Anthurium longissimilobum

Botanical identity and natural origin of Anthurium longissimilobum

Anthurium longissimilobum is native to Peru, including Huánuco, Amazonas and San Martín. Material has been collected west of Tingo María in Huánuco. This epiphytic climber keeps its stem close to the climbing surface, while short internodes place successive leaves close together and contribute to its narrow vertical growth.

Care for Anthurium longissimilobum

Place the stem against a narrow board, bark slab or pole and secure it loosely between nodes. The support holds the climbing stem in place; it should not clamp the leaf stalks or force a new leaf into position.

• Light: Bright filtered light from the front and above helps avoid a loose, one-sided stem. Acclimate before any direct sun reaches the leaf.
• Temperature and humidity: A stable 18–27 °C suits routine growth. Shield it from prolonged drops below 15 °C. Keep atmospheric humidity near 60–80% while maintaining gentle airflow.
• Watering: Water the root ball thoroughly after the upper layer begins to dry. A support may dry at a different rate from the pot, so check each separately.
• Roots and potting mix: Use an airy organic mix and keep climbing nodes above the mix.
• Feeding: Use a light feed while the climbing stem is extending and new roots are active. Reduce feeding as growth slows.
• Space: Leave clear room behind and beside the newest leaf so the long lobes at the base can extend without creasing.
• Repotting: Repot during active growth when roots fill the container.
• Propagation: Take stem cuttings with at least one node only while the plant is actively growing.

Common problems with Anthurium longissimilobum

• The long lobes at the leaf base bend or crease: Give future leaves more clearance and leave the existing blade in place if it remains healthy. Trying to straighten hardened tissue usually causes another tear.
• The stem pulls away from its support: Add a loose tie between nodes and bring the support closer. Do not bind the petiole or bury exposed climbing nodes in wet potting mix.
• The base of the stem softens: Remove wet material from around the stem, inspect the roots and cut away only black or slippery tissue. Repot the remaining firm section with every viable node above the fresh mix.
• The opening blade develops fine scars: Silvery scars with black specks indicate thrips, while fine pale stippling with webbing indicates spider mites. Keep the plant separate while you inspect the soft leaf, stem crevices and support for these signs. If you confirm thrips or spider mites, clean only hardened foliage and apply a treatment labelled for the confirmed pest to the opening leaf, both leaf surfaces and stem crevices. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course, rechecking the hidden areas at each repeat.

Anthurium longissimilobum 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.

When was Anthurium longissimilobum first published, and what does it mean?

The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix. Longissimilobum combines Latin longissimus, “longest” or “very long”, and lobus, “lobe”: “very long-lobed”.

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

Thomas Bernard Croat first described Anthurium longissimilobum in 2008 in Novon, volume 18, page 154.