Anthurium Plant Care for Beginners
An anthurium is perfect if you’re searching for a Valentine’s Day gift for a plant enthusiast. The heart-shaped blooms and leaves of anthurium symbolize friendship and love. Anthurium is an evergreen tropical native to Colombia and Ecuador. It’s often grown as an indoor plant in the U.S. Here; we cover anthurium plant care, plus additional tips and how-tos.
What flower colors are available?
The cultivar, ‘anthurium andreanum,’ blooms in red, which makes it popular for Valentine’s Day gifts. Other cultivars bloom in white, pink, purple, orange, green – even multi-colored hues.
How much light does an anthurium plant require?
Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in full sun because your plant can get sunburnt.
On the other hand, your plant may not bloom if placed in the shade.
How often do I need to water anthurium?
These plants prefer consistently moist soil. Do not let the soil dry out between watering.
Furthermore, moisture in the air is important to keep this tropical plant healthy. Regularly mist the plant to boost humidity or set the plant on a pebble tray.
What is the best type of soil for anthurium?
Anthurium plants grow best in a potting mix that contains peat moss. Moreover, the potting soil should drain well and contain plenty of organic matter.
Should I fertilize my anthurium?
Anthuriums benefit from a weak fertilizer solution applied bi-weekly. Anthurium plants grown indoors reach approximately 16 inches in height when mature.
What indoor temperatures does anthurium prefer?
Indoor anthurium plants grow best in temperatures between 60°F – 72°F.
Is anthurium bothered by any pests or diseases?
Anthurium usually isn’t susceptible to insects or disease. Although, it’s a good idea to routinely inspect the plant for spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. If pests or diseases are present on the anthuriums, rotting, blight, and leaf spots can occur.
If you apply an insecticide, keep the product away from the blooms as it may harm them.
How long will the flowers last?
Each flower lasts for two to three months. However, a healthy plant will bloom year-round with proper care.
Are anthurium plants toxic to pets?
Yes. Anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals, which, if consumed, can irritate the mouth and esophagus, making anthuriums toxic to cats and dogs.
So, if your furry friend likes to chew your indoor plants, then placing the plant up and out of a pet’s reach is best.
Do anthurium plants clean indoor air?
Anthurium is one of the best air-purifying houseplants. The glossy, dark green leaves absorb ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the surrounding air so you can breathe easier.
Why has my anthurium plant turned green?
Color change often occurs with anthurium plants. If your flowers have turned green, it may be due to one of these reasons:
- The plant variety could be the variety of anthurium. Certain varieties of anthuriums, such as ‘centennial,’ begin with a white bloom that gradually turns bright green. Other types of anthuriums that may turn green include ‘anthurium clarinarvium,’ ‘anthurium hookeri,’ and ‘anthurium x Sarah.’
- The plant’s age – An anthurium flower, or spathe, will naturally fade in color as it ages. The color of the flowers usually lasts a month in the best growing conditions. After a month, streaks of green may appear on the leaves, and the color of the flowers will begin to fade.
- Greenhouse practices – Plant growers have created cultivars in various colors. Growers may use plant hormones to encourage brightly-hued blooms to boost the retail sales of the plants. But, when the plant is brought home and no longer given hormones, it will revert to its natural color. Also, greenhouses may force the plant to bloom and grow at the wrong time. Therefore, the flowers may respond by losing color prematurely.
How do I propagate anthurium?
Propagating works well with trailing plant varieties. Take a stem cutting and place it in a glass of water. The roots should then start to grow in four to five weeks. Transfer the rooted cutting to a plant container once the stem cutting begins to grow.
Your anthurium plants will thrive if you follow these proper plant care tips.
Did you know? Anthurium is sometimes called flamingo flower, flamingo lily, or tailflower.
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