Araceae –
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!
Common Name(s)
Anthurium Pterodactyl
Botanical Name
Anthurium clarinervium x pedatoradiatum
Botanical Family
Araceae, the Arum family
Mature Size
Large, but reasonably compact!
Lighting
Watering
Humidity
Adapts to household humidity, but prefers higher
Soil Mix
Flowers
Small/insignificant
Hardiness
Keep above 15C/60F to avoid cold damage!
Native Region
Both parents are native to Mexico
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets and people alike!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
There aren’t really any different types of this hybrid plant yet — with the exception of very rare variegated varieties!
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.
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!
They’re still fairly rare, though they seem to be getting more common these days!
Mature leaves can sometimes be a bit stronger-lobed and triangular, and then they can sometimes resemble a pterodactyl… a bit.
Complete Care Guide: Anthurium Pterodactyl
Complete Care Guide: Anthurium Pterodactyl
Plant Info
Care Guide
Types
Propagating
Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Care Guide
Types
Propagating
Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
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In this article, you’ll find…
Lighting
Watering
Humidity
Soil Needs
Take a look at this care guide as an infographic!
Lighting
Watering
Humidity
Soil Needs
Is Anthurium Pterodactyl rare?
Why is it called Pterodactyl?
Tags
- Aglaonema
- Alocasia
- Anthurium
- Apocynaceae
- Araceae
- Asparagaceae
- Calathea
- Croton
- Ctenanthe
- Dracaena
- Epipremnum
- Euphorbiaceae
- Hoya
- Marantaceae
- Philodendron
- Scindapsus
- Spathiphyllum
- Stromanthe
- Syngonium
- Zamioculcas