How to grow potted anthurium? A full breakdown of the latest cultivation methods

Anthurium, also known as Anthurium andraeanum, flamingo lily, laceleaf, and candlestick flower, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous flower of the Araceae family, native to Central and South America. The flower stems of anthurium are relatively short, making it unsuitable for cut flowers, and it is mainly grown in small and medium-sized pots. When it blooms in spring, the green leaves are paired with bright red, glossy spathes (in the spadix inflorescence unique to Araceae plants, the spadix is wrapped by a spathe that resembles a corolla, and it is named the spathe because it looks like the candlestick offered before the Buddha in temples).

So, how do you grow anthurium as a potted plant at home?

1. Substrate

It should have good water retention, drainage and air permeability, otherwise it easily causes root rot. The requirements of anthurium for the growing substrate are good water retention, the ability to promptly drain excess water, resistance to rotting, the ability to remain loose and breathable for a long time, and not containing or releasing toxic substances. The commonly used substrate is imported peat.

2. Light

One very important factor affecting anthurium is light. Too strong light will inhibit plant growth and cause the leaves and the spathes of the flowers to discolor or burn, greatly affecting flower yield and quality. Conversely, when light intensity is too low, because the plant's assimilation products are insufficient, it easily causes flowers to become smaller, flower stems to become soft, and yield to decrease. During the growth stage, anthurium has relatively high light requirements, and light can be appropriately increased to promote growth; during flowering, its light requirements are low, and light can be reduced to prevent the buds from discoloring and affecting ornamental value.

3. Temperature

Anthurium is relatively sensitive to temperature during growth. The suitable growing temperature is 14°C to 35°C, the optimum temperature is 19°C to 25°C, and a day-night temperature difference of 3°C to 6°C is appropriate, that is, a daytime temperature of 21°C to 25°C and a nighttime temperature of about 19°C are most suitable for anthurium growth. If the temperature stays below about 13°C for a long time, although the plant will not die, it will be difficult for it to resume growth for a long time; when the temperature is above 35°C and light is relatively sufficient, leaf surfaces are prone to burning, and because damaged leaves do not recover, this will directly affect the overall quality of the anthurium.

4. Humidity

Anthurium has relatively high requirements for air humidity. If humidity is too low, the plant will grow old and tough, and the leaves and flowers will be smaller; if humidity is too high, the plant will grow very fragile and fungi can easily invade. When the temperature is 20°C to 28°C, humidity should be 60% to 70%; when the temperature reaches above 28°C, humidity should be between 70% and 80%.

5. Watering

Natural rainwater is the best water source for anthurium cultivation. During the seedling stage, because the plant's root system is weak and distributed relatively shallowly in the substrate, it is not tolerant of drought, so it should be watered thoroughly in one go, keeping the substrate moist frequently to encourage early development and more new roots, and attention should be paid to the dryness and moisture of the substrate on the pot surface; during the medium and large seedling stages, the plant grows quickly and needs more water, so the water supply must be sufficient; during the flowering stage, watering should be appropriately reduced and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be added to promote flowering. During watering, it is essential to alternate between dry and wet conditions.

6. Fertilization

The fertilization principle is to apply thin fertilizer frequently. Fertilization should use different compound liquid fertilizers according to the different growth stages of anthurium. During the growth period, fertilizer a is applied; during the flowering period, fertilizer b and fertilizer a are applied in combination. Generally, depending on the dryness and moisture of the substrate in the pot, fertilizer water can be applied once every 2 to 3 days; in summer, fertilizer water can be applied once every 2 days; in autumn, fertilizer water is generally applied once every 5 to 7 days. At the same time, the nutritional status of the plants should be checked by sampling regularly so as to promptly improve their absorption of the fertilizer solution.

7. Repotting

Repotting depends on the growth of the seedling's fleshy root system. If the roots have grown full and thick and wrap around the medium surface along the inner wall of the flower pot, then repotting is needed. When repotting, first place a layer of medium at the bottom of the pot, with the thickness determined by the medium height and the depth of the flower pot, take the anthurium seedling out of the small pot together with the medium, place it in the center of the flower pot, cover with soil up to the junction of roots and stems, and then pat it gently firm. The repotting operation method is basically the same as planting, and after repotting it must be watered thoroughly with clean water immediately.

8. Pests and diseases

To prevent and control anthurium pests and diseases, first of all, cultivation techniques and management levels should be improved, and the principle of prevention first and comprehensive management must be adhered to. During anthurium cultivation, quarantine and disinfection of anthurium should be strengthened; the environment should be improved and cultivation techniques should be raised; ensuring a clean, ventilated and well-lit cultivation environment can promote vigorous anthurium growth and improve its ability to resist pests and diseases. In short, prevention first, and spray regularly.