How to Water Anthurium andraeanum? Detailed Guide to Treating Root Rot
For generally experienced plant growers, Anthurium andraeanum is not very difficult to cultivate and basically can grow healthily. Anthurium andraeanum does have requirements for its growing environment, and it is usually kept in a warm and humid growing environment. However, during the care process many factors need to be mastered well, such as watering: if you water too little it dries out; if you water too much it will develop root rot.
How to Water Anthurium andraeanum
Anthurium andraeanum likes humidity and fears drought, so keeping the potting soil moist is very important, and the water is best slightly acidic. In summer the water requirement is relatively large, so you can water once every one to two days, but do not let water accumulate; long-term soaking in water easily causes root rot. When the weather is too dry, you can spray some water on the leaves, and in winter watering should be reduced.
Treatment Methods for Anthurium andraeanum Root Rot
1. Soil-to-water transition
If the Anthurium andraeanum was previously soil-cultured, when converting it to water culture, be sure to remember to wash the roots clean, and do not use too much water; only half or 2/3 of the roots need to be submerged, otherwise root rot is very easy. Before new roots have grown, change the water frequently, and promptly remove any rotted roots as soon as you see them. Usually also pay attention to changing the water more often: in hot weather generally change it once every 20 days, and in cold weather you can change it once every one and a half months.
2. Water source issues
Do not directly use freshly drawn tap water; let it sit for two days to release the chlorine before using it, and you can also buy some nutrient solution specially for water culture. When watering, if you see the water has become cloudy, be sure to change the water again to keep the water clean. In addition, water temperature is also very important. When the temperature is above 30 degrees, the saturated dissolved oxygen in the water will decrease and cannot reach the critical value required by Anthurium andraeanum, so root rot will occur; therefore, control the water temperature well.
3. Temperature management
The most suitable temperature is 15-25°C; only a comfortable temperature will promote growth. The limits for high and low temperatures for the roots are much narrower than for the aboveground branches and leaves; too low a temperature will hinder growth, while too high a temperature will cause physiological disorder. High temperatures also accelerate root aging, and bacteria will multiply faster, causing root rot. You can add 0.25% hydrogen peroxide to the water for sterilization, and it can also increase oxygen.
4. Reasonable light
Do not expose it to direct strong light, and avoid sun scorching, so you can provide appropriate shading, place it in a well-ventilated spot, or spray some mist to dissipate heat.
Functions and Benefits of Anthurium andraeanum
1. Ornamental value of Anthurium andraeanum
Anthurium andraeanum has a certain ornamental value. Its flowers are very unique, with beautiful and vivid spathes; the appearance is the same as Anthurium andraeanum, but the color is pink, and its ornamental value is quite high.
Anthurium andraeanum has a very long flowering period. It can be grown in pots for viewing, can also be cut for water culture, and can also be used as material for flower arrangements. Potted Anthurium andraeanum has a relatively long flowering period, up to 4-6 months, and in water culture the flowering period can last up to one month.
2. Purifying effect of Anthurium andraeanum
Besides its ornamental effect, Anthurium andraeanum also has a certain purifying effect. When used to decorate homes and office environments, it is not only a beautification and purification of the environment, but also a purification of the air. Anthurium andraeanum can absorb some gases harmful to the human body in the air, such as benzene and trichloroethylene, thereby purifying the air.
3. Feng shui effect of Anthurium andraeanum
In fact, Anthurium andraeanum is also a plant that attracts wealth. Anthurium andraeanum is an evergreen plant, and its leaves are large and round, which can attract wealth. Moreover, the pink spathes of Anthurium andraeanum can in theory also add some romantic luck. If an unmarried person cultivates it, placing a pot at home can add romantic luck and also play a role in attracting wealth. However, when placing it, pay attention to the position, so as to avoid a reverse effect.
What to Do If Anthurium andraeanum Does Not Bloom
Suitable light.
Light is an important condition affecting the blooming of Anthurium andraeanum. Generally, when the light is too strong, Anthurium andraeanum will bloom poorly, because too strong light, especially in summer, accompanied by high temperatures, will cause sunburn on the leaves of Anthurium andraeanum and will also cause a phenomenon of not blooming.
When cultivating Anthurium andraeanum, it is best to place it in a spot with diffused light for care, and not expose it to direct sunlight.
Relatively high humidity.
Anthurium andraeanum likes high humidity, but in relatively dry areas such as the north, this level actually cannot be reached. Insufficient humidity will have an adverse effect on blooming.
When cultivating Anthurium andraeanum, it is best to mainly spray water, especially when the leaves show dry cracking, when you can spray more water. When spraying, note that you can spray more water around the plant, but try not to spray it on the leaves.
Anthurium andraeanum likes a warm and humid growing environment and is especially afraid of drought, so mastering watering techniques is particularly important. Also, if the humidity cannot meet the requirements, it may affect its blooming. If the weather is relatively dry, flower enthusiasts had best spray more water.