Anthurium Plants
Growing tips for Anthurium Plants for Beginners
Anthurium plants are tropical and because of their beauty, vibrant color, and unique appearance, commonly used in the making of floral arrangements. When used for this purpose, the flowers can easily last up to six weeks, which is why they have become one of the most popular choices. In addition, with Anthurium plants being native to the United States, they are a more affordable exotic flower than many others are.
Interestingly, more than 800 of Anthurium plants exist, all stunning. While many plants are grown in America, others are found throughout Uruguay and Argentina. If you want to grow Anthurium plants, you may find them sold under the name of “Tall Flower”, “Painted Tongue”, Flamingo Lily”, and Flamingo Flower.” Regardless, you would end up with a beautifully colored flower with a yellow tongue, and ornamental leaves.
The color of the flowers that grow on Anthurium plants are typically bright red although you will find that some produce flowers of varying shades of red. These flowers grow in the shape of a heart and have a waxy appearance. The name, “Anthurium” is actually a Greek word that translates to “tall flower” since the stems grow tall. This is also why Anthurium plants are used in floral bouquets in that they add color and height. In fact, some will grow as tall as 20 inches tall.
The stalk of Anthurium plants are slender and on the end is the unisex flowers. The leafy bracts are also beautiful, which grow in various colors such as red, orange, white, pink, yellow, and green. In addition to the flowers being highly popular, the foliage is also considered among the most gorgeous, making the plant itself in high demand. Now, when you look for Anthurium plants, you will discover they are sold in three spathe categories to include tulip, standard, and obake.
If you decide to grow Anthurium plants, you need to know that every part of the plant, including the flower is highly poisonous. While not deadly, if humans or pets were to consume even a small piece of the plant, stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping would be expected. Even the sap produced by the plant can irritate the skin. Therefore, you would need to keep the plant out of reach from children and pets, and when handling, wear gloves or wash your hands immediately after.
Growing Anthurium plants is not overly complicated since they do well in most soil types. Therefore, if you have soil that is comprised of heavy clay or sand, chances are the plant would do fine. However, the soil should always be organic, something that would hold enough moisture for the plant to thrive but also soil that drains well. This way, the plant would remain healthy and not face problems of root or stem rot.
When planting Anthurium plants outdoors, we recommend you choose a raised bed. Then, the plant should be planted no more than four inches deep, again to prevent root or stem rot. After the plant is in the ground, because of the height of the stems and flowers, it would need support, which could be accomplished with staking. As soon as your plant is in the ground, water thoroughly and then build up a layer of sugar cane, coconut husks, or semi-rotted wood, as well as mulch.
Anthurium plants will also do best when they get only partial sunlight. For this, make sure the plant is never planted where it would receive direct sunlight, only filtered light. Then, using peat moss as a base would encourage healthy growth. After initially watering the plant, the soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. Every other month the plant should be fertilized and when the flowers turn brown or the foliage dies, it should be removed.