Anthurium paraguasense Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described as a new species by Thomas B. Croat in 2010, the epithet “paraguasense” refers to its sole known locality in the Paraguas mountain range.

• Geographical Range: Known only from Cerro del Inglés in the Serranía de los Paraguas, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, at elevations of 2000–2430 m
• Environment: Occurs in montane rain forest with high humidity, consistent cloud cover, and well‑drained, organic‑rich soils.

Leaves

• Ovate blades 19.5–22.5 cm long by 10.5–12.5 cm wide

• 12–13 pairs of lateral veins, midrib raised and concolorous

• Dark green and weakly glossy above, lighter below

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Peduncle 28–30 cm long
• Spathe narrowly lanceolate, green
• Spadix narrowly cylindrical, maroon to red‑violet; whitish pistils

Growth Habit

• Scandent herb with an elongated caudex that roots at node
• Internodes 17–22 cm long, 5–8 mm diameter; cataphylls persistent up to 9 cm long

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light mimicking cloud‑forest understory

Watering & Humidity

• Keep medium evenly moist
• Maintain high humidity (70–90 %)

Soil & Potting Mix

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

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–24 °C; avoid below 15 °C
• Feed monthly with a balanced, dilute fertilizer during active growth

Division & Cuttings

• Divide sections of the caudex or take stem cuttings including a node
• Root in high‑humidity conditions

Seeds

• Fresh sown on sterile, moist substrate under warm (22–26 °C), humid conditions
• Germination may take several weeks

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs
• Root rot from overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays
• Systemic insecticide for severe infestations
• Fungicide for persistent root‑rot issues

• The species epithet honors the Serranía de los Paraguas, its only known home
• Part of a section characterized by slender internodes

• Sought after for its architectural climbing habit and slender, colorful inflorescences
• Prized by specialist collectors

Wild Population Status

• Known from a single mountain ridge; limited distribution may warrant conservation attention

Market Availability

• Rare in cultivation
• Occasionally found through specialty aroid nurseries and collectors