Park

Market Availability

• Cultivated and traded primarily through specialist aroid nurseries and tissue culture suppliers
• Uncommon in general garden centers