Anthurium forgetii

Low-elevation forest in western Colombia

Anthurium forgetii comes from humid forest in western Colombia, with related records extending into north-eastern Ecuador. It has been found terrestrially, on rocks and as an epiphyte at lower elevations, usually beneath dense canopy. Its roots may therefore occupy forest soil, mossy stone or organic material caught on trees, always within a sheltered wet-forest setting.

Care for epiphytic Anthurium roots and foliage

• Leaf care and propagation: Keep the rounded new leaves clear of surrounding objects while their margins open and harden. Brush the velvet surface dry and propagate from rooted offsets or node-bearing stem sections.
• Watering: Water when the upper mix has dried and the pot feels distinctly lighter, giving the epiphytic roots a complete soak followed by free drainage and renewed air space.
• Humidity and airflow: High humidity helps the enclosed leaf blades expand without sticking, while gentle airflow keeps the crown fresh. Let wet foliage dry quickly.
• Temperature: Keep Anthurium forgetii in stable indoor warmth and away from both cold air and sustained hot conditions.
• Substrate and repotting: Wait for fresh roots before moving Anthurium forgetii out of its nursery mix; deteriorating drainage is the reason to act sooner. Use a slightly larger pot with fine bark, coco coir, chopped coco husk and pumice or perlite.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Anthurium forgetii

• Yellow leaves with changing pot weight: Flexible leaves paired with low pot weight show that moisture has run short; rehydrate the root ball evenly, then empty all runoff. Persistent pot weight with a damp centre points to lost air around the roots; wait for the pot to lighten while checking the centre of the root ball. One ageing blade is expected when the newer foliage stays firm.
• Root failure around the crown: A firm cream or tan root remains useful; surface colour alone is less useful. Remove failed root sections once their slippery or hollow texture is clear; return viable roots to a close-fitting container with moisture retention and ample air.
• Treating confirmed pests and rechecking: Black specks beside silver scars point to thrips on folded new leaves and dry sheaths; pale dust-like speckling across older leaves points towards mites. Search both sides of the leaf and inside the dry sheath; repeat the same check on neighbouring plants. Set the plant apart and apply a labelled product to dry sheaths and both leaf surfaces. Continue treatment at the interval stated on the product then
• When a leaf spot keeps expanding: A mark caused by handling usually stops changing once the leaf hardens; a marked edge can confirm that the area remains stable.
• Browning that starts at the edge: Low humidity can sharpen damage caused by an uneven watering cycle; look for the same pattern on the newest mature leaf. Check the centre of the mix as well as the surface; if the root ball is still damp, flush salts when watering is due and move the leaf away from hot glass.

Anthurium forgetii 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.

About the name Anthurium forgetii

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. Forgetii honours Monsieur Forget.

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

Nicholas Edward Brown first described Anthurium forgetii in 1906 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, series 3, volume 39, page 161.