Anthurium

Description

Anthurium is a genus of around 1000 species of flowering plants native to the tropical regions of South and Central America. These plants are characterized by their large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and brightly colored spathe, which is a modified leaf that encloses the plant’s true flowers. The spathes can be red, pink, orange, yellow, or white, and can last for several weeks. Anthurium is commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Anthurium plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The leaves are large, shiny, and heart-shaped, with a length of up to 18 inches. The flowers are enclosed in a bright, waxy, heart-shaped spathe, which can be up to 8 inches long. The true flowers are small and yellow, and grow on a spike called a spadix, which is located in the center of the spathe. The flowers can last for several weeks, and new ones may bloom throughout the year.

Care Guide

To keep your Anthurium plant healthy and thriving, follow these care tips:

Water

Anthurium plants prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil is not constantly wet.

Fertilization

Anthurium plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce fertilization during the winter months.

Soil

Anthurium plants prefer a well-draining, loose soil that is high in organic matter. A good potting mix should consist of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Sunlight

Anthurium plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to stop flowering.

Hardiness Zones

Anthurium plants are tropical and can only be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. However, they can be grown as houseplants in any climate.

Common Pests & Diseases

Anthurium plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Anthurium plants can also be susceptible to root rot if they are over-watered, or if they are planted in a soil mix that does not drain well.

Habitat

Anthurium plants are native to the tropical regions of South and Central America, where they grow in rainforests, on rocks and trees. They are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants without harming them. They absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, rain, and debris that collects around their roots.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Anthurium plant?

A: Water your Anthurium plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil is not constantly wet.

Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Anthurium plant?

A: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for your Anthurium plant. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce fertilization during the winter months.

Q: Can Anthurium plants tolerate direct sunlight?

A: No, Anthurium plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to stop flowering.

Q: Can Anthurium plants be grown outdoors?

A: Anthurium plants are tropical and can only be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. However, they can be grown as houseplants in any climate.

Related Plants

• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Philodendron
• Alocasia
• Caladium

References

• “Anthurium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b578
• “Anthurium.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/anthurium.html
• “Anthurium.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/anthurium-plant-care.html