Anthurium

Anthurium, a genus of plants in the arum family, originates from tropical regions of America. It was discovered in the last century and soon brought to Europe. Anthurium typically reaches a height of only 30-50 cm. The most valuable species are Anthurium Andre and Anthurium Scherzerianum, from which highly productive garden forms and varieties have been obtained. Anthurium flowers are small, densely arranged, and bisexual. They are valued for the bright coloring of the "spathe," which extends from the base of the inflorescence. Cut flower species have green leaves and large pink, red, scarlet, or white "spathes." Some Anthurium species are widely used as industrial ornamental flowering plants. In greenhouse conditions, Anthuriums mainly bloom in the winter-spring period (January-May). Cut flowers are typically kept in water at room temperature – 18-20°C, and they last for 10-15 days. Vase-flowering varieties and forms of Anthuriums grow and develop well in hydroponic culture. Bright Anthuriums are very effective in bouquets and compositions with arranging greens. They are successfully used to decorate exhibition displays. Anthuriums blend well with other decorative plants. Hybrid Anthurium Scherzerianum (Scherzerianum) differs from hybrid Anthurium Andreanum (Andreanum) by having smaller spathes surrounding a spiral or curved inflorescence, usually red in color. Anthuriums are mainly cultivated for making bouquets, but they are also offered as houseplants. And this is quite fair because Anthurium readily blooms and surprisingly feels good indoors, possibly even better than in a window garden. Under favorable conditions, it can bloom year-round. Individual flowers in cut form last for 3-4 weeks, and in a pot, they last twice as long.

Anthurium, a genus of plants in the arum family, originates from tropical regions of America. It was discovered in the last century and soon brought to Europe. Anthurium typically reaches a height of only 30-50 cm.

The most valuable species are Anthurium Andre and Anthurium Scherzerianum, from which highly productive garden forms and varieties have been obtained. Anthurium flowers are small, densely arranged, and bisexual. They are valued for the bright coloring of the "spathe," which extends from the base of the inflorescence.

Cut flower species have green leaves and large pink, red, scarlet, or white "spathes." Some Anthurium species are widely used as industrial ornamental flowering plants.

In greenhouse conditions, Anthuriums mainly bloom in the winter-spring period (January-May). Cut flowers are typically kept in water at room temperature – 18-20°C, and they last for 10-15 days. Vase-flowering varieties and forms of Anthuriums grow and develop well in hydroponic culture.

Bright Anthuriums are very effective in bouquets and compositions with arranging greens. They are successfully used to decorate exhibition displays. Anthuriums blend well with other decorative plants.

Hybrid Anthurium Scherzerianum (Scherzerianum) differs from hybrid Anthurium Andreanum (Andreanum) by having smaller spathes surrounding a spiral or curved inflorescence, usually red in color. Anthuriums are mainly cultivated for making bouquets, but they are also offered as houseplants. And this is quite fair because Anthurium readily blooms and surprisingly feels good indoors, possibly even better than in a window garden. Under favorable conditions, it can bloom year-round. Individual flowers in cut form last for 3-4 weeks, and in a pot, they last twice as long.

Cultivation

During its growth period, Anthurium prefers increased humidity in the air, but not as high as in a greenhouse; experience shows that light spraying through small holes is sufficient. Anthurium thrives best in a loose, coarse, water-permeable substrate. This could be, for example, loose leaf soil, coarse peat crumbs, a bit of bog moss (sphagnum), and sand. However, it also develops well in ready-made substrates or regular garden soil, and even in hydroponic culture.During the growth period, it is recommended to feed it with liquid (without ballast) or complex fertilizers every 14 days.

During its growth period, Anthurium prefers increased humidity in the air, but not as high as in a greenhouse; experience shows that light spraying through small holes is sufficient. Anthurium thrives best in a loose, coarse, water-permeable substrate. This could be, for example, loose leaf soil, coarse peat crumbs, a bit of bog moss (sphagnum), and sand. However, it also develops well in ready-made substrates or regular garden soil, and even in hydroponic culture.

During the growth period, it is recommended to feed it with liquid (without ballast) or complex fertilizers every 14 days.

Location

Anthurium should be placed in a bright location, away from direct sunlight; ideally, slightly off to the side of the window. All Anthuriums cannot tolerate drafts.

Temperature

During the spring-summer period, the temperature should be maintained within the range of 20—25°C with increased humidity in the air. In the winter months, it requires a temperature of 18°C.

Watering

For watering, soft water (rainwater) is optimal; if tap water contains a lot of lime, it should be softened. Like azaleas and other bog plants, Anthurium requires acidic soil, so if the water contains lime, its leaves turn yellow.

Transplant

During transplanting, caution should be exercised: firstly, Anthuriums are poisonous, and secondly, the plants have delicate, fragile roots that can easily be damaged.Since Anthuriums cannot tolerate water stagnation, it is best to plant them in shallow but wide containers with drainage at the bottom. They are usually transplanted in the spring into a soil mixture consisting of leaf soil, coniferous soil, peat, and sand.

During transplanting, caution should be exercised: firstly, Anthuriums are poisonous, and secondly, the plants have delicate, fragile roots that can easily be damaged.

Since Anthuriums cannot tolerate water stagnation, it is best to plant them in shallow but wide containers with drainage at the bottom. They are usually transplanted in the spring into a soil mixture consisting of leaf soil, coniferous soil, peat, and sand.

Reproduction

Seed propagation is possible, but it is quite complex and time-consuming. Division of mature specimens or separation of rooted side shoots is much easier and always successful. Even more convenient is propagation by air layering, as roots form very quickly on the stem-like shoots of Anthurium.

Diseases

Snails attack the leaves and flowers of young plants when they are not properly cared for. Increased dryness in the air leads to the spread of scale insects and red spider mites.

Acquisition

Anthuriums can be found in nurseries and gardening centers year-round. It's important to choose specimens with very rich glossy foliage and shiny bracts - indicators of the plants' good condition. Conversely, avoid plants with wilted or streaky spotted leaves.