Anthurium besseae
Bolivia.
First described by Thomas B. Croat. (2005)
Velvety heart-shaped to triangular leaves with pronounced pale venation; collector plants may show variable darkness and sinus shape.
Upright epiphytic velvet Anthurium with broad leaves held on petioles from a short central stem.
Named in honour of Libby Besse, plant collector associated with the Bolivian material.
Accepted Anthurium species. POWO lists it as an epiphyte from Bolivia in the wet tropical biome. Plants sold as “besseae aff.” should not automatically be merged into this species without support.
Keep evenly moist but highly aerated. High humidity and stable warmth help prevent leaf damage while new growth hardens.
Repot only when needed into a chunky bark/perlite/coco or similar aroid mix. Keep the crown above the mix and avoid oversized pots.
Monthly at quarter to half strength during active growth. Flush occasionally if using mineral fertiliser.
- Crisped emerging leaves from low humidity; root rot in dense mixes; confusion with aff./sp. nov. trade plants.
- The “aff. besseae” label is common in the trade and means similar to, not confirmed as, true Anthurium besseae.