Anthurium decipiens

Wet montane forest around the Tatamá massif

Anthurium decipiens is a Colombian endemic from the Tatamá massif of the western Andes. Wild populations occur in wet montane forest at about 1,300–2,000 m, where rainfall is high and temperatures are milder than in the lowlands. The species grows terrestrially and develops on the shaded forest floor beneath a humid canopy.

Growing Anthurium indoors

• Giant terrestrial growth and propagation: Use a heavy floor pot for this giant terrestrial species and keep its condensed rhizome at the surface in a moist, mineral-aerated mix. Wipe the firm leaves gently and propagate from rooted basal shoots or a viable rhizome section.
• Substrate and repotting: Wait for fresh roots or a new leaf before disturbing Anthurium decipiens after delivery. Move it to a stable pot only slightly wider with an airy blend of bark, coir and mineral drainage, keeping the crown at its established level.
• Light: Set in bright diffuse light, away from hot midday sun. Broad leaves benefit from even illumination and a cool position behind glass.
• Humidity and airflow: Aim for high humidity with steady air circulation around the leaf bases and emerging growth.
• Temperature: Keep Anthurium decipiens warm and protect its large root system from cold night-time surfaces. Extended hot nights can reduce leaf size and vigour.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium decipiens

• A thirsty wilt or wet-root wilt: Very little weight in the pot and dry root zone point to thirst; give the root zone a complete soak followed by free drainage. High pot weight several days later, damp surface and soft yellowing point to root stress, especially after cool wet conditions; give the root zone time to drain and check the deeper roots.
• Testing roots by texture: Keep pale roots that feel solid through the centre. Remove soft or hollow tissue with disinfected scissors, keep any short base at the surface and use a stable snug pot with an air-rich mineral mix.
• Thrips scars and mite stippling: Thrips can twist a leaf before it opens; inspect petiole bases and lower leaf surfaces closely. Isolate, remove visible pests, apply a product labelled for the pest, keep to the product label for repeat timing and inspect both leaf surfaces after treatment.
• A newly browned tip: Brown margins can follow dry roots or accumulated salts, while warm stagnant nights can also damage montane foliage. Use the pot’s weight to time a thorough low-mineral flush and restore air exchange around the leaves.

Anthurium decipiens is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Why is it called Anthurium decipiens?

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. The epithet decipiens is Latin for deceptive, indicating a plant liable to be confused with another species.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Anthurium in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 828.

Alistair Hay and Marco Cedeño-Fonseca first described Anthurium decipiens in 2019 in Aroideana, volume 42, issue 1, page 11.