Anthurium lineolatum

Ecuadorian Range and Natural Habits

Published in 1905, Anthurium lineolatum has a native range confined to north-western Ecuador. It grows as a subshrub or an epiphyte in wet tropical forest.

Caring for Anthurium lineolatum

• Position and light: Give the upright crown room on all sides and use bright filtered light from a broad source. If new petioles all lean toward one window, rotate the pot in small stages over time.
• Watering: Water once the surface begins to dry while the inner mix is still slightly moist. Let the container drain and do not leave it standing in water.
• Root zone: Because the species can grow epiphytically, avoid dense potting soil. Use an airy, medium-textured mix that holds some moisture but still leaves open spaces around the roots; renew it once the centre compacts or resists wetting.
• New leaves: Maintain warmth and steady humidity during expansion, but avoid handling a pale soft blade until it has firmed.

Troubleshooting Anthurium lineolatum

• A new leaf is pale but continues to expand: Fresh foliage normally starts lighter. Wait for it to harden unless the blade also remains soft, stops growing or develops translucent patches.
• Several leaves yellow at once: Check the root-zone moisture, recent cold exposure and available light. Let a wet root zone dry further and improve drainage, water thoroughly after severe drying, move a chilled plant into stable warmth, or increase indirect light gradually if the position is dim. The yellow leaf guide helps compare patterns.
• Silver streaks or black specks appear near the fine veins: Inspect the newest growth closely for thrips and separate the plant from nearby foliage if you find signs of feeding. Clean only hardened leaves and, after confirming thrips, apply a product intended for thrips to the newest growth and both leaf surfaces, including the areas beside the fine veins. Complete the manufacturer’s full repeat course. Check the following leaf before ending treatment.
• The crown becomes loose in the pot: Check whether roots have decayed or the mix has broken down. Remove failed roots, reset the firm crown at its original depth and use a snug container with fresh aerated mix.

Anthurium lineolatum 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.

Who first published Anthurium lineolatum, and what does the name mean?

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. The epithet lineolatum is Latin for marked with fine lines.

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 lineolatum in 1905 in Anales de la Universidad Central del Ecuador, volume 20, page 16.