Anthurium polyschistum aka Many Fingered Anthurium

Anthurium polyschistum is a moderately challenging houseplant that rewards consistent care. The main challenge is maintaining adequate humidity above 60-70%, which is essential for healthy leaf development. It tolerates a range of light conditions from medium to bright indirect, making placement flexible. Overall, it's well-suited for intermediate plant keepers who can provide regular watering and boost humidity through misting, pebble trays, or grouping with other plants.

Anthurium polyschistum thrives in warm temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C), with the ideal range being 65-80°F (18-27°C). The plant is cold-sensitive and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause damage. Avoid cold drafts from windows or air conditioning, and never expose the plant to frost. In USDA zones below 10, this species should be grown exclusively indoors.

Anthurium polyschistum is a vining epiphyte with a moderate growth rate. Individual palmate leaves can reach up to 60cm (2 feet) in length when given climbing support. The plant produces slender stems that either trail gracefully from hanging baskets or climb readily when provided with a moss pole or trellis. Without support, the plant maintains a compact, clumping habit. Providing vertical support encourages larger leaf development and more vigorous growth.

Anthurium polyschistum propagates easily through stem cuttings, division, or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a section with at least one node and aerial root during spring or summer, then root in moist sphagnum moss or water. Division can be done during repotting by separating clumps with their own root systems. Air layering involves wrapping a stem section in damp moss until roots form. Cuttings typically root within 3-6 weeks in warm, humid conditions.

Anthurium polyschistum can be easily pruned to maintain shape or control size. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Trim back leggy vines to encourage bushier growth. The cuttings from pruning can be propagated to create new plants. Pruning is best done during the active growing season in spring and summer, and always sterilize tools between cuts to prevent disease transmission.

Anthurium polyschistum is a slow to moderate grower that typically needs repotting every 2-3 years. Signs that repotting is needed include roots protruding from drainage holes, extremely root-bound conditions, or soil that dries out very quickly. Use a well-draining orchid mix or aroid-specific potting medium. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current one, as these plants prefer being slightly rootbound. Spring is the ideal time for repotting.

Anthurium polyschistum produces the characteristic Anthurium inflorescence consisting of a narrow green spathe and green spadix. Unlike the colorful spathes of more common Anthurium species, this plant's flowers are subtle and primarily green. The spadix bears tiny bisexual flowers that, when pollinated by beetles, develop into attractive violet-purple berries. The foliage is the main ornamental feature of this species rather than its flowers.

Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, thrips, spider mites, and scale insects. Inspect regularly under leaves and along stems, treating infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infected parts with sterilized pruning shears. Root rot is the most common disease, typically caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Bacterial and fungal leaf spots can occur in overly humid conditions with poor air circulation. Prevent issues by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good drainage.

Anthurium polyschistum can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 where temperatures remain consistently above 50°F (10°C). In cooler climates, it can be moved outdoors during warm summer months but must be brought inside before temperatures drop. Outdoors, place in a shaded location protected from direct sun and wind. The plant performs best in humid, frost-free environments similar to its native Amazonian rainforest habitat.

Yellow leaves on Anthurium polyschistum typically indicate overwatering, which leads to root rot and prevents nutrient uptake. Check soil moisture and reduce watering frequency, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage. Other causes include insufficient light, nutrient deficiency (especially nitrogen or iron), or natural aging of older leaves. If multiple leaves yellow rapidly, inspect roots for rot by gently unpotting the plant. Trim any brown, mushy roots and repot in fresh, well-draining medium.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Anthurium polyschistum almost always indicate low humidity. NC State Extension notes that 'leaf tips turn brown if the humidity is too low.' Increase humidity using a pebble tray, humidifier, grouping plants together, or moving to a bathroom. Brown spots can also result from direct sunlight scorching the leaves, cold drafts, or fluoride/chlorine sensitivity in tap water. Consider using filtered or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup.

Drooping leaves on Anthurium polyschistum usually signal either underwatering or overwatering. Check soil moisture immediately - if dry, water thoroughly and the plant should recover within hours. If soil is wet or soggy, root rot may be developing and you should check roots, removing any damaged portions and repotting in fresh medium. Exotic Rainforest notes this species 'wilts quickly when cut,' indicating it is sensitive to moisture stress. Cold exposure can also cause wilting.

Clean Anthurium polyschistum leaves regularly to remove dust and prevent pest problems. The thin, palmate leaflets are delicate, so gently wipe each one with a soft, damp cloth. Alternatively, give the plant a lukewarm shower, which also helps raise humidity. Avoid leaf shine products as they can clog the leaf pores. Regular cleaning also provides an opportunity to inspect for pests, which often hide on the undersides of leaves and in the joints where leaflets meet.

Many Fingered Anthurium’s native range is the Americas.

Many Fingered Anthurium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Many Fingered Anthurium loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Many Fingered Anthurium prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

The Many Fingered Anthurium does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

The Many Fingered Anthurium should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it is common for Many Fingered Anthurium plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.