Anthurium parvum N.E.Br.

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: First described by botanist N.E. Brown in 1880 in the Gardener’s Chronicle (n.s. 14: 588). Part of the Anthurium augustinum complex, a group of closely related species endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, highlighted in morphometric studies by Cardozo et al.

• Geographical Range: Occurs in the humid Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, notably in the Serra dos Órgãos near Teresópolis (Rio de Janeiro) and adjacent Minas Gerais regions.
• Environment: Thrives as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches within montane rainforests at elevations up to 1,000 m, favoring consistently moist, well‑drained microhabitats under a closed canopy.

Leaves

• Blades are ovate‑cordate to oblong‑cordate
• Long‑acuminate, measuring 22–25 cm by 10–12 cm in mature plants
• Petioles reach 50 cm, with a geniculum about 2 cm long
• Lateral veins number three basal pairs plus ~8 midrib pairs
  

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spadix is slender, subtended by a small, greenish spathe
• Flowers are bisexual, arranged in tight spirals
• Pollination is primarily by small beetles and flies

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic herb with short stem and fibrous cataphylls
• Lacks tubers, instead using adventitious roots to anchor to host bark

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch
• In lower light, growth slows and flowering may not occur
  

Watering & Humidity

• Keep medium evenly moist but not waterlogged
• High ambient humidity (≥60 %) is ideal to mimic native forest conditions

Soil & Potting Mix

• An airy mix of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite or sphagnum to ensure drainage and aeration

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Maintain 18–27 °C
• Feed monthly during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Division & Cuttings

• Best propagated by careful division of rhizomes or by stem cuttings with at least one node
• Root in moist mix under high humidity

Seeds

• Set is uncommon in cultivation
• Sow fresh in sterile, moist medium at 24–26 °C
• Germination may take 4–6 weeks

Typical Issues

• Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale

Treatment Recommendations

• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for infestations
• Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency

• Part of the A. augustinum complex, a set of species with subtle morphological distinctions, all confined to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest
• Valued for its compact form and well‑veined cordate leaves

• A good choice for terrariums or shaded greenhouse benches

Wild Population Status

• Predicted as “threatened” under recent extinction‑risk models, though data confidence is low due to limited collections

Market Availability

• Not widely traded
• Available occasionally through specialty aroid nurseries and collector networks
• Often at moderate rarity