Anthurium Cutucuense is a beautiful plant that is native to Ecuador. This plant’s leaves have a bullate texture, plus they’re trisect leaves.
This rare species of Anthurium can only be seen in mountainous areas where it grows in cold forests.
Anthurium Cutucuense is seen as a difficult species to take care of because of its natural habitat. It can be found in hardiness zones 10 to 12 and is recognized as an endangered species.
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Anthurium Cutucuense Care
Anthurium Cutucuense needs to be kept under indirect bright sunlight. It grows best in soil that has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and thrives in a soil mix that is well-drained. The best soil mix for Anthurium Cutucuense includes equal parts of perlite, peat, and pine bark. The daytime temperature should be between 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (26°C) and humidity levels between 70-80%. Fertilize your Anthurium Cutucuense once every 3 to 4 months with 1/4 of the recommended strength.
Soil
Anthurium Cutucuense needs to be kept in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Soil mix that contains equal parts peat, perlite, and pine bark is particularly suitable for this plant as it is known to be well-draining.
Alternatively, you can use a soil mix that contains two parts orchid mix, one part perlite, and peat.
The soil is an essential part of the plant’s growth as its roots tend to rot easily when they are immersed in water for too long.
As root rot is hard to reverse, it is important to make sure that you are not over-watering your plant and the soil is well-drained.
Water
Anthurium Cutucuense does not need to be watered every single day unless the local weather requires it. Just ensure that the soil remains moist throughout the day.
The best way to not over-water or under-water Anthurium Cutucuense is by checking the soil before you water the plant again. Once the soil’s top 2 inches have become dry, you can water it again.
To check if the soil has become dry, simply insert your index finger into it. If your finger’s dry, you should water your Anthurium Cutucuense again.
Light
Anthurium Cutucuense is a tropical plant and is generally known to grow over other taller plants around it. Hence, this plant doesn’t require a lot of direct sunlight.
You can keep your Anthurium Cutucuense near a north-facing window to ensure that the rays from the sun are not too harsh for the plant. West-facing windows are also another viable option.
You can also keep your plant near a south-facing window. However, you will need to make sure that your Anthurium Cutucuense is placed at a distance.
This is because sun-rays coming from south-facing windows can be too harsh for Anthurium Cutucuense.
Temperature
Anthurium Cutucuense grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F (15-32°C). During the daytime, it is best to keep your plant under 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (26°C).
At night your Anthurium Cutucuense is able to tolerate temperatures between 50°F to 60°F (10°C-15°C).
However, you must make sure that your plant is never kept in temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C).
This is so because if the temperature drops any lower than 50°F (10°C), it can slow down the plant’s growth and may even cause its death.
Humidity
Anthurium Cutucuense prefers to stay in surroundings with high humidity levels ranging from 70 to 80 %.
A combination of cool temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15°C -21°C) and high humidity levels can help your Anthurium Cutucuense live a long life.
The best way to increase humidity levels around your Anthurium Cutucuense while indoors is by placing it near a bathroom or the kitchen.
Alternatively, you can also use a pebble tray filled with water or buy a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Like any other plant, Anthurium Cutucuense needs to be nourished from time to time; however, it does not need an excessive amount of nourishment either.
Fertilize your Anthurium Cutucuense once every 3 to 4 months and use one-quarter of the strength of any fertilizer that you purchase.
In this case, the best choice of fertilizer is one that has a high phosphorus number on the NPK ratio.
Repotting
Anthurium Cutucuense needs to be repotted as it grows. To repot your Anthurium Cutucuense, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare a larger new pot
Prepare a larger pot than the current one where your Anthurium Cutucuense’s planted. After cleaning it thoroughly, fill the pot to one-third with a well-draining soil mix.
The best soil mix should contain equal parts perlite, peat, and pine bark.
Step 2: Remove your Anthurium Cutucuense from its old container
Remove your Anthurium Cutucuense from its old pot and check the roots to make sure they are not rotting.
To remove the old soil sticking around your Anthurium Cutucuense, gently use your hands. If you find out that the roots are rotting, snip them off using sharp shears that have been sterilized.
Step 3: Replant your Anthurium Cutucuense
Place your Anthurium Cutucuense into a new pot and add the remaining two-thirds of the soil.
Water your Anthurium Cutucuense thoroughly and make sure to check if any excess water is coming out of the drainage holes.
After this, place your Anthurium Cutucuense where it had been kept before. Do not worry if you do not see any growth in your plant for the next few weeks.
This is because repotting can be stressful for plants; therefore, it takes them time to settle in again.
Pruning
Anthurium Cutucuense doesn’t require a lot of pruning. But there are times when you may want to remove dead leaves as they can attract pests or diseases.
When you prune your plant, make sure that:
- You only remove parts of the plant that are unnecessary. This includes old leaves and dead stems.
- You always use sterilized tools when pruning your Anthurium Cutucuense.
- You never cut off too much of the plant.
Propagation
Anthurium Cutucuense propagation is a time-consuming process. Nevertheless, this endangered species needs to be grown in as many places as possible.
If you are looking to propagate your Anthurium Cutucuense, follow these 7 steps:
Step 1
For starters, cut a stem off the main Anthurium Cutucuense plant. You can choose to cut this stem from any part of your plant.
The amount of stem you cut will depend on the amount of Anthurium Cutucuense you want to grow.
Step 2
Take the stem cutting and remove any leaf-like husks from your plant. These husks are stipules and are present on your plant when new leaves are growing.
Since you are propagating your plant, you are likely to already have well-established leaves on the stems, therefore, the stipules will not be necessary.
Step 3
Check all of your stem cuttings for nodes. Make sure that all your stem cuttings have at least two nodes present on them.
The larger the stems are, the better your Anthurium Cutucuense is likely to grow.
If you have an excess number of leaves on the stems, it doesn’t matter. In fact, having more leaves on one stem is considered a plus point for your new plant.
Step 4
This step is optional as it involves the use of rooting hormones. If you want your Anthurium Cutucuense to root faster, you can use a rooting hormone in the form of a liquid or powder.
If you’re using a powder rooting hormone, simply dip the stem’s cut end into the powder before burying it in the soil.
Liquid rooting hormones are particularly beneficial when you plan on placing your propagated Anthurium Cutucuense into the water rather than soil.
For liquid rooting hormones, simply add a few drops of it into the water or even the soil. You could also put some cinnamon powder on the cut ends.
Cinnamon powder is a spice that is known to have antimicrobial properties. Using cinnamon will ensure that your plant is kept protected from all fungal infections.
Step 5
In this step, you will be placing your Anthurium Cutucuense into a new container. You can place your Anthurium Cutucuense in water or a soil substrate.
The use of a soil substrate’s recommended as the roots are less likely to rot this way.
When you place your Anthurium Cutucuense in soil, make sure at least one of the two nodes remains above the ground.
The other node should be placed below the soil. If your Anthurium Cutucuense has any aerial roots on it, it is better for you to place them under the soil.
The reason why one of the nodes should be kept above the ground is that this is where the new leaves will grow from.
Step 6
Anthurium Cutucuense needs to be kept at high humidity levels; therefore, you must place a plastic bag over the plant.
Placing the plastic bag helps ensures that the humidity levels surrounding your Anthurium Cutucuense remains high.
However, if your Anthurium Cutucuense is placed in water rather than soil, you don’t need to cover it with a plastic bag.
Step 7
In this step, you just need to be patient and wait for your new Anthurium Cutucuense to grow. It’ll take anywhere from 5 to 6 weeks before you see new leaves forming.
Once new leaves start to grow, you will know that the roots have begun to grow as well.
Now, if you want to propagate houseplants other than your Anthurium Cutucuense, start with the 12 easiest houseplants to propagate.
Blooms
This anthurium variety doesn’t grow any blooms.
Growth
Anthurium Cutucuense can grow to a height of 1 to 2 feet and can be 2 to 3 feet wide. This plant grows slowly but is known to live a long life if provided with proper care.
If you propagate your plant, its estimated lifespan can be between five to ten years or even more.
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Common Problems for Anthurium Cutucuense
Scales
Anthurium Cutucuense can be attacked by pests known as scales. These pests are known to have a hard shell on them, making it difficult to kill them.
You will know your Anthurium Cutucuense is infested with these pests when you see brown rice-shaped insects on it.
The easiest way to get rid of scales is by dabbing each scale and rubbing it with alcohol to soften them. Following this, simply use a damp cloth to remove those scales from the foliage.
You can prevent scales from attacking your Anthurium Cutucuense in the future by using natural pesticides.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is problematic as it tends to attack plants that require high humidity levels, just like Anthurium Cutucuense.
You know the plant has been infected by bacterial blight if you see water-soaked spots on the leaves that have a yellowish appearance.
The best solution for bacterial blight is to prune infected leaves or let the soil dry out completely before you water your Anthurium Cutucuense again.
For future prevention, look into how often you mist your plant and make sure the humidity levels are perfect.
Tips for Growing Anthurium Cutucuense
Anthurium Cutucuense can be difficult to care for as it has some very specific requirements for optimum growth.
However, following these basic tips can help your Anthurium Cutucuense thrive:
- Keep your Anthurium Cutucuense under indirect sunlight.
- Make sure that the temperatures around your Anthurium Cutucuense do not drop below 50°F.
- Regularly monitor the soil to avoid drying it out.
- Make sure the surrounding humidity level remains high throughout the day as Anthurium Cutucuense thrives in cool and humid weather.
- Keep your plant in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Cutucuense Care
Is Anthurium Cutucuense toxic?
Anthurium Cutucuense can be considered toxic due to the presence of an irritant known as calcium oxalate. If ingested by your pet, it can cause difficulty in breathing.
Does Anthurium Cutucuense like to be misted?
Anthurium Cutucuense has an affinity for humid weather conditions as they thrive in high humidity levels. However, you should make sure you do not mist your plant every day as this can lead to the formation of bacterial blight.
Why has my Anthurium Cutucuense become leggy?
Anthurium Cutucuense can become leggy if you fertilize them too often. Simply make sure that you have a proper fertilizing schedule. Also, avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen levels in them.
Conclusion
Anthurium Cutucuense is an endangered species that requires its natural habitat-like conditions to survive and grow.
These conditions, however, are not always easy to provide in the outdoors. However, you can also keep your plant indoors, where it is likely to grow just as well as in its natural habitat.
Since the Anthurium plant is becoming increasingly rare, people who spot it often pluck it from its original habitat.
As a fellow plant enthusiast, you should make sure that you get your Anthurium Cutucuense through ethical methods.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.