Although popular and very common, anthuriums do not always receive the attention and care they deserve. And, therefore, they end up not developing properly and, in the end, you end up without your plant.
Which, let's face it, is a hell of a lot of judgments, after all, the anthurium is not a demanding plant, it has easy adaptation and is a great choice, even for beginning gardeners.
So, without further excuses (or torture with your anthurium) we are going to learn today how to grow anthuriums the right way, from planting to fertilization, you will not lose, right?
Characteristics and types of anthuriums
Scientifically anthurium is called Anthurium and is cataloged within the family of Araceae.
There are no more, no less than 600 different species of anthuriums in the world. Here in Brazil, the best known is the red one, but there are still anthuriums with white “flowers”, roses, salmon and brown.
Only these "flowers" are not actually flowers, but a part of the plant known as inflorescence. This region of the plant has the function of pollinating and attracting insects.
So do you mean that the anthurium has no flowers? Yes, it does. Anthurium flowers are small spots located around the ear (spadix).
Originating in Central and South America, anthurium is a plant with a tropical climate, that is, it enjoys heat and humidity.
How to plant anthuriums
You can choose to grow your anthuriums from ready-made seeds, cuttings or seedlings. Everything will depend on the time you can give the plant.
In the last case, the suggestion is to go to the florist and buy the anthurium seedling already taken and go straight to the care mode.
But if you really want to see the plant growing and developing from the beginning, don't miss the opportunity to plant it in person. For this, check out the following tips:
By seed
The planting of anthuriums by seeds is not the most simple and easy. The seeds of the plant are generally not commercialized and you will have to harvest them manually.
Anthurium seeds are located on the ear of the plant and to be planted they must be fresh and moist.
Carefully remove them from the adult plant and make sure you already have a pot with substrate nearby to plant them.
It is also important to recreate the tropical climate in which the plant is used. To do this, cover the vase with a cloth (light colored) or plastic film, keeping a space between the earth and the cover.
Water the substrate frequently, but without soaking the soil. Place the vase in a shaded place, but still receive indirect light. The ideal temperature for planting anthurium seeds is above 24ºC. If you live in a cold climate region, wait until summer to plant your anthurium.
After planting wait about 20 to 30 days for germination to happen.
Replant the anthurium into the final pot or bed after noticing the first leaves and roots.
By cutting
Planting anthuriums by cuttings is simpler and easier to do. You will only need a healthy adult plant to remove cuttings and plant.
But before making the cut, remember to sterilize the tip of the scissors or knife with alcohol, this prevents the appearance of bacteria and the spread of diseases both in the mother plant and in the seedlings.
After this initial preparation, start to evaluate the plant and cut the branches that are as close as possible to the main stem. Make stakes 10 to 15 cm each.
Place the cut branches in a pot partially filled with water, so that it covers only the lower portion of the cuttings.
It is in this environment that the roots will develop and generate new seedlings. Place the vase near a well-lit window or place, but without direct sunlight.
It is also important to protect the anthurium from low temperatures. If you notice thermometers below 22ºC, place the pot with the stakes inside the house.
After rooting, transfer the cuttings to the final pot, previously prepared with a fertile substrate. Spray water daily until the plant is fully rooted.
How to care for anthuriums
Planted anthuriums? Now is the time to know how to take care of them properly, follow:
Ground
The first concern you should have when planting the anthurium is with the soil.
Prepare a compound rich in organic matter. Generally, a mixture between common ground, substrate and coconut fiber.
Anthurium can be planted directly in the soil of gardens and beds, as well as it can be planted in pots and planters. However, in such cases, it is important to ensure a good drainage system, ensuring that all excess water from irrigation will be eliminated.
When the anthurium roots start to show on the pot it is a sign that it is time to replant to a larger pot.
Light and temperature
The right amount of light and the temperature at which the anthurium will be exposed are also determining factors for the proper development of the plant.
Because it is a tropical species, the anthurium appreciates heat, but that does not mean that it loves to be in the sun, on the contrary. The plant needs shade and indirect light, that is, a lot of light, but without direct exposure to the sun.
Temperatures below 20ºC are harmful to anthuriums. In cold climates, it is most advisable to keep the species indoors, protected from winds and cold air.
A good tip is to place the vase close to the window. But never, under any circumstances, place the anthurium in an air-conditioned environment.
If you decide to plant the anthurium outdoors, first check the climatic conditions of the place and whether the planting region is exposed to the sun or not. When in doubt, you can plant the anthurium below larger plants, thus ensuring the ideal brightness for the species.
Watering
Watering, as well as light, must be constant, but without exaggeration. Remember that anthuriums appreciate moisture, however, this does not mean that you need to soak the soil.
Do regular watering whenever you notice dry land. In the summer months, watering is likely to be more frequent.
Another tip is to sprinkle water on the anthurium leaves. Do this weekly and you will see the plant increasingly bright and lush.
Pruning
Anthurium does not need pruning. Only cut the leaves that are dry, dead or yellow. So you avoid contamination of healthy leaves.
Fertilizing
Every three months, offer a boost of vitamins and nutrients to the anthurium, using appropriate fertilizers. You can choose organic and natural fertilizers or those sold in garden stores, the most common and used for anthuriums is NPK 10-10-10.
Common pests and diseases
Even taking all precautions, the anthurium can suffer from pests and some diseases.
The most common are aphids, mites, mealybugs, slugs, snails and caterpillars.
Most of the time these pests can be combated with simple homemade recipes, such as water with smoke and water with soap that must be sprayed on the leaves of the plant.
Other symptoms that the anthurium is not well are yellowed leaves. This tends to happen when the plant is in a low light environment or when the soil is very wet. To solve the problem, place the plant in a brighter place and reduce the frequency of watering.
When the leaves become dry and brittle it means that the anthurium is suffering from a lack of water. Solve this problem with frequent watering and also remember to spray water on the leaves, especially on the hottest days.
However, when you notice brown spots on the leaves, know that your anthurium is being attacked by fungi. This can happen when the plant receives more water than it should and poor lighting. To work around the problem, remove the diseased leaves and apply plant-specific fungicides.
The lack of fertilizer in the anthurium can be noticed in the presence of small leaves that do not develop. Correct this deficiency with periodic fertilization and a soil rich in organic matter.
Anthurium tips and trivia
Anthurium is a toxic plant, so keep it away from children and pets. When handling the plant it is also recommended to use gloves to avoid skin irritation.
And despite this toxicity, anthurium is a highly recommended plant for purifying environments. The leaves of the plant have the ability to suck substances harmful to human health, such as ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
For some cultures, the anthurium “flower” is synonymous with authority, grandeur and luxury. It also represents trust, enlightenment and fortune. When used in bridal bouquets, the anthurium expresses passion and a lot of sensuality.
Anthuriums in interior decoration
Anthuriums are beautiful in interior decoration! They bring that green, fresh and tropical touch to the environments, besides, of course, contributing to a cleaner and healthier air.
Anthurium was a plant widely used in the past and, for this reason, it ended up becoming a beautiful option for those who want to create an affective and full of nostalgia decoration, perfect to remember their parents' or grandmother's house.
You can choose to use large pots supported directly on the floor with beautiful anthuriums inside or small pots on tables, benches and window sills.
Anthurium “flowers” can also yield beautiful arrangements to decorate the dining room, the living room or the entrance hall.
The important thing is to ensure that your anthurium always receives the ideal amount of light and water.
Then just enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this plant that is the face of our Brazil.
