Anthurium vittariifolium

Anthurium vittariifolium is native to South America and is found in the Amazonian lowlands, ranging from south-eastern Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to northern Brazil. It is not a member of the section Porphyrochitonium, but rather a species belonging to the section Leptanthurium.

However, with its pendulous growth habit, it closely resembles the better-known members of the section Porphyrochitonium. Just like A. wendlingeri or A. pallidiflorum, A. vittariifolium also grows strictly pendulous. The stem grows straight downwards and the leaves of adult plants also hang straight downwards. The petiole is not strong enough to support the weight of the rather thick leaf upright.

Anthurium vittariifolium, however, grows significantly larger than the species in the section Porphyrochitonium. The leaves grow up to 2.20 metres long, and the plant also bears significantly more leaves at any one time than other hanging Anthurium. In adult plants, the upper surface of the leaves is dark in colour and covered with numerous tiny glands. The leaves are also strikingly tough and firm. The midrib is clearly prominent.

The species is surprisingly hardy and easy to care for. It grows quite quickly in sufficiently high temperatures and is robust, making it very well suited for beginners too!