Has your Anthurium wandered off? Caring for the magnificent flamingo flower
Anthurium is a plant that will enchant you with its beautiful, striking flowers. This exotic plant is also known as the flamingo flower. In Czech, it is called toulitka, thanks to the shape of its flowers, which resemble quivers, or plamenka, because the flowers also resemble a candle flame. It comes from the tropical regions of Central and South America and, surprisingly, belongs to the arum family, the “aroids”. Anthurium is a popular green addition to interiors thanks to its attractive look and its ability to purify the air. Anthuriums are among the few houseplants that flower, and on top of that they can bloom all year round, with flowers that last for many months.
The history of the Anthurium goes back to the 19th century, when the plant was discovered by European explorers on their travels to the tropical regions of the Americas. The indigenous peoples of these regions used it not only as an ornamental plant but also for its medicinal properties. Since then, the Anthurium has become a popular plant all over the world.
Anthurium for beginners?
Anthurium can be a suitable plant for beginners if you are prepared to spend a little time and care helping the plant thrive. Anthurium is not the most demanding plant, but it does need some attention and a few basic routines.
If you are a beginner who likes a challenge and enjoys caring for plants, Anthurium can be a great choice. Before buying an Anthurium, be sure to get to know this plant a little, so you know what you are getting into.
What you will definitely enjoy about growing this plant:
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Resilience: Anthurium is generally a fairly hardy plant. If you follow basic care, it can do well even in a home environment.
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Slow growth: Anthurium grows at a slower pace, which can be an advantage for beginners, because it does not need repotting as often as some other plants.
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Decorative flowers: Anthurium flowers are beautiful and aesthetically appealing, which makes this plant a great decorative element for interiors. But it depends on the type of Anthurium: some, especially the rarer ones, are ornamental mainly for their leaves and have rather inconspicuous flowers, for example the very popular Anthurium Clarinervium.
Photo: Anthurium Clarinervium was one of the first houseplants in our home.
Caring for your Anthurium is the key to its healthy growth and flowering.
Anthurium is a beautiful and elegant plant that can be a great addition to your home, and growers of these plants have unofficially split into 2 camps: those who buy the plant for its interesting flowers, and those who love the simplicity of its leaves and do not care about the flowers. Which group do you belong to?
By providing the right care and conditions, you can enjoy a long flowering period and decorate your space with the exotic beauty of the Anthurium. Let’s take a look at how to care for them.
What environment suits them, and how much light do they need?
Anthurium prefers bright but indirect light. It is a good idea to place the plant in a spot that is very bright but not exposed to direct sunlight. Too much sun could scorch the leaves and flowers of the Anthurium. A spot near an east- or west-facing window is usually ideal.
For healthy growth, it needs higher air humidity. You can increase the humidity around the plant by regularly misting it with lukewarm water. Another option is to place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles or to use a humidifier near the plant.
Watering
Anthurium needs regular but moderate watering. Before watering, make sure the top layer of the potting mix has dried out slightly. Do not overwater the plant, because waterlogging can lead to root rot. It is also important not to use hard water containing calcium, as it could damage the Anthurium’s roots.
Fertilizing
During the growing season, it is a good idea to fertilize the plant. Use a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants and apply it according to the instructions on the package. Fertilizing too heavily could damage the roots, so it is important to stick to the recommended doses. For a better root system, you can also use lignohumate regularly or alternate it with fertilizing; it promotes the growth of healthy roots, and you can also use it instead of fertilizers in winter.
How to propagate Anthurium
It can be propagated by dividing the plant or by cuttings. When dividing the plant, make sure each separated piece has enough roots and leaves. When taking cuttings, choose a healthy, medium-sized leaf and remove part of the stem. Place the new piece in moist potting mix and keep it warm and moist until it starts forming roots. With anthuriums, it is generally better to separate whole stems rather than take cuttings, because there is a higher chance that cuttings will not take.
Suitable potting mix
Anthurium needs a well-drained potting mix that retains moisture but does not hold excess water. You can use a mix of peat, perlite and garden soil in a 2:1:1 ratio. This mix will provide the structure and nutrients the Anthurium needs to grow. You can also use a ready-made aroid potting mix, which is suitable for this type of plant.
Author: Martin Seidl