Anthurium plowmanii is part of the Araceae family and its native range is Peru to W. Brazil and Paraguay. It is an epiphyte or lithophyte, growing primarily in the wet tropical biome where its leaves are recorded to reach up to 2m in length. The leaves stand erect but due to their size will spread laterally in a rosette fashion. Petioles have a geniculum which becomes fissured with age; it is the geniculum that allows the leaf blade to turn or rotate to align itself with the light source. Leaves are coriaceous and broadest at the centre of the leaf with undulating leaf margins. Anthurium plowmanii has been observed growing as an epiphyte and as a lithophyte.
Genus name is derived from the Greek ‘anthos’ for flower and ‘oura’ meaning tail; 'flower-tail', which probably refers to the tail-like spadix Specific epithet honours botanist Timothy Plowman (1944-1989).
Pot: ø 17cm.
Height: Approximately 50cm from base of pot.
Light: Bright shade, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. This plant is also able to tolerate its substrate drying out almost completely.
Potting mix: A chunky, well-draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings. Our potting mix works well alone or with amendments of horticultural charcoal and sphagnum moss.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Ideally 18-24°C.
Humidity: These Anthurium prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Anthurium are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.