Written by Maarten van der Leeden
Solitary blooming items are now more in demand in the European and American pot plant markets than ever before. People’s desire to design their own floral arrangements is another obvious societal trend. These two requirements are fully met by the anthurium pot plant because of its unique, individualistic appearance. New kinds with richer blooms that last into the living room include “Amigo” and “Champion.” The compact plant structure of the new class of Anthura variants stands out, and the blooms extend in a rosette above the leaves.
Anthura has increased the diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes available on the Anthurium andreanum market in recent years. The differences between flowers that bloom in tiny, medium, and enormous sizes are obvious. In the near future, new types will emerge with distinctive flower or leaf shapes, surprising the market with additional details. Growers have anticipated this development from a productivity standpoint. The Netherlands has a total estimated agricultural area of 62 acres. All of this has caused a turbulent market development that has significantly increased in volume.
Shading. As a shade plant, anthurium needs protection from excessive amounts of direct sunlight, radiation, and wind. Using a plastic screen is advised in rainy climates to keep the plants dry and reduce the risk of disease. A further benefit of shade cloth is that fertilizers don’t wash out as quickly, maintaining the ideal feeding situation in the pot. A greenhouse height of 10 to 13 feet is suggested for a stable temperature and sufficient air circulation.
Potting. The growing season, irrigation method, and cultivar all influence pot size. Generally speaking, anthurium roots well in a low, well-draining plastic pot. 5, 7, and 8-inch pots are the most popular sizes.
Media. The medium is affected by the growing period, the watering system, and the pot size. The most popular soil mixture is an excellent, porous material that decomposes sparingly and drains efficiently, particularly in large pot sizes. The chemical listed below is employed in The Netherlands: 15% perlite and 85% coarse peat moss (0.8-1.2 nches). A beginning charge should be placed in the media. Other potential mixtures include a third perlite, a third tree bark and a third peat moss, or a half and half mix of Canadian and Florida peat. Coco peat is appropriate for growing in smaller pots. For mature plants, a mixture of burned rice husks and coconut chunks is beneficial. It is crucial that the plant’s heart, which is devoid of the chemical, climbs just above the medium level when planting. This expedites cutting production and growth.
Climate. The ideal temperature range is 57 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with a nighttime low of 66 degrees and a daytime high of 70 to 77 degrees. The recommended starting indoor light level is 12,000 lux, and once mature, it should be 10,000 lux.
Irrigation. The four irrigation techniques are as follows. The ebb-and-flow system is one. To ensure proper drainage when employing this technique, the pot must have a bottom edge. Consider the medium’s potential for absorption as well as the drying media at the pot’s top. An irrigation mat is a second technique. Two holes on the pot’s bottom should be in direct contact with the mat. The potting compost’s potential for absorption is crucial. A PVC pipe with sprinklers is used in the third technique. After each watering, thoroughly rinse the fertilizers off with clean water for 30 seconds. Young plants and small pot sizes are the main uses for this type of overhead irrigation. Drip irrigation is the ultimate strategy. Due to the longer growing period, this technique is particularly effective with larger pot sizes. The benefit is that the plants conserve water and remain clean. 50 cc per dripper is advised for each drip. Two drippers per pot are recommended for pot sizes larger than 10 inches.
Fertilization. With each irrigation turn, fertilization occurs. The irrigation water’s EC is greater than 1.0. pH equals 5.5.
Animal. Thrips, nematodes, white flies, mites, snails, caterpillars, scales, and lice are the most common animal predators.
Bacterial. The bacterial blights caused by Pseudomonas solanacerum and Xanthomonas campestris pv dieffenbachiae are the most deadly infections. Phytosanitary controls can help prevent disease.
Treatment. Use the proper concentration of pesticides, which is often lower than with other flower varieties, as anthuriums are extremely sensitive to pesticides. When utilizing Orthene, Dichloorvos, and Parathion, damage could result. Perform tests on a test bed before a new insecticide is put to use. Please take into mind the plant’s delayed reaction time while evaluating effectiveness.
Are anthuriums fond of little pots?
Although they eventually outgrow smaller containers, anthuriums thrive in them. You should try to repot your plant every two to three years in order to promote growth.
However, you should raise the pot size gradually. Never repot a houseplant in a container that is substantially bigger than the one it was originally given because doing so could startle the plant.
Find a container that is roughly 20% bigger than the plant’s present container instead. This method of repotting will lessen shock and give the anthurium room to expand.
How will you be able to tell when your anthurium plant needs to be repotted? Simply examine the plant’s root system to see if it needs to be replanted.
Lift up your anthurium by the base to reveal the roots, then gently tilt the container to one side.
Repotting is necessary if roots extend to the soil’s bottom and sides. Additionally, it’s time to repot if roots are tangled and growing out of the drainage hole.
View the image below to see how this anthurium’s root system is starting to appear very root-bound. Although it’s not too bad, reporting now is a smart idea in case things get out of control.
How to Water an Anthurium Plant
Overwatering this house plant is the fastest way to kill it. This is why it’s crucial to understand how to water anthuriums properly.
Always keep in mind that, similar to pothos plants and succulents, this tropical plant dislikes sitting in moist soil and does not like to be overwatered.
Water your indoor anthurium plant only when the soil is dry. Simply insert your finger about an inch into the dirt to gauge how dry it is. Watering should be done if the soil seems dry.
You should never plant houseplants in pots without a drainage hole, so grab your watering can and wet the soil until you see water escaping from the hole.
It’s time to stop watering once you notice water dripping from the container! Let your plant absorb the necessary water by letting it soak up any remaining liquid in the saucer. Up to your subsequent watering, let the soil completely dry.
During the cooler months, you’ll typically need to water your anthurium once a week, and every few days during the summer.
An inch of the soil should be dry before you water an anthurium because they can survive dry soil.
Observing the Leaves of Your Anthurium
Your lovely anthurium plant’s leaves will show you whether or not it is receiving the proper amount of light and water.
You can identify any issues your plant may be having if you pay close attention to it.
You should move your plant further away from the light source if, for instance, the leaves are turning yellow. This indicates that your plant is likely receiving too much sunshine.
If your plant’s leaf tips begin to brown, you may be watering it too much or too little.
Give your plant a hearty watering if the soil feels dry, and wait a few days before watering it again if the soil feels damp.
Additionally, if the blossoms are not developing color, the plant is not receiving enough sunlight. The majority of anthurium blossoms are red, pink, white, or yellow, therefore if the blooms match the foliage color, you should move the plant closer to the sun.
Place your anthurium in a location that receives several hours of indirect sunshine each day because anthuriums require enough light to develop their flowers.
Deadheading Anthuriums
Long-blooming anthurium flowers are well known. Before fading off and enjoying a good rest, the blossoms remain in bloom for around three months.
Take out your pruning shears or a pair of razor-sharp scissors when your plant’s blossoms have finished, and cut them off. In a few months, your plant will produce more blossoms.
When trimming your anthurium, always wear gloves to prevent mild skin irritation from the plant.
Fertilizing Anthuriums Plants
The right fertilizer can help your plant grow stronger and produce more blooms. The best time to fertilize a plant is in the spring, when the plant is typically starting to emerge from dormancy.
Always choose a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content and a low nitrogen content since phosphorus will promote blooms and nitrogen can choke them out.
Anthurium maintenance is simple and quick. You should be able to enjoy anthurium plants in your home if you can remember to water them when the soil is dry and arrange them in a location that receives lots of indirect sunshine.
Since anthuriums are tropical plants, they do well in humid conditions and indoors. Anthurium plants are perfect for beginners who want to test the waters in gardening.
What are the ideal pots for anthurium?
You’ve prepared the ideal growing media for your Anthurium, but where should you place it? As long as there is a sizable drainage hole at the bottom to prevent water from accumulating, anthuriums will flourish in almost any type of container.
While some individuals adore terracotta, others favor transparent plastic pots that allow them to see the roots. It all boils down to what suits your approach to plant care the best.
For owners of Anthuriums, an unglazed terracotta pot offers one significant benefit: the baked clay substance is porous, allowing the pot to release moisture through evaporation. That implies a lower likelihood of a damp potting mix and, thus, a lower risk of root rot.
However, you might not like the terracotta’s simple, rustic design. You could also be the type of plant parent that only remembers to water their plants once a month. Then, you might want a material that is less permeable.
Glazed ceramics are available in a variety of colors and patterns that can match the decor of your house and will lock more moisture into the soil than raw clay.
The least permeable materials for a plant container include plastic and fiberglass. If you’re worried about submerging your anthurium, these pots are a fantastic option. Additionally, they are quite lightweight and come in a variety of vibrant hues and amusing forms.
Metal and stone pots are less popular indoors, yet they can be wonderful ornamental accents. They retain moisture in a manner akin to glazed pottery.
When should my anthurium be repotted?
Before wilting and being replaced by new flowers, anthurium blossoms typically last for two to three months. This is a typical stage in the life cycle of an anthurium.
Every two to three years, or when they outgrow their current pot, anthuriums should be replanted. It’s time to graduate your anthurium to a new pot when it reaches 20 inches in height in a five-inch-diameter container.
Anthurium like being root bound, right?
You might need to repot your plant in order to maintain the lovely green leaves and blossoms of your dazzling anthurium. Your anthurium likely needs repotting if you’ve kept it for more than six to twelve months in order to keep it healthy.
A plant with its roots confined to its pot will not flower as well or be as healthy as one with space for its feet. You can use a number of signs to determine when to repot anthurium.
If grown under the appropriate circumstances, a robust anthurium can be encouraged to bloom all year long.
The two most obvious symptoms that your plant needs to be repotted are browning leaves and roots straining to escape the pot.
How are anthuriums kept from blooming?
Anthuriums are renowned for their extravagant, exotic flower bracts, which frequently bloom all year long and appear in vivid hues of red, pink, and white. Therefore, it can be very upsetting if your anthurium isn’t flowering while generating foliage that seems healthy.
Why isn’t my anthurium in bloom? Since anthuriums are fussy about their surroundings, problems like wet soil or inadequate illumination might keep them from flowering. By giving your anthurium plenty of indirect sunlight, appropriate watering, high humidity, and weekly feedings with diluted phosphorus-rich fertilizer, you may encourage it to bloom.
Seek out a copy of my book, “Houseplants Made Easy,” if you want to maintain all of your indoor plants healthy and flowering year after year.
How are anthurium plants made bushy?
Regular anthurium trimming is necessary to maintain the plant’s balance and erect posture. The stem may bow if older growth is allowed to stay on the plant, which could lead to stunted growth. Here are some pointers for pruning anthuriums safely:
Examine your anthurium plant carefully, then start pruning from the top down. Eliminate any dead or discolored leaves. Cut wilted or dead flowers all the way to the stem’s base. To make the plant look better, you can also pluck stray leaves, but be sure to leave three to five. Remove elder leaves first, if you can.
Anthurium suckers should be removed from the plant’s base since they consume energy and shrink the size of the flowers. Trim the suckers when they are young since trimming huge suckers could harm the plant’s root system.
Use high-quality cutting tools to prevent the plant from being more vulnerable to disease and pests by tearing and crushing stems. Wipe cutting implements with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution after each cut to avoid bacterial contamination.
Note that anthurium includes poisonous substances for both people and animals. When trimming anthuriums, put on gloves to protect your hands from mild skin irritations brought on by the sap.
The maximum size of an anthurium
You’re trying to spruce up that drab garden bed. The South Florida garden would benefit greatly from anthuriums.
These tropical plants have long-lasting, beautiful flower bracts in a variety of hues, along with glossy, dark-green, heart-shaped leaves.
Anthuriums thrive in low light levels outdoors, but as houseplants, they need bright indirect light to flourish. Each bloom will last around six weeks on the plant or many weeks as a cut flower, and they will bloom consistently throughout the year.
Although the dwarf varieties are smaller, anthuriums can reach heights of two to three feet. If you have an indoor anthurium, keep it on a tray of moist gravel because they need humid circumstances and moist, well-drained soil with loads of organic matter.