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Anthurium pulcachense Croat

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Anthurium pulcachense Croat
  • Common Name: Pulcach's anthurium

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to the humid high-altitude regions of Colombia
  • Features: Striking leaf structure and unusual inflorescence

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Anthurium
  • Botanical Background: Described by the eminent botanist Thomas B. Croat, whose work has greatly contributed to the understanding and classification of aroids.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to select high-altitude regions of Colombia, often thriving in the isolated, biodiverse cloud forests.
  • Environment:  Flourishes under conditions of high humidity, moderate temperatures, and shaded light typical of montane rainforest understories.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Broad and lanceolate 
  • Leathery texture
  • Deep green coloration
  • Subtle variegation or unique patterns

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Spathe is typically a creamy or greenish tone
  • Slender spadix supports a pollination mechanism adapted to its specific environmental niche

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial
  • Develops in clumps via a rhizomatous growth habit

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light that replicates its natural shaded forest environment

Watering & Humidity

  • Maintain consistently moist soil
  • High ambient humidity

Soil & Potting Mix

  • A well-draining mix enriched with organic matter, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and bark
  • Containers should allow excess water to escape easily

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal temperatures range between 65°F and 80°F
  • Balanced, diluted fertilizer during the active growing season

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Most effectively achieved through division of the rhizomes
  • Node cuttings from established plants can also be successful when handled with care


Seeds

  • Occasionally used
  • Tend to have a slow germination process with variable viability, making vegetative methods the preferred approach

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Spider mites and mealybugs
  • Root rot

Treatment Recommendations

  • Insecticidal soap or neem oil
  • Avoiding waterlogged soil

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Provided insights into the rich biodiversity of Colombian cloud forests
  • Its rarity highlights the ecological importance of its habitat
  • Collectors and plant enthusiasts prize this species for its unusual inflorescence and distinctive leaf morphology
  • Its rarity and aesthetic appeal make it a coveted specimen in specialized collections

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Limited range and the ongoing threat of habitat loss;  considered rare

Market Availability

  • Not widely available in the horticultural trade
  • Typically found through specialized collectors or conservation-focused plant exchanges

References & Resources

Further Reading

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