Anthurium Plant

Anthurium, a species native to the New World tropics, is a genus of more than 1,000 species.

This particular plant thrives in a number of environments, although it is native to the Americas, spanning from Mexico to Uruguay and Argentina.

Asides from its common name, the Anthurium flower also goes by the name of Painted Tongue, Tail Flower, and Flamingo Flower (Flamingo Lily). Traditionally, Anthuriums are grown for their picture-perfect, hot-hued flowers and bold, ornamental leaves.

Where to grow Anthurium plants

In cooler climates, the Anthurium plant is grown as a houseplant, whereas in warmer areas it is used predominantly as a landscaping plant. When planting outdoors, the Anthurium plant prefers milder conditions with a degree of shade.

Caring for Anthuriums

It’s important to care for Anthuriums in the correct manner. On the whole, they’re pretty low maintenance. They can withstand all levels of indirect light, however, when placed in low light, you’ll tend to find fewer Anthurium flowers and growth is often at a much slower pace.

One factor to take into consideration is that these plants are unable to tolerate direct light, as such conditions can burn the leaves. They thrive best in bright, indirect light.

For best results, opt for soil that is free draining but is still able to hold some water. If growing this plant indoors, as a houseplant, use a half and half mix of potting soil and orchid soil. When planting outdoors, pick a well-drained location. Anthurium plants won’t grow to their full potential in soil that is always moist.

Anthurium flowers prefer night temperatures of 59°F (15°C) and above and daytime temperatures of 95°F (35°C) and below.

Light Requirements

When choosing a location for your plant, pick a place with 70% to 75% shade. Blooms that grow in northern areas require less shade, as the sun is less intense. If the plant has received too much light, the leaves may appear bleached in the centers, with brown tips. If the plant is more mature, you may see more leaves than you do Anthurium flowers, although this can also mean that the plant requires more light.

Humidity and Irrigation

Anthurium flowers need to be watered on a regular basis and prefer 70% to 80% humidity. When indoors or in dryer climates, your plant may require more water than usual, particularly if the potting mixture dries out quickly. If you can opt for chlorine-free water. Growing Anthurium flowers above a tray of water is a great way to keep them hydrated.

Watering Anthurium Plants

It’s important to water your Anthurium plant on a regular basis, being mindful not to overwater it. If you’re unsure of when to water your plant, simply check the soil – if it is dry to the touch, your plant is thirsty.

Diseases

Like all plants and flower species, there are a number of Anthurium plant problems to be aware of. When watered too much, the Anthurium plant can become susceptible to root rot, which will cause the roots to die.

On the other hand, if you allow the plant to become too dry, its growth will slow down and the root ball will become difficult to re-wet. If this happens, rehydrate your plant by soaking the pot the Anthurium sits in for around an hour.

On top of root rot, Anthurium pests can also prove a problem, particularly when growing the plants outdoors. The likes of aphids, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and spider mites are all common pests found on both tropical and indoor plants.

It’s important to know the signs if you wish to protect your Anthurium plant. If you’ve noticed an infestation, you must take prompt measures to eradicate these pests.

The most notorious pests to attack anthurium plants are sucking insects. Anthurium plant problems don’t intend to include the chewing type of pests. The pests that do attack these flowers work to remove plant sap which reduces the plant’s health over time.

The signs are difficult to spot at first, as these insects work slowly, reducing the plant’s health, but you can usually see the pests themselves.

These can usually be removed naturally, using short, sharp blasts of water. If the insects are more stubborn, invest in oil or horticultural soap sprays as these are natural options that won’t harm the plant. Alternatively, use a Pyrethrin based insecticide.

Feeding

Anthurium plants require little fertilizer. In fact, this species only needs to be fertilized once every three to four months with a one-quarter strength fertilizer. To increase your chances of growing the best blooms, opt for a fertilizer that boasts a higher phosphorus number.

If cared for correctly, Anthurium plants (grown in both the home and the garden) will reward you with beautiful, long-lasting blooms.

Colours

Traditionally, this plant boasts hues of red, pink, and yellow. Today, a number of other colors have been introduced, in the shape of white, green, scented lavender, and a rich yellow.

In their natural habitat, Anthuriums grow in compost-rich soil or trees in tropical jungle regions where shade is dense. They are renowned for their shiny green leaves and long-lasting inflorescence. Growers have cultivated this species of plant to create a flower boasting a rainbow of shades. These plants are now available all year round.

Interesting facts

• The Anthurium plant boasts more than 1000 species, making it the largest genus in the arum family, Araceae.
• They are able to re-bloom all year round, brandishing flowers that can last for months on end.
• Many are under the impression the colourful heart-shape found on this plant is a flower. It’s not! It’s actually a spathe, there to protect the spadix, which, when in bloom, brandishes several tiny flowers.
• The spathe boasts various colours including white, pink, and orange.
• The name Anthurium is Greek for ‘Tail Flower’
• Anthuriums are symbolic of hospitality – this is because of their open, heart-like shape and long-lasting characteristics. This makes them a great gift to give to friends and family.

Source: gardeningknowhow.com