Anthurium paradisicum G.S.Bunting

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described in 1975 by American botanist George Sydney Bunting, who specialized in Venezuelan Aroids and worked with the Missouri Botanical Garden.

• Geographical Range: Known only from mid‑elevation cloud forest (around 1300 m) on Fila Paraíso ridge in Henri Pittier National Park, Aragua, Venezuela.
• Environment: Grows epiphytically on tree trunks in humid, cool montane forest with frequent mist and well‑draining organic substrates.

Leaves

• Forms a rosette of approximately eight coriaceous
• Elliptic‑oblong, each about 20–30 cm long and 8–12 cm wide
• A prominent midrib and reticulate venation
• Petioles 5–10 cm long arising from a geniculum

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Bears a slender, erect spadix of small greenish‑white flowers
• Subtended by a lanceolate green spathe
• Pollination likely by small flies or beetles

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic subshrub with a short stem or rhizome
• Adventitious aerial roots that anchor to host bark

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light 
• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Maintain high humidity (60–80 %) for optimal growth

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well‑draining, airy mix rich in organic matter, such as equal parts orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range: 18–25 °C
• Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength

Division & Cuttings

• Divide clumps by separating rhizomes with at least one growth point
• Stem cuttings should include a node and some aerial roots

Seeds

• Rarely available
• Sow fresh in sterile, moist medium at ~25 °C and expect germination in several weeks

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, scale
• Root rot from overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Insecticidal soaps or neem oil
• Repotting into fresh mix and applying a suitable fungicide

• Name references its type locality on the “Paradise” ridge (Fila Paraíso) in Henri Pittier National Park

• Sought by specialist collectors for its rarity and elegant leaf rosette, fitting well in epiphytic displays or terraria

Wild Population Status

• Extremely limited range suggests potential vulnerability to habitat disturbance

Market Availability

• Rare in general trade
• Occasionally offered by specialty Aroid nurseries and plant society exchanges