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Light: Bright, indirect, will tolerate low light
Water: Occasionally, let it almost dry out between watering
Enviroment: High humidity preferred
Soil: Well drained
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Anthuriums are tropical plants. Imagine yourself in a warm jungle, a canopy of lush tree foliage blocks out much of the sunlight, you hear the calls of exotic birds flying overhead… and you can feel the humidity with each breath you take. This is the environment that your anthurium loves!
Anthuriums can contribute a stunning colorful splash to indoor decor, however, when it comes to long-term display, anthuriums are more suited to the muggy atmosphere of the tropical outdoors (or a controlled environment sunroom) than to the typical home. For this reason, some houseplant growers who are wanting to keep plants indoors for the long haul opt for plants that are more suitable to the typical home environment.
But keep reading!
Anthuriums can definitely fill a niche in home decor. Arrangements created for specific events may be graced with anthuriums, and some people do dare the adventure of give these plants a whirl as houseplants. If that describes you, there are a few care tactics that you will want to be aware of…
Make sure your Anthurium does not ever suffer from too little or too much water, either in the root zone or in the air (humidity). Humidity levels are extremely important for anthuriums. Some people have grown them in bathrooms, where humidity levels are high, and others have frequently misted the leaves or placed the plants on a tray filled with pebbles and water. The water from the tray evaporates and elevates the humidity level around the plant. When it comes to soil, too much water is just as much a concern as too little. Soggy soil, caused by a potting medium that doesn’t drain well or by over-watering, can cause root rot. Your plant’s soil should partially (but never entirely) dry out before each watering.
The stunning plants can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, provided it is indirect light. Conditions of lower light may result in fewer blooms (Ibid.), and a setting of bright, indirect light should be considered ideal.
What about fertilizing? Excellent question. Choose a water-soluble, high-phosphorous fertilizer, which will encourage bloom production. Dilute this to 1/4 strength, and fertilize on a periodic basis; monthly would be a good place to start.
Are you excited about anthuriums? We’re glad. Even if the plant isn’t our first pick for long-term indoor decor, they bring a tropical splash to special events, and some have even taken on their long-term indoor cultivation as a gardeners’ challenge! So enjoy your anthurium.
Sources
Anthurium Care. n.d. Retrieved 11/11/21 from https://bloomscape.com/plant-care-guide/anthurium/
Humidity in the cultivation of Anthurium (2017). Retrieved 11/11/21 from https://www.anthura.nl/growing-advise/luchtvochtigheid-teelt-anthurium/?lang=en
Peirce, P. (2008). Anthuriums may need humidity to thrive indoors. Retrieved 11/11/21 from https://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/Anthurium-may-need-humidity-to-thrive-indoors-3182385.php
Rhoades, H. (2021). Caring For Anthurium Growing in the Garden or Home. Retrieved 11/11/21 from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/anthurium/anthurium-care.htm
VanZile, J. (2021). How to Grow and Care for Anthurium. Retrieved 11/11/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-anthurium-plants-1902738