Native to tropical forests, anthurium is a plant of the Araceae family that can be distinguished by its bright foliage and heart-shaped inflorescences. Ideal for creating exotic bouquets, anthurium is a demanding plant that requires very specific growing conditions to develop. Somewhat difficult to grow, this floriferous plant must also benefit from on-going maintenance to bloom year-round.

Also known as Flamingo flower or Boy flower, anthurium is a decorative plant characterized by evergreen foliage and beautiful, richly-coloured flowers. Usually red, these vivid inflorescences may be white, pink or green depending on the variety of anthurium. Among the most widespread species worldwide, we mainly find the Anthurium scherzerianum, appreciated for its many flowers and its ornamental side, and the Anthurium andreanum which is itself distinguished by a much higher bearing. In tropical regions, anthurium is a plant that sometimes grows on trees in the wild, even though it is most often grown in-ground to decorate and brighten up gardens. Nevertheless, it is important to know that this plant is particularly demanding in terms of heat and humidity and rather appreciates greenhouses. In colder regions, anthurium is a houseplant that needs to be grown in containers in warm rooms, knowing that its growth is significantly compromised when temperatures drop below 59 degrees (15 ° C). By receiving sufficient attention and adequate care, anthurium can produce beautiful inflorescences in summer and winter, thus illuminating interiors with its warm tones and elegant bearing.

What are the good growing conditions for anthurium?

To grow well, anthurium needs a rich, cool and damp soil regularly amended with liquid fertilizer to better sustain its growth, which is generally quite slow. In terms of temperatures and exposure, the plant will be placed in a warm and well-lit room, while being protected from direct sunlight. Before the installation, choose a container of average depth which you will fill with earth slightly enriched with sand and potting soil. Finally, make sure that the air in the room in which the anthurium will be cultivated is always moist so that the plant can benefit from proper growing conditions. Similarly, avoid poorly heated rooms, as they could eventually hamper your plant’s growth.

How to maintain anthurium?

In terms of watering, find an appropriate frequency so that the earth is neither too damp nor too dry. Accordingly, your anthurium will need a generous and regular supply of water in summer, while it will be essential to reduce the watering frequency in winter to avoid interfering with its flowering. Moreover, it is strongly advised to avoid water that is too rich limestone, as this can affect the plant’s health. For a successful growth, it will also be very important to amend the soil with fertilizer on a regular basis throughout the year. Given that anthurium is a plant that particularly likes humidity, one should also hydrate the roots in summer, leaving the pot to soak in a container filled with water for several minutes. It is also important to remove dried and yellowed leaves, as well as damaged flowers, for the plant to retain all of its energy. Similarly, it is necessary to ensure that the foliage and inflorescences are regularly cleaned and dusted with a sponge and a little water.

What are the possible growth problems of Anthurium?

If you notice that the leaves are dry in summer, increase the watering frequency so that the earth can maintain a good level of moisture necessary to the anthurium’s good health. If the same phenomenon occurs in winter, it means that the water supply is excessive or that the temperature is too low. Finally, if you notice that your anthurium has a tendency to lose its leaves or flowers, immediately move the plant and replace it in a location that is sheltered from the wind. In terms of disease, pay attention to mite attacks or fungi that often attack the anthurium’s foliage. If contaminated, you can treat the infected plant with anti fungals or insecticides suitable for the type of attack, while slightly reducing water supplies to limit any accidental spread.

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Published in Flower guide by Alexander on 06 Jul 2011