Anthurium renteriae Croat

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by botanist Thomas B. Croat in 2010; the epithet renteriae honors co‑collector Alicia Rentería, who gathered the type material in Chocó.

• Geographical Range: Found in Colombia’s Chocó department along the Pacific slope, with documented collections near Las Animas and Río Pato at about 250 m elevation.
• Environment: Grows as an epiphyte in lowland wet tropical rainforest, where humidity often exceeds 80% and temperatures range from 24 °C to 28 °C year‑round.

Leaves

• Simple, entire, elliptic‑oblong blades, chartaceous to coriaceous
• Glossy dark green adaxial surface and a paler abaxial side
• Primary and collective veins are slightly raised

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Inflorescence comprises a slender spadix bearing spirally arranged perfect flowers
• Subtended by a narrow, lanceolate spathe that is greenish
• Pollination is typically by small dipterans

Growth Habit

• A small epiphytic subshrub 
• Short internodes arising from a creeping rhizome, forming loose clusters of leaves and aerial roots at the nodes

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep the potting medium evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Maintain humidity above 60%, ideally around 80%

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a loose, well‑draining mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to mimic the epiphytic substrate

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Maintain temperatures between 18 °C and 28 °C
• Feed monthly with a balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer at half strength during the growing season

Division and Cuttings

• Propagate by dividing the creeping rhizome or by taking stem cuttings with at least one leaf node

Seeds

• Seed propagation is possible but uncommon
• Seeds require warm, humid conditions and germinate in 4–8 weeks

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale
• Prevent infestations by maintaining good air circulation and wiping leaves regularly

Treatment Recommendations

• Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil

• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

• Named after Alicia Rentería, this species contributes to canopy biodiversity 
• May support specialized insect communities

• Valued by collectors for its compact habit and subtle greenish inflorescences
• Suitable for terrariums and specialized collections

Wild Population Status

• Not evaluated by the IUCN Red List

• Likely data deficient due to limited range and collection records

Market Availability

• Rare in cultivation 

• Available only through specialty nurseries or plant societies