Anthurium polystictum aka Anthurium Polystichum

Anthurium polystictum is considered a challenging plant to grow, requiring specific tropical conditions to thrive. The main difficulty lies in maintaining consistently high humidity levels (60% or higher) and stable temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). These plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, drafts, and dry air, which makes them less suitable for beginners. Many growers use humidity trays, room humidifiers, or terrariums to maintain adequate moisture levels, particularly during winter when indoor heating dries the air.

Anthurium polystictum grows at a moderate rate when provided with optimal conditions. As a subshrub rather than a typical herbaceous anthurium, it develops a somewhat woody base over time. Growth is most active during spring and summer months and slows considerably in cooler, shorter days. Propagation from stem cuttings typically takes 6-8 weeks to develop roots, while seed propagation is notably slower. Adequate humidity, warmth, and bright indirect light are essential for healthy growth.

Anthurium polystictum is endemic to Ecuador, meaning it is found naturally only in this South American country. It grows in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, thriving in the wet tropical biome. The species was first scientifically described by Italian-Ecuadorian botanist Luis Sodiro in 1905 and published in Anales de la Universidad Central del Ecuador. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by habitat loss as Ecuador's lowland forests face ongoing deforestation pressures.

Anthurium polystictum thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F), reflecting its tropical forest origins in Ecuador. The plant is highly sensitive to cold and can suffer damage when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), with prolonged exposure below 4°C (40°F) potentially being fatal. Equally important is avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts, which can cause stress, leaf drop, and stunted growth. During winter, keep the plant away from cold windows and heating vents.

Anthurium polystictum can be propagated through stem cuttings, root division, or seeds. Root division of mature plants is the fastest and most reliable method, as divided sections already have established roots. For stem cuttings, take a 15-20cm section with at least one node, as this is where new roots will develop. Place cuttings in moist sphagnum moss or a well-draining potting mix and maintain high humidity. Root development typically takes 6-8 weeks. Seed propagation is the slowest method and requires considerable patience.

Like all anthuriums, A. polystictum produces distinctive inflorescences consisting of a spathe and spadix. The spathe is a colorful, often waxy modified leaf that surrounds or subtends the central spadix—a fleshy spike covered with numerous tiny bisexual flowers. The actual flowers are small and densely packed along the spadix surface. Flowering periods can extend over several weeks, with the anthesis (flowering phase) progressing from the base to the apex of the spadix. Adequate light, proper fertilization, and optimal humidity encourage blooming.

Anthurium polystictum is pollinated by insects, primarily small beetles known as derelomine flower weevils (genus Cyclanthura). The flowers are protogynous, meaning the female phase occurs before male pollen is released, which encourages cross-pollination. During flowering, the inflorescence produces sweet fragrances that attract pollinators, particularly in the morning hours. Other potential pollinators include fruit flies (Drosophilidae), thrips, and small bees, depending on local pollinator availability in its native Ecuadorian habitat.

Anthurium polystictum can only grow outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, where temperatures consistently remain above 10°C (50°F) and frost is absent. In the United States, this limits outdoor cultivation to southern Florida, coastal California, Hawaii, and parts of southern Texas. The plant requires a sheltered, shaded location with protection from direct sunlight and wind. In cooler climates, it must be grown indoors or in a greenhouse, though it can be moved outdoors during warm summer months when nighttime temperatures remain above 15°C (60°F).

Anthurium polystictum requires minimal pruning beyond removing dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp shears to cut leaves at the base of the stem, ensuring you don't damage healthy tissue. Removing spent flowers after blooming helps the plant direct energy toward new growth. Never remove more than one-third of the foliage at once, as this can stress the plant. Yellow or brown leaves on older parts of the plant are often natural aging and can be removed without concern. Always sterilize pruning tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.

Repot Anthurium polystictum every 2-3 years or when roots begin emerging from drainage holes. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one (2-5cm larger in diameter), as oversized pots retain excess moisture that can lead to root rot. Use a well-draining, aroid-specific potting mix or create your own by combining regular potting soil with perlite, orchid bark, and charcoal. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.

Yellow leaves on Anthurium polystictum typically indicate overwatering, which is the most common cause. Check if the soil is remaining consistently wet and reduce watering frequency. Other causes include insufficient light, nutrient deficiency (particularly nitrogen), low humidity, temperature extremes, or natural aging of older leaves. Root rot from overwatering will cause yellowing throughout the plant along with drooping. If only a few lower leaves are yellowing and the plant otherwise looks healthy, this is likely natural leaf senescence and nothing to worry about.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Anthurium polystictum usually result from low humidity, which is very common during winter when indoor heating dries the air. Brown spots or patches can indicate sunburn from direct sunlight, underwatering, or over-fertilization causing salt buildup in the soil. If browning is accompanied by soft, mushy tissue, root rot may be developing from overwatering. Address low humidity by using a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants together. Ensure the plant receives bright but indirect light and flush the soil occasionally to remove accumulated salts.

Drooping leaves on Anthurium polystictum most commonly indicate a watering issue—either too much or too little water. Overwatering causes root rot, which prevents water uptake and leads to wilting despite wet soil. Underwatering causes wilting with dry, crispy leaf edges. Check the soil moisture and root health to determine the cause. Other factors include temperature stress from cold drafts or excessive heat, transplant shock after repotting, or root-bound conditions. If only older lower leaves are drooping, this may simply be natural aging rather than a problem.

Common pests affecting Anthurium polystictum include spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, scale insects, and fungus gnats. Spider mites create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves, while mealybugs appear as white cottony clusters. Thrips leave silvery scarring on leaves and flowers. Treat infestations with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or by wiping leaves with rubbing alcohol for mealybugs. Root rot caused by Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, or Pythium fungi is the most serious disease, resulting from overwatering and poor drainage. Prevent disease by using well-draining soil and allowing it to partially dry between waterings.

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

Anthurium Polystichum 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 Anthurium Polystichum 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.

No extra humidity is necessary for the Anthurium Polystichum. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Repotting the Anthurium Polystichum should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

During the cold period, it is common for Anthurium Polystichum to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.