If you’re looking for a truly unique houseplant that feels like a piece of the rainforest, look no further. The anthurium pedatum – rare tropical climbing plant is a spectacular species that stands out from the crowd.
Its unusual, deeply lobed leaves are a conversation starter. This guide gives you everything you need to grow it successfully.
Anthurium Pedatum – Rare Tropical Climbing Plant
This plant is native to the cloud forests of Colombia. Unlike many common anthuriums grown for flowers, Anthurium pedatum is prized for its stunning foliage.
The leaves start heart-shaped, then mature into a dramatic shape with multiple finger-like lobes. It’s a climber in nature, using its aerial roots to ascend trees.
What Makes It So Special?
Its leaf structure is its main attraction. Each glossy, green leaf can grow over a foot long on a mature plant. The veins are often a lighter color, creating beautiful contrast.
It’s considered rare because it grows slowly and can be tricky to propagate. It’s not typically found in big-box stores, making it a treasure for collectors.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To keep your Anthurium pedatum happy, you need to mimic its natural habitat. Think warm, humid, and dappled light.
Getting these conditions right is the key to seeing those spectacular leaves develop fully.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is perfect. Think of the light under a tree canopy.
- A north or east-facing window is often ideal.
- Avoid direct afternoon sun, which will scorch the leaves.
- If using grow lights, LED panels set to a moderate intensity work well.
Temperature & Humidity
This plant loves warmth and moisture in the air. It’s not a fan of dry, cold drafts.
- Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
- Humidity should be 60% or higher. A humidifier is the best solution.
- You can also use a pebble tray or group it with other plants.
- Keep it away from air vents and drafty windows in winter.
Planting and Potting Mix
The right soil is crucial for healthy roots. Anthurium pedatum needs a mix that holds some moisture but drains excellently.
A chunky, airy aroid mix is your best bet. You can make your own easily.
DIY Potting Mix Recipe
Here’s a simple, effective recipe. Combine all parts by volume:
- 4 parts orchid bark (for chunkiness and air flow)
- 3 parts high-quality peat or coco coir (for moisture retention)
- 2 parts perlite or pumice (for extra drainage)
- 1 part horticultural charcoal (to keep the mix fresh)
This mix prevents the roots from sitting in soggy soil, which causes rot. Make sure your pot has drainage holes too.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
Watering is where many new owners go wrong. The goal is consistent, moderate moisture.
How to Water Correctly
- Check the top few inches of soil with your finger.
- Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches feel dry.
- Pour water slowly until it runs freely from the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer underneath after 15 minutes so the pot doesn’t sit in water.
In winter, you’ll water less frequently. The plant’s growth slows down.
Fertilizing for Growth
Feed your plant during the active growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Apply it once a month when you water.
- There’s no need to fertilize in fall and winter.
- Over-fertilizing can damage the delicate roots, so less is more.
Support and Training for Climbing
Remember, this is a climbing plant. In your home, it will need a support to look its best and grow properly.
Providing a moss pole or wooden plank mimics it’s natural habit of climbing trees. This encourages larger, more mature leaves.
- Choose a support: a sphagnum moss pole, coco coir pole, or cedar plank.
- Insert it carefully into the pot near the base of the plant.
- Gently tie the main stem to the support using soft plant ties or stretchy string.
- As it grows, guide the aerial roots onto the moist moss pole. They will attach and draw in extra humidity.
Propagation Techniques
You can create new plants from your Anthurium pedatum. The most reliable method is stem cuttings.
It’s best to do this in spring or early summer when the plant is growing strongly.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots emerge) and an aerial root is ideal.
- Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, cut just below a node.
- Let the cutting callous over for a few hours to reduce rot risk.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Or, plant it directly in a small pot of your moist aroid mix.
- Keep it warm and humid. New roots should appear in 4-8 weeks.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This can have a few causes.
- Overwatering: This is the most common cause. Let the soil dry out more between waterings.
- Underwatering: If the leaves are yellow and crispy, you might be waiting too long.
- Nutrient deficiency: A lack of nitrogen can cause yellowing. Try a light feed.
- Natural aging: Older leaves at the bottom will yellow and die off occasionally. This is normal.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This usually signals a humidity problem.
- The air is too dry. Increase humidity with a humidifier.
- It could also be from tap water chemicals. Try using filtered or rainwater.
Pests to Watch For
Check your plant regularly, especially under the leaves.
- Spider mites: Tiny specks and fine webbing. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Look like small bits of cotton. Dab with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Scale: Brown or tan bumps on stems and leaves. Scrape off and treat with horticultural oil.
Early detection makes pest control much easier. Isolate any affected plant quickly.
FAQ About Anthurium Pedatum
How fast does Anthurium pedatum grow?
It’s considered a slow to moderate grower, especially as a young plant. With ideal conditions, you might see 2-4 new leaves per growing season. Patience is key.
Does it flower like other anthuriums?
It can produce a classic anthurium inflorescence (a spathe and spadix), but it’s small and greenish compared to the showy leaves. Foliage is the main event with this species.
Is it pet friendly?
No. Like other aroids, Anthurium pedatum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. Keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.
Why are the new leaves smaller than the old ones?
This often points to insufficient light or a lack of nutrients. Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect light and that you’re feeding it lightly during the growth season. A support pole also encourages bigger leaves.
Can I grow it in a terrarium?
While it loves humidity, a mature Anthurium pedatum gets too large for most terrariums. A large, sealed cabinet (an ikea greenhouse or “cabinet”) is a better option for providing high humidity if your home air is very dry.
Final Care Tips
Caring for this rare plant is deeply rewarding. The key is consistency—stable warmth, high humidity, and careful watering.
Don’t be discouraged by slow growth; each new, perfectly lobed leaf is an acheivement. With the right setup, your Anthurium pedatum will thrive and become a stunning centerpiece in your plant collection for years to come. Remember to clean the leaves gently with a damp cloth every so often to keep them dust-free and shining.