How to Grow Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)? A Detailed Guide to Care Methods

Anthurium, also called flamingo flower or Pink Champion, has unique and brilliantly colored blooms and is a flower deeply loved by the public. Today, the editor will introduce the care methods for anthurium.

1. Soil selection

When growing anthurium, choose a soil that is loose, breathable, well-draining, and able to retain water and nutrients. Ideally the soil should contain a certain amount of nutrients. You can choose leaf mold or peat soil mixed with some perlite or coal cinder and base fertilizer to make a nutrient soil. At the bottom of the pot, add some broken bricks or clay pebbles to help with drainage and aeration.

2. Watering

Anthurium likes moisture and fears drought, so the soil should be kept moist at all times. In summer, water according to how dry or moist the soil is, about once every one to two days, but never let water accumulate in the pot, as this can damage the roots, cause root rot, and affect plant growth. Especially in winter, reduce watering; too much water will cause the roots to rot. The pH of the water is best slightly acidic; choose water with a pH between 4.5-5. In dry seasons, you should also spray water on the plant's leaves.

3. Light

Anthurium is a shade-loving plant and is best placed in a shaded spot, but it should not be completely cut off from light, as this will leave the plant lacking colored light. When in sunlight, it should be given some shade so that it is not fully exposed to the sun. But in winter, when sunlight is weak, there is no need to shade it. In most regions, it can safely be placed outdoors in the sun, but in places with abundant sunlight such as Guangdong and Hainan, it is best to provide shade.

4. Temperature

Anthurium likes warmth and fears cold, so in summer guard against high temperatures and in winter against frost damage. The suitable growing temperature is 19-25 degrees. Below 13 degrees, the plant enters dormancy and should be brought indoors or wrapped in a plastic bag to prevent frost damage. When the temperature is above 32 degrees, growth stops. Generally, when the temperature is above 25 degrees, windows should be opened for ventilation to ease the adverse effects of high temperatures.

5. Fertilizing

Fertilizer can promote the growth of anthurium. When fertilizing, you can choose liquid fertilizer or a compound fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 1:1:1, applying about once every 7-12 days. It is best to fertilize in the morning or evening for better results. Alternatively, fertilize frequently with fertilizer water, which means adding one or two drops of fertilizer liquid to the water when watering; for fertilizer water, once every three days is generally enough. However, only one fertilizing method can be chosen, not both.

6. Pests and diseases

Common diseases of anthurium include leaf blight and root rot. For leaf blight, spray a fungicide with a small spray bottle, such as mancozeb or Junduqing, about once a month. Common pests mainly include termites and aphids. When there are only a few, they can be removed with a brush, a writing brush, or a damp cloth. If the infestation is more serious, chemical agents are needed for control.

Anthurium is delicate and lovely; if you like it, you can buy a pot and plant one.