Identification: Inherited an unknown

Discussion in 'Araceae' started by Krista B, Mar 1, 2012.

  1. Krista B

    Krista B Member

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    My mother passed away in 2008 and I inherited many of her houseplants. This one however I have not been able to identify and unfortunately my mother never had a chance to tell me what it is. When I got it it had only two large leaves on it and now it has 11 and it seems to be in good health. However I obviously need to know proper care instuctions for possibly better results. Someone please help!!!
     

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  2. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Aroid, I'd say. Anthurium...?
    Hmm. Perhaps Strelitzia.

    Fear not: As soon as lorax sees this post, your plant will be IDed!

    Yes, your plant does look healthy. Clearly, you have been doing something right! Advise repotting into fresh well-draining soil, and giving it a bit more light.

    Here is an excellent site for information on tropical plants and aroids of all kinds:
    http://www.exoticrainforest.com/index.html

    Welcome to the Forum.
     
  3. mrsubjunctive

    mrsubjunctive Active Member

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    I was thinking Philodendron or Anthurium.

    It's neat, whatever it is.
     
  4. lorax

    lorax Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Well, maybe not ID'd concretely..... I'd like to see a closeup of the base of the leaves, where they meet the petioles (leaf stems) - that will help me to determine between Anthurium and Philodendron. My knee-jerk reaction is Anthurium, simply because that type of leaf and stem configuration is very common among the Anthuriums of the forests I frequent - seeing the leaf bases and the petioles will confirm this for me.

    Togata has provided an excellent link for care and feeding, though - most Aroids of that type have the same requirements.

    EDIT - Anthurium oxycarpum is quite similar, but still not quite it.
     
  5. Krista B

    Krista B Member

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    more pics of the unknown

    I have to admit I felt like a teenager when I got the email that Lorax responded. Both of you, Togata and Lorax are phenomenal (I've been doing a little research on you two) and I'm very sure that I've chose the very best website to help with my current problem as well as ALL my collections needs. I have not yet seen your gardens. Please give me some idea of a place to view that if possible. Thank you both for taking the time to help. Now the matter at hand, here are a couple close-ups per Loraxs request, truly hope it helps thanks.
     

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  6. lorax

    lorax Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Re: more pics of the unknown

    (Krista, I'm merging your threads shortly for clarity and brevity, and I'll also move the thread to the Araceae forums to make sure they get specialist attention.)

    Thanks for the closeups - your plant is a Philodendron. What I was looking for is a structure called the Geniculum, which is present on Anthuriums and allows them to swivel their leaves towards the light. Philos don't have them, nor do they have a pronounced collective vein (also not visible in your photo, which means it's not there. Ergo, Philo.)

    Attached are a couple of photos illustrating what I'm talking about in terms of aroid anatomy. Both plants are Anthurium (but not the same plant - oddly enough, the collective vein of the big one, A. cupulispathum, are less obvious than those of the smaller plant, an unidentified critter from Mindo.)

    --
    For me, it's less my garden than the natural bounty I've got access to. My garden only boasts two aroids at the moment - a Dieffenbachia tarabitense that a friend gave me, and a couple of plants of Taro root for the pot. However, 45 minutes away from me by bus is what the World Wildlife Fund and UNESCO have designated a world biodiversity corridor, and I try to go hiking there as often as I can get away! If you'd like to see some of what I've photographed on my wanderings, you can check out ispeakforthetrees.blog.com, my sadly neglected botany blog. Hitting the tag "Aroid of the Week" or "Aroids of Pastaza" or "Araceae" will get you photos of the aroids I've encountered (well, some of them anyway).
     

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  7. trikus

    trikus Active Member

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    Philodendron davidsonii looks pretty close .
     

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