Anthurium Care

Anthuriums are ornamental plants with lovely and graceful single petal flowers are members of Arum family. These beautiful plants, available in numerous varieties are sure to add attractiveness to wherever they are placed. The plants come with adorable small flowers available in different glamorous, unique colors (red, pink, white, purple, green, grey, yellow and much more varieties). Stem length may vary as well- somewhere from 15-20 inches. Native to tropical regions across the globe, there are over eight hundred varieties of anthuriums found around. Anthurium is referred to by several names in different part of the world like tail flower, pained tongue, flamingo flower and well as lace leaf.Anthuriums can go perfectly well with indoors as well as exteriors of the house. Unlike many other plants that may not survive easily in the indoors and might require quite much of attention and care, anthuriums can pretty easily survive in the indoor with the basic care. You don’t need to sweat for the maintenance; Anthuriums are fine with the general and easy going maintenance. With the basic care, they will flower year long. Anthuriums are such a graceful way to have a piece of tropics at your place.

Anthurium, technical details

Scientific Name : Anthurium Andraeanum
Common name(s) : Painted tongue, tail flower, flamingo flower, anthurium, and lace leaf.
Family : Araceae
Origin :America
Stem length : 15-20 inches
Light : Partial Shade, low density sunlight
Soil : Fast Draining Soil
Moisture : Needs Moisture
Hardiness : USDA hardiness Zones 9 – 11
Temperature : 65-90 degree Fahrenheit, 18 -32 degree Celsius
Pests : blooming plants attract dark pesky flies called Gnats. Other insects- scales, spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs and Thrips.
Diseases : RHIZOCTINIA (general indoor disease)
Propagation : by Seed or by cutting ad replanting. For commercial purpose, its propagation is done through tissue culture as well.
Uses: Indoor Plant, ornamental plant, for medicines, also purifies indoor air

At first place, you need to find a right place for your adorable little plants. As a native of American rainforests, where the temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees, Anthuriums would need the environment somewhat similar to that. So, most basically take care that they are not kept in freezing conditions. It can ultimately kill the plant. In fact, any temperature below 55 degrees is unhealthy for the plant. So keep them at a temperature of around 70- 85 degrees. Also, they would require a humidity level of 70- 100%. They generally grow on forest floors or on the trees which would always keep them in shade, away from direct sunlight.

Talking of light requirements of Anthurium, it can accept as much light as you can make available. However, no bright, direct sunlight is good for them. Ample of low density light works far better for anthuriums. But, keep in notice that there is sufficient natural light available for them because low availability of light can somewhat be the reason for the low flower productivity or they can even stop producing flowers.

So, when you are placing them indoors, place them at a bit distance (of few feet) from window, if there is direct sunlight coming in from there. If you are placing it outside, make sure it is under some kind of shade (trees or anything else) that you are planting it.

Anthuriums, just like several other indoor plants, are prone to insect attacks like mealy bugs and Thrips, scales, aphids etc. the first two are found in the baby plants while the next two with the flowers. Blooming plants particularly attract dark pesky flies called Gnats. While Gnat is technically harmless for the plant, they can be all a nuisance! Gnats may fly up your eyes and nose. You must handle all these as soon as they come to your notice and before they can get worse. Also, use insecticidal soaps or similar non-harming products to keep them from getting infected. Periodic wiping and water sprays can also be helpful. Keeping your plant containers clean and dry (as much as possible) can keep away the Gnats away.

Now, regarding the watering requirements, Anthuriums need regular water supply and at the same time, sufficient air exposure. Ultimately, the soil needs to be draining one, so that there will be enough air even with regular watering. Not providing with sufficient drainage means roots are left soaked and this is no good for Anthuriums. This can easily lead to root rots. Also, this encourages growth of microbes in the roots, ultimately killing the plant if left unchecked.

You may need to put fertilizers once in every 2 weeks if it is in pots and with mature root system spreads. Normal fertilizers can do the task; no need to empty pocket on high cost fertilizers.

Anthuriums Propagations

Propagations can be done by separating our stems along with some roots under favourable conditions, (preferably springs). They will catch up quickly under high humidity conditions. Also, don’t skip to water the plant just after planting it. They can even be propagated by sowing seeds under right conditions. Germination will be a time taking process in winters. Seeds may not germinate at all in cold conditions. Good range of humidity and enough of light is needed for the initial germination period and growth.

Common problems with Anthuriums

Some general troubles with Anthuriums is over watering and over fertilizing. Both of these can easily lead to root rots and yellowish leaves. Too much quantity of either of these would end up killing the plant
Also, note to reduce the watering frequency in winters, as they can have the same effect. Insect infestation is another common trouble with anthuriums. Stock a non-harming insecticide for such conditions. Also, keep the container clear and pray water or wipe the leave to prevent the initial infestation.

Anthurium Care Tips

Don’t keep them in direct sunlight. Rather find a place where they can get enough of low density natural light.
Maintain the humidity level 80-100 per cent.
Don’t forget to water at least twice a day. However, allow the soil to dry just a bit before next watering turn.
Ensure proper water drainage to prevent root rots and leafs becoming yellowish.
Take care to check water availability.
Avoid strong variations in temperature.
Pluck out dries and fading foliage as well as flowers.