Anthurium rulandii Croat & Grib

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described as new to science in 2024 by Thomas B. Croat and James Grib in Aroideana (vol 47(2): 363–374); the epithet honors David Ruland of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, who facilitated study of the cultivated specimens originally collected in 1977.

• Geographical Range: Known only from the Río Crystal vicinity near Lita in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, at about 1200 m elevation.
• Environment: Grows in premontane wet forest life zones with high humidity, frequent cloud cover, and well‑drained organic soils.

Leaves

• Blades narrowly ovate‑sagittate
• Subcoriaceous texture
• Dark green and weakly glossy adaxially
• Paler semigloss abaxially

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe green‑lanceolate, held at right angles to peduncle

• Spadix stipitate, whitish at anthesis, turning light brown; slightly unpleasant odor at pollen release

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial habit
• Short thick internodes
• Persistent reddish‑brown fibrous cataphylls
• No tubers or rhizomes

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

Watering & Humidity

• Maintain consistently moist but not waterlogged soil
• Humidity >70 %

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining mix of peat, orchid bark, and perlite

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Temperatures ideal 18–25 °C (min. 15 °C)

• Feed monthly with balanced houseplant fertilizer during active growth

Division and Stem Cuttings

• Divide at the root collar
• Use stem cuttings with at least one leaf node
• Root in high‑humidity environment

Seeds

• Rare in cultivation
• Surface‑sow fresh seed on sterile medium at warm temperatures and high humidity

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs common under low humidity
• Root rot

Treatment Recommendations

• Wipe leaves
• Use insecticidal soap
• Repot in fresh, well‑draining medium
• Reduce watering 

• Remained unnamed in cultivation since the 1980s

• Named for David Ruland, reflecting its horticultural history

• Synchronized inflorescences and striking foliage

Wild Population Status

• Classified as Data Deficient by IUCN 
• Known restriction to a single locality and limited exploration

Market Availability

• Rare in trade
• Occasionally offered by specialty aroid nurseries and botanic collections