If you’re looking for a truly unique houseplant that feels like a piece of living art, look no further. The anthurium pedatum – rare tropical climbing plant is a spectacular species that stands out from its more common relatives.
With its distinctive, elongated leaves that resemble a bird’s foot or an open hand, it’s a conversation starter. This guide will help you understand its needs and how to keep it thriving in your home.
Anthurium Pedatum – Rare Tropical Climbing Plant
Unlike the familiar heart-shaped anthuriums, the Anthurium pedatum is a botanical wonder. Native to the cloud forests of Colombia, it’s known for its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that can grow quite large over time. It’s a true climber, using its aerial roots to attach to trees in the wild, which gives us a big clue about how to care for it indoors.
What Makes It So Special?
Its foliage is the main attraction. Each leaf has multiple “fingers” that give it a dramatic, architectural shape. As it matures, the leaves become more pronounced and the plant develops a longer, vining stem. It’s not a fast grower, which adds to its prized status—you’re nurturing a slow, beautiful masterpiece.
- Unique Foliage: Deeply lobed, glossy leaves unlike any other common houseplant.
- Climbing Habit: It wants to climb, making it perfect for a moss pole or plank.
- Rarity: It’s less commercially propagated, so finding one is part of the adventure.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Getting the environment right is the key to success with this plant. Think about its natural home: a warm, humid, and dappled-light forest.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is perfect. An east-facing window is ideal, or a few feet back from a south or west window. Direct sun will scorch its beautiful leaves, while too little light will slow growth to a crawl and make the plant look leggy.
Temperature & Humidity
This plant likes it warm and steamy. Aim for temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) and avoid cold drafts. Humidity is crucial—try for 60% or higher. You can achieve this with:
- A humidifier placed nearby (most effective).
- A pebble tray filled with water under the pot.
- Grouping it with other humidity-loving plants.
Planting and Potting Mix
The right soil is non-negotiable. It must be airy and chunky, mimicking the loose leaf litter and debris of the forest floor. A standard potting soil will suffocate the roots and cause rot.
A great mix you can make at home includes:
- 1 part high-quality orchid bark (for chunkiness)
- 1 part coconut coir or peat moss (for moisture retention)
- 1 part perlite or pumice (for aeration)
- A handful of horticultural charcoal (to keep the mix fresh)
Watering and Feeding Your Plant
Watering is where many gardeners go wrong. The goal is consistent moisture, not sogginess. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the mix feels dry. Always let excess water drain away completely—never let it sit in a saucer of water.
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed it monthly with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. A 1/4 strength dose is often enough. In fall and winter, reduce feeding to every other month or stop altogether.
Supporting Its Climbing Nature
To see your anthurium pedatum at its best, you must give it something to climb. This encourages larger, more mature leaves. A moss pole or a cedar plank are excellent choices.
- Insert the support into the pot when you repot to avoid damaging roots later.
- Gently tie the main stem to the support using soft plant ties or strips of old nylon.
- Mist the moss pole regularly to encourage the aerial roots to attach and draw moisture.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Propagation is usually done by stem cuttings. It’s a slow process but rewarding. The best time to do this is in spring or early summer.
- Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a piece of stem that has at least one node (a bump where leaves and roots grow from) and preferably one leaf.
- Let the cut end callous over for a few hours to prevent rot.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaf is not. Or, plant it directly in a small pot of your pre-moistened chunky mix.
- Keep it warm and humid. Roots can take several weeks to months to appear. Be patient!
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This can be caused by overwatering, which is the most common mistake. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot drains well. Sometimes, older leaves yellow naturally as they die off—just snip them away.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This is almost always a sign of low humidity. Increase the moisture in the air around your plant. It could also be from tap water; try using filtered or rainwater if you can.
Pests
Watch out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. If you spot pests, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied consistently.
Where to Find One and What to Expect
Because it’s a rarer species, you won’t likely find it at a big-box store. Check with specialty plant nurseries, online plant shops, or plant enthusiast groups on social media. Be prepared for a higher price tag than a common pothos—you’re paying for rarity and slower cultivation.
When you recieve your plant, it might be stressed from shipping. Give it a few weeks to acclimate to your home before repotting, unless the roots are in dire straits. Provide consistent care and it will reward you with stunning growth.
FAQ
Is Anthurium pedatum hard to care for?
It has specific needs (high humidity, chunky soil) but is not overly difficult if you meet those requirements. It’s considered intermediate level.
How fast does the pedatum anthurium grow?
It’s a slow to moderate grower. You might see a new leaf every few months under ideal conditions.
Does this rare climbing anthurium flower?
It can produce a classic anthurium spathe and spadix flower, but it’s greenish and less showy than the foliage. The leaves are the real star here.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes, like all anthuriums, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.
Why are the leaves on my plant small?
Small leaves can be due to insufficient light, lack of a climbing support, or the plant simply being young. Providing a moss pole and good light encourages larger, mature leaves.