Anthurium care and facts
Scientific division
Anthurium belongs to the Araceae family, the cold-hardy plants. The genus is one of the largest in the family with over 1000 known species. Some of the most popular in cultivation are Anthurium andraeanum , which is often sold for its colorful flowers, Anthurium clarinervium , with its thick heart-shaped leaves and prominent veins, and Anthurium crystallinum , which has velvety leaves with silvery veins.
Origin
Anthuriums grow naturally in tropical parts of Central and South America. They are often found in moist, shady forests and can grow both on the ground and as epiphytes, i.e. on other plants without taking nutrients from them. This origin explains why they need an airy soil mixture and high humidity when we grow them indoors.
Anthurium in the home
Anthuriums bring both elegance and tropical charm to the home. With their shiny leaves and exotic flowers, which are actually bracts with a cob-shaped flower head, they are a long-lived and eye-catching plant. The flowers last for several weeks and provide a splash of color in red, pink, white or green, while the leaf Anthurium offers decorative leaves that can measure over thirty centimeters. This versatility makes Anthurium a plant that suits both those who want something flowering and those who prefer beautiful leaves.
Location and light
Anthuriums prefer bright but protected from direct sun. An east or west window is perfect, but they can also thrive a little further into the room near a south-facing window. Too little light will cause no or sparse flowering, while too much sun can cause burns to the leaves. Leafy Anthuriums such as clarinervium can handle slightly darker locations, but flowering varieties need plenty of light to bloom profusely.
Temperature
Anthurium thrives best in temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. Drafts from windows and doors can cause stress and yellowing leaves, so place it in a quiet and warm place in the home.
Humidity
Since Anthurium comes from rainforest environments, it does best in a humidity of around 60 to 70 percent. If the air is too dry, the leaves will develop brown edges and flowering will be impaired. You can increase the humidity by using a humidifier, grouping plants or placing the pot on a saucer with Leca balls and water. Regularly showering the leaves is also good, but avoid spraying directly on the flowers as they can get unsightly stains.
Watering
Anthuriums like to have even moisture in the soil but cannot tolerate standing water. Water when the soil surface has dried out slightly, but make sure that excess water can always drain away. During the winter, when the plant grows more slowly, it needs less water. It is best to use soft water or rainwater, as hard tap water can cause white deposits on the leaves.
Fertilization
To get abundant flowering, Anthurium should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, from spring to early autumn. A liquid nutrient for flowering plants every two weeks is sufficient. It contains more phosphorus, which stimulates the flowers. During the winter, fertilization can be reduced or paused. For leafy Anthurium, you can use a nutrient for green plants with more nitrogen, which favors the development of the leaves.
Transplantation
Anthuriums should be repotted every two to three years. They like to be a little crowded, but when the roots start to crawl out of the soil or out through the drainage holes, it's time. The soil should be airy and well-drained. A good mix is potting soil mixed with orchid soil, bark and perlite. This mimics their natural environment where they often grow on other plants with their roots in the leaf axils and moss.
Pest
Anthurium can be attacked by pests such as thrips, aphids and spider mites. Prevent by keeping the leaves clean, give the plant good humidity and avoid it being too dark or too dry. In case of attack, you can treat with soapy water or biological pesticides. Sometimes fungal attacks can occur if the soil is too wet, so good drainage is important.
Proliferation
Anthurium is most easily propagated by division. When the plant is large enough, you can remove it from the pot and carefully separate the root system into two or more parts, which are then planted in their own pots. Some varieties develop side shoots that can be separated from the mother plant and planted separately. Cuttings can also be taken from stems that have a node. These are rooted in moist soil or in water, but this requires patience as the roots develop slowly. For best results, propagation should be done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.