Anthurium scandens
Mexico to Tropical America.
First described by Adolf Engler. (1878)
Small, usually glossy green leaves on slender stems; often grown for its compact climbing habit and pearl-like fruiting display.
Small-leaved climbing epiphyte that can ramble up supports or trail from a basket when not supported.
The epithet means climbing.
Accepted Anthurium species. POWO lists it as an epiphyte from Mexico to Tropical America; POWO also recognises subsp. scandens as a climbing subshrub.
Grow warm in bright filtered light with excellent drainage and steady humidity. Keep evenly lightly moist, never stale and waterlogged.
Use a chunky aroid mix with bark, perlite/pumice, and moisture-retentive organic matter. Repot gently when roots fill the pot.
Monthly at quarter to half strength during active growth. Flush occasionally if using mineral fertiliser.
- Root rot in dense media; leaf edge burn from dry air or salts; spider mites, scale, or mealybug; cold damage below comfortable indoor temperatures.
- One of the clearest Anthurium cases where growth_habit=climber is safer than upright.