Anthurium queremalense

Natural range and habitat of Anthurium queremalense

Anthurium queremalense is linked with humid middle-elevation cloud forest around Queremal and elsewhere in Valle del Cauca, western Colombia. In its known habitat, large plants grow terrestrially or clamber through surrounding vegetation.

The name remains unpublished, and its known background centres on this western Colombian material.

Care for Anthurium queremalense

• Airflow and temperature: Keep temperatures around 16–25 °C. Protect it when conditions are likely to stay under 10 °C. Provide moving air and a cooler night-time environment during warm periods.
• Leaf clearance: Leave generous space around emerging leaves so the leaf and stalk can expand freely.
• Light: Give the full leaf area bright diffuse light and protect the velvet surface from direct midday sun.
• Humidity: Provide about 60–80% humidity together with gentle air circulation.
• Watering: Water when the compost is approaching dryness below the surface, then water thoroughly and let excess water drain. Keep the root zone airy and avoid leaving it continuously wet.
• Pot and potting mix: Use a well-ventilated pot with an open mix based on fine bark, tree-fern or coco fibre and mineral material for drainage.
• Growth support: Keep the plant stable in its pot and support older stems only if they begin to lean.
• Repotting: Give the clump a wider container when either the root system or new growth from the base begin pressing for space.
• Feeding: Feed at a modest rate during active leaf and root development. Reduce feeding as growth slows.
• Propagation: Use a basal shoot once it has rooted, or root a healthy stem section with an active growing point.

Managing stress in Anthurium queremalense

• Growth slows during a hot, stagnant period: Heat stress becomes more likely when warm nights and still air occur together. Increase air exchange, shade the plant from heat and provide a cooler night-time environment.
• Leaf margins crisp and the pot feels very light: The root ball may have dried too far. Rehydrate slowly and adopt a steadier watering rhythm.
• A new leaf opens marked or misshapen: Contact with surrounding objects or changing conditions during expansion are possible causes. Clear more space around the growth point and keep conditions even for the next leaf.

Anthurium queremalense 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.

What does Anthurium mean, and who first published it?

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

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