Anthurium

About

Anthurium is a genus of  flowering plants and part of the Araceae family. Some other familiar houseplants that belong to the Aracaea family are the dieffenbachia, calla lily, monstera, and caladium. All plants in the Aracaea family are poisonous and very toxic to small children and pets. Popular names for an anthurium are Flamingo Flower, Flamingo Plant, Laceleaf, and Boy Flower. The last name refers to the physical appearance of the plant. These plants were originally found growing in parts of the Caribbean and from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. Today, anthuriums not only grow outdoors in shady spots where the climate is always mild; but they have also become very popular, flowering, indoor plants.

Anthurium Plant Description

This easy-care houseplant produces beautiful, long-lasting, waxy, heart- shaped “flowers” which are really modified leaves called “spathes” throughout the year. The exotic looking anthurium flowers come in vibrant red, light pink, dark pink, white, purple, orange, green, and new varieties are bi-colored. There are even light blue and dark blue anthurium flowers. The plant usually blooms for a few months and then rests for a few months before blooming again. Some anthuriums have leaves that are as spectacular looking as flowers.

Anthurium Varieties

Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andreanum), the most popular variety sold, is easily recognized by its bright red flowers.

Black Anthurium(Anthurium watermaliense) has deep purple flowers that are so dark they almost look black.

Some anthuriums have leaves that are as spectacular looking as flowers.

Velvet Cardboard  (Anthurium Clarinervium) has large, heart- shaped, green leaves with thick white veins.

Queen Anthurium has velvety, dark green, large, long, leaves with silvery, white veins.

Other anthurium plants with beautiful leaves include:  Anthurium Magnificum, Anthurium Crystallinum, Big Red Bird Anthurium, and Anthurium Pedatoradiatum.

                           

Velvet Cardboard    Black Anthurium         Flamingo Flower                 A. Magnificum            Blue Anthurium

 

Quick Care Tips

Like to be warm, minimum temperature of 60°F in winter

Easily propagated by plant division

Bright light but no direct sun

Yellow leaves indicates over watering – Brown leaf tips indicate too little water

Likes high humidity

Plant Care

Light

How much light for an anthurium: Provide as much bright, indirect light as possible, but no direct sun. If there is insufficient light, an anthurium produces fewer flowers and becomes thin and straggly as stems stretch toward the light.

Water

How to water an anthurium: Water well and then allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Over-watering causes yellow leaf tips and under- watering causes brown leaf tips.

Fertilizer

How to fertilize an anthurium: Feed monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer, or one slightly high in nitrogen, diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Do not fertilize if the plant is not actively growing.

Temperature

What is the best temperature for an anthurium: 75°F-85°F (23.9°C-29.4°C) during the day and about 10° cooler at night are ideal. Temperatures below 60°F (15.6°C) slow leaf and flower growth.

Humidity

An anthurium grows best in high humidity.

Flowering

How to get an anthurium plant to flower: Anthuriums flower off and on throughout the year, usually producing buds every 3-4 months. The plant flowers more if, in late winter and early spring, it has a 6-8 week rest period. During this time, place the plant in a cooler, darker area, do not feed, and allow the soil to get a bit drier before watering. After this rest period, move the plant back to a bright, warm location and begin fertilizing again. Quickly remove anthurium flowers once they start fading.

Pests

Anthurium plant pests: Mealy bugs, scale, aphids, and thrip can be a problem; and the new, tender growth is especially vulnerable. Examine your plants carefully every time you water. Spray with the non-toxic “Green Solution” (recipe in Glossary) if you notice plant pests. You can read morehow to identify and treat all of theses plant pests in the Glossary of the website.

Diseases

Anthurium plant diseases: Because of the high humidity and warmth the plant requires, fungal and bacterial plant diseases are a problem. Keeping the plant leaves dry and providing good air circulation helps prevent plant diseases.

Soil

Best soil for an anthurium plant: Use a rich, organic, loose potting soil that contains some mulch and sphagnum moss. A quick draining soil helps prevent root rot.

Pot Size

Pot size for an anthurium plant: An anthurium likes to be root-bound, so always wait until the roots have filed the current container before repotting. The new container should be only one sizes larger and must have drip holes in the bottom so excess water can escape.

Pruning

How to prune an anthurium: Remove faded or dead flowers and leaves as soon as they appear.

Propagation

How to propagate an anthurium: Best propagated using stem cuttings and offsets. You can read more about both of these propagation techniques in the Glossary of the website.

Resting Period

Does an anthurium plant need a resting period: An anthurium plant needs a 6-8 weeks rest when it is dormant during the late winter and early spring. Water less, do not fertilize, and keep the plant out of bright light during this time. After the resting period, resume your regular care routine. Lower temperatures, less light, and drier soil during the winter help an anthurium produce more flowers in the spring and summer.

Clean Air Plant

Is an anthurium a clean air plant: An anthurium removes ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air.

Poisonous Plant Info

An anthurium is a very poisonous plant and toxic to cats, dogs, and children. It has a #3 toxicity level which means it should be kept far out of reach.

FAQ

Why Aren’t My Anthurium Plants Blooming as Much as They Once Did? I Haven’t Changed the Care I Give Them?

Give your anthurium plants a six-week rest during the winter. Move them to an area that gets less light and lower temperatures. Reduce your watering. This should help them produce more flowers the following year.

Can I Use Cut Flowers From My Anthurium Plants in Flower Arrangements?

Flowers from anthurium plants make excellent cut flowers. Anthurium blooms can be used in arrangements or alone in a vase of water. They stay looking good for quite a long time.

What Do Yellow Leaves on an Anthurium Plant Mean?

Yellow leaves can be an indication of over-watering, over-fertilizing, or having the plants in a room that is too cold.

I Have a Cat and Want to Know if Anthurium Plants Are Poisonous?

Anthurium plants are very poisonous. If ingested the plant cause severe stomach distress, the smaller the victim the more serious the consequences. Anthurium plants can also cause painful skin irritations.