Anthurium dolichostachyum

Natural range and habitat of Anthurium dolichostachyum

Anthurium dolichostachyum ranges from southern Colombia into Ecuador. It grows as an epiphyte or hemiepiphyte in wet forest, producing roots above the ground as the stem extends through surrounding vegetation.

Care for Anthurium dolichostachyum

• Support: Add a pole or slab when the stem starts extending beyond the pot, and place active nodes against a surface where they can root.
• Light: Provide bright filtered light and turn the plant gradually if the stem and leaves grow strongly towards one side.
• Temperature: Give Anthurium dolichostachyum stable conditions around 18–27 °C; move it to a warmer position before temperatures remain under 15 °C.
• Humidity: Aim for 60–80% humidity with gentle airflow around the nodes.
• Water: Let the surface of the mix begin to dry, then water thoroughly and drain the pot. Avoid repeatedly letting the root ball dry completely, and keep the roots out of standing water.
• Potting mix: Use a coarse, bark-based mix that lets air reach the roots.
• Repotting: When roots or new growth from the base run out of room, move the clump into a pot that is only slightly wider.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth when the roots are healthy.
• Propagation: Separate a rooted basal shoot when available; otherwise use a sound stem section with an active growing point.

Issues to watch for in Anthurium dolichostachyum

• Later leaves become smaller and the spaces between nodes lengthen: Check the direction of growth, node contact and root zone separately. When the stem is reaching towards a light source, improve the spread of filtered light. When active nodes lack contact, secure them to a surface where they can root. Repot only if roots fill the pot or the mix has broken down.
• Aerial roots remain thin and brittle: Direct new roots into moist moss or the potting mix. Keep the local support lightly moist and let excess water drain freely from the container.
• A flowering spike browns after opening: This is the normal end of the flowering cycle. Cut the spent stalk near the base once it is dry.

Anthurium dolichostachyum 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.

Anthurium dolichostachyum: name and meaning

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. Dolichostachyum combines Greek dolichos, “long”, and stachys, “spike”, referring to the long flowering spike.

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

Luis Sodiro first described Anthurium dolichostachyum in 1901 in Anales de la Universidad Central del Ecuador, volume 15, page 12.