An unusual 'strap leaf' anthurium with corkscrew inflorescences

Anthurium wendlingeri has long, drooping, strap-like leaves that can grow up to over 2 meters long.

The elegant leaf shape and long, wavy, blackish green leaf blades are enhanced by a shimmering, velvety texture on the upper surface. The leaves are the main attractions of this species, but it is actually the strange inflorescences that attract the most comments from observers.

The pistil begins to curl up in the middle of its development, ending in a long (over 75 centimeters) corkscrew shape. The inflorescences are relatively long-lasting and a fully pollinated fruiting body covered with hundreds of small, bright red fruits is a very attractive sight.

Botanical description

Anthurium wendlingeri was described in 1965 based on a living plant originating near Turrialba, Cartago Province, Costa Rica. The species occurs from southeastern Nicaragua through Costa Rica and Panama on both slopes (although it is generally more common on the Caribbean side), through the Guna Yala Comarca to the border region into western Colombia in the Chocó Department.

A. wendlingeri is visually similar toA. vittariifolium or A. pendens, albeit with a more spiral, corkscrew-like flower spike.

The species has a fairly wide altitudinal range from near sea level to over 1450 meters, although it is usually a lowland plant. It is most abundant in lowland and montane rainforests between about 100-800 meters above sea level.

There may be size variation among local ecotypes throughout its range. The largest plants observed in the wild grew in mountainous rainforests in western Panama with leaves exceeding 1.2 meters in length.

A variety with straight cobs was described from a cultivated plant near Guápiles in Costa Rica by Thomas Croat in 2022 as var. horichii.

Care

Anthurium wendlingeri is an epiphyte that requires special care to mimic its natural habitat. Mount the plant on bark, cork or, most simply, potted in very airy, well-drained orchid soil.

Place in bright, indirect light to partial shade. In the wild it grows in the undergrowth of rainforests where it receives filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight which can damage the delicate leaf surface. A grow light is a good addition during the dark winter months.

Maintain high humidity, preferably above 70%. Spraying the leaves and aerial roots is appreciated. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal problems.

Water regularly by moistening the mounting surface or substrate. Never let the roots dry out completely but make sure that excess water drains away. As a potted plant, it is therefore important to use pots with many holes in them.

Fertilize sparingly with half-strength orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Maintain temperatures between 18-28°C for optimal growth.

Give the plant something to hang from or mount it so that the long leaves can hang freely and show off their natural, elegant shape. With proper care, this spectacular plant will develop its characteristic long, drooping leaves and unique spiral-shaped inflorescences. Buy Anthurium wendlingeri online