Panamanian velvet anthurium with dark, velvety leaves, a sought-after species for terrariums

Anthurium dressleri is a sought-after species from the rainforest understory, primarily in Panama. The species was described in 1978 by Tom Croat and belongs to the section Cardiolonchium, the so-called velvet-leaved anthurium species.

The plant has a compact growth habit with dark, thick leaves with muted veins and ridged petioles. The leaves are narrowly ovate with deep basal lobes and reach 40 centimeters in length and approximately 30 centimeters in width. The upper surface is matte, dark green, and velvety, while the underside is matte and significantly paler.

The inflorescence is upright and shorter than the leaves, with a white or greenish-white spathe and a pale yellow to yellow-green spadix. The fruits are oblong-oval with a dark violet-purple upper third and white to greenish below.

Botanical description

The species occurs in Panama and more rarely in Colombia and Ecuador, where it grows in tropical moist and premontane rainforests at altitudes between 150 and 500 meters.

Its distribution in Panama extends from Panama Province through Colón Province to the Guna Yala Comarca, while its distribution in Colombia is limited to isolated findings in the Chocó Department.

Care

Thrives in partial shade to bright, indirect light; it does not require strong light, and direct sun will burn the velvety leaves.

Requires high humidity (70-80% or more), making it best suited for terrariums or plant cabinets. Keep the substrate evenly moist but never wet. Use a very airy, well-drained substrate with bark, perlite, and sphagnum.

Ideal temperature 20-26 degrees Celsius. Avoid watering directly onto the velvety leaves, which easily develop spots. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season. Buy Anthurium dressleri online!