Complete Care Guide: Anthurium Pterodactyl
Complete Care Guide: Anthurium Pterodactyl
In this article, you'll find…
Plant Info
Care Guide
Lighting
Watering
Humidity
Soil Needs
Types
Propagating
Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Plant Info
Anthurium Pterodactyl is a hybrid of two well-known anthurium species, and the combination is stunning -- huge, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins... though they don't really resemble a flying pterosaur!
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Common Name(s) |
Anthurium Pterodactyl |
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Botanical Name |
Anthurium clarinervium x pedatoradiatum |
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Botanical Family |
Araceae, the Arum family |
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Mature Size |
Large, but reasonably compact! |
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Lighting |
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Watering |
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Humidity |
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Soil Mix |
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Flowers |
Small/insignificant |
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Hardiness |
Keep above 15C/60F to avoid cold damage! |
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Native Region |
Both parents are native to Mexico |
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Toxicity |
Mildly toxic to pets and people alike! |
Take a look at this care guide as an infographic!
Care Guide
Despite not looking like a flying reptile, these leaves are sure to attract a ton of attention! They are borne on long petioles (leaf-stalks) that radiate out from a central crown, creating a nice bush of heart-shaped leaves that work wonderfully in any medium-bright area of your house.
Lighting
Like mentioned above, the Pterodactyl needs medium-bright lighting -- it's fine without the brightest light that you can provide, but it won't do super well in low light conditions.
Make sure to check out our general article on lighting!
Watering
The Anthurium Pterodactyl needs to ideally dry out a little between waterings -- but it prefers to be kept pretty evenly moist, at the same time! Let the top 1/4 or so dry out between waterings.
Make sure to check out our general article on watering!
Humidity
Higher than average household humidity will be appreciated, especially as those new leaves grow, but it's not strictly necessary!
Make sure to check out our general article on humidity – including a couple common myths!
Soil Needs
AS an epiphyte, the Anthurium Pterodactyl needs a well-draining, chunky mix, so that its large roots can breathe, but still have something to hold on to!
Suggestion: Start with 2 parts peat-based potting mix or coco coir, mix in 1 part perlite, and 2 parts orchid bark.
Don't know why you're adding these things? Check out our article on potting mixes!
Types
There aren't really any different types of this hybrid plant yet -- with the exception of very rare variegated varieties!
Propagating
Propagating anthuriums in general -- and the Pterodactyl specifically -- is no easy task! A lot of commercially-grown anthuriums are grown from seed or tissue culture, which aren't particularly accessible ways for the average person to try! It's best to buy another if you're looking for a pair.
Common Issues
This is a super easy-going anthurium, without many of the common issues to more expensive anthuriums!
All houseplants are susceptible to pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and more. This plant isn't known to be particularly susceptible to any specific pest, though!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anthurium Pterodactyl rare?
They're still fairly rare, though they seem to be getting more common these days!
Why is it called Pterodactyl?
Mature leaves can sometimes be a bit stronger-lobed and triangular, and then they can sometimes resemble a pterodactyl... a bit.