What You Need to Know About Anthuriums

The Anthuriums are one of the most beautiful flowering plant that you could ever raise in your home. They belong to the Araceae family and are classified as epiphytes, meaning they grow in and on tree. This indoor plant originates from warm, tropical regions like the rainforests of Colombia, Guatemala and the Amazon region in Brazil.

These indoor plants are well loved by their heart-shaped “flowers.’ So much to that the Anthuriums is also used as a symbolism of hospitality due to its appearance. It is also said to inspire happiness and abundance.

It’s important to keep in mind, however that the red, white, pink and purple parts of plant is not the actual flower. They’re actually waxy leaves called spathes. The flowers are actually quite tiny, and you can find them at the spadix, which is the middle part of the plant that’s sticking out from the base of the spathe.

Care Guide

Coming from warm, tropical climates, the Anthurium is a tough plant. They’re extremely hardy and they only require little care. However, if you’re not properly equipped with the basic needs to help your plants survive an indoor setting, they won’t last very long. Here’s a complete care guide to help you better understand what your Anthuriums need.

Light

Since originating from the warm tropical regions, these plants have adapted by, surviving on light filtered from large trees and vegetation. As a result, they thrive best under bright, indirect light. Anything lower than that can cause slow growth and fewer flower production. Don’t expose these plants to direct sunlight. Doing so will result in scorched leaves and flowers.

If you don’t have the proper equipment to provide the most optimal living conditions for your plant, it’s advisable to use growing lamps or artificial light. Just make sure to put enough distance so you don’t accidentally burn their leaves.

Soil and Water

These plants have grown on other trees and vegetations. The best way to keep them happy is to provide a compatible living condition for them. These plants will do well with a fast-draining peat moss or coco coir-based soil.

These plants prefers to be watered when the first two inches of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water them thoroughly until waters starts draining from the drainage hole(s). These indoor plants are susceptible to root rot so avoid overwatering at all cost. Pay attention to your plant as they will give you signs of thirst.

If you notice your plant is starting to feel light, water them. If their leaves starts to get droopy or it’s puckering up, water them. Never forget to check the soil first before giving them a drink. In some cases, it’s better to underwater than to overwater them.

Humidity and Temperature

Being a native to the tropical regions of the world, these plants prefers warms temperatures. However, they are adaptable and can thrive in a typical household temperature range.

With most Anthuriums originating from tropical rainforests, these indoor plants thrive on humidity. However, other flowering varieties can tolerate drier conditions.

However, if your home is a little more on the dry side, here are a few things that you can do to remedy that. Investing on a humidifier is one way to increase the humidity levels of your home. Another is to fill small trays with pebbles and a little bit of water or misting them in the morning. You can also try grouping your indoor plants together to slightly increase the humidity surrounding your plant.

Additional Tips and Information

Toxicity

Although these plants may be beautiful, they can be quite harmful to kids and pets when ingested. The reason being is that the heart-shaped leaves and the flower stalk contain calcium oxalate crystals. For some people, the plant’s sap is also an irritant.

Calcium oxylate can cause swelling of the mucous membrane and possibly, temporarily precent speech. It can also cause severe itching and burning should you get the sap on your skin. Wear gloves when you’re pruning this plant and keep a close eye on your children if they get near the plant. This is where prevention is better than the cure.

It’s important that you teach your child about the dangers of ingesting toxic plants and train your pets not to take a bite off of your plants. Prevent injury from happening by keeping the plant out of reach.  

Clean Their Leaves

As we all know, plants get their energy from light through their leaves. Cleaning their foliage on a regular basis doesn’t just keep their leaves lush but it helps in making it easier for them to photosynthesize. All you need to do is get a damp cloth and wipe away the dust that might has settled on the surface of its leaves.

Fertilizer of Choice

When it comes to the type of fertilizer to use for the Anthurium, get one that’s high in Phosphorus. This type of fertilizer promotes blooms in flowering varieties.  

Don’t Forget to Repot

Crowded roots can stunt your Anthurium’s growth! When this happens, make sure to place them in a bigger pot. We personally recommend going for a few white ceramic pots. This will help bring out the vibrant colors of your Anthurium!