Anthurium pallidicaudex Croat & M.M.Mora

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by Thomas B. Croat and Martha M. Mora in 2004 in Aroideana 27: 107–108.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to the Cabo Corrientes area, Chocó Department, Colombia, at 0–60 m elevation around Estación Biológica El Amargal.
• Environment: Occurs in the understory of wet tropical rainforests, growing as an epiphyte on trees or terrestrially on fallen logs; experiences high humidity and year‑round rainfall

Leaves

• Oblong‑cordate, acuminate at the apex, lobed at the base
• 27–42 × 15–26 cm; subcoriaceous, dark green and matte to subvelvety above, paler below
• 13–26 primary lateral veins departing at 45–50°

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Reflexed, oblong‑lanceolate, ~10 × 1–1.4 cm, pale green spathe
• Erect‑spreading, 8–12 cm long, very light yellow, matte spadix
• ~1.8–2 × 1.8–2 mm, ~7 per spiral flowers

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial or climbing epiphyte with a slender pale stem (grayish‑whitish, semiglossy)
• Often found on tree trunks or fallen logs in the understory

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves

Watering & Humidity

• Maintain a consistently moist but well‑drained substrate

• Like other aroids, it thrives in moist environments

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a rich, well‑aerated mix high in organic matter (e.g., peat‑based or bark‑enriched media)

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal indoor temperatures 16–22 °C (61–72 °F)
• Apply a weak balanced fertilizer solution every other week during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Divide mature clumps or take stem cuttings with at least one node
• Pot in damp, well‑drained mix until roots form

Seeds

• Can be sown in a moist, shaded propagator
• Germination occurs in a few weeks under warm, humid conditions

Typical Issues

• Mealybugs, aphids and soft scale
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid water on foliage

Treatment Recommendations

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for minor infestations
• For root rot, improve drainage and reduce watering

• Convex leaf margins give a quilted appearance

• Reflexed spathe and matte spadix are unusual among strap‑leaf Anthuriums

• Prized for its large, velvety foliage and rarity

• Makes a striking hanging or mounted specimen in collections

Wild Population Status

• Known only from its type locality

• Uncommon and potentially vulnerable due to habitat disturbance

Market Availability

• Extremely rare in cultivation

• Only found in specialty aroid collections or through tissue culture