Can Anthurium Be Grown Hydroponically? Winter Hydroponic Care and Water Change Frequency

Anthurium, also known as flamingo flower and fire crane flower, has high ornamental value because its flowers are as red as flames, paired with its emerald green leaves. We usually grow anthurium in soil, so can anthurium be grown hydroponically? How do you care for hydroponic anthurium in winter? How often should you change the water?

1. Can anthurium be grown hydroponically?

Anthurium can be grown hydroponically. Anthurium is one of the best among hydroponic flowers. Its symbolism is very auspicious, representing passion and boldness and bright prospects, so many families love to place it in their homes.

The roots of anthurium breathe very actively, and placing them directly in water can easily hinder their breathing. The best method is to use a substrate, and the best substrate is clay pebbles. Anthurium has fleshy roots, and the leaves emerge from the roots, so the method usually chosen is a planting basket plus stones (clay pebbles). Clay pebbles are light and offer enough space, making it easy for small leaves to emerge.

2. How do you care for hydroponic anthurium in winter? How often should you change the water?

1. Key points for winter care of hydroponic anthurium

(1) Wash the roots

The prerequisite for hydroponics is having a healthy, vigorously growing soil-grown anthurium. Remove it from the soil, take out the soil around the roots, and wash it clean with water. Trim off damaged roots and cut away dead branches and spent flowers.

(2) Disinfect the roots

Soak the cleaned roots in a disinfectant solution for 30 minutes. Be careful to use a diluted disinfectant solution as much as possible so as not to harm the sensitive roots of the anthurium. After soaking, let them dry in a cool, shaded place, then transfer to hydroponics.

(3) Fill with clay pebbles

Place the treated plant into the hydroponic container, add a planting basket to secure it, then add clay pebbles above the planting basket. Then dilute rooting powder according to the ratio and spray it onto the clay pebbles. Note that there should not be too much water in the container; it is best if it does not cover more than 1/3 of the roots.

(4) Water quality requirements

The water used in the anthurium nutrient solution should be fully exposed to the air and left to stand, or cooled boiled water can be used directly. This kind of water is close to room temperature and meets the physiological requirements of the plant.

(5) Temperature

It must be cared for indoors with the room temperature well controlled. Its optimal growth temperature is 18°C-28°C; >35°C or <14°C are both unsuitable. In winter, the indoor temperature must be kept above 15°C. If it drops below 14°C, heating is needed. The main heating and cold protection methods that can be used include covering with plastic bags and turning on the heating. Only in this way can frost damage be prevented.

(6) Humidity

Anthurium growth requires relatively high air humidity, generally not less than 50%. A high-temperature, high-humidity environment is more favorable for its growth. When the temperature is below 20°C, maintaining the indoor natural environment is enough; but in winter, even if the indoor temperature is relatively high, it is not advisable to lower the temperature too much for moisture retention, because if the leaves are too wet at night, the plant's cold resistance will be reduced, easily causing frost damage.

(7) Light

Although anthurium is a tropical plant, it grows beneath the rainforest canopy and is a shade-loving plant. In winter, place it indoors in a bright spot with some scattered light, and just make sure there is ventilation.

After one month, the anthurium will grow new roots. The newly grown roots will be relatively adapted to the aquatic environment, and the leaves will also begin to sprout new buds.

2. How often should hydroponic anthurium have its water changed?

It is recommended to choose a nutrient solution for foliage plants. The water must be changed once every 7-10 days. Regularly changing the water for anthurium can remove the mucus secreted by the anthurium roots and some algae. In summer, when temperatures are high, water should be changed more frequently than in winter. It is recommended to change the water for anthurium once every 2-3 days. Do not fill the water too full, to prevent root rot in the anthurium. It is best to keep about half of the anthurium's root system exposed above the water surface. This ensures the roots can absorb oxygen.

Note that in winter, when covering anthurium with a plastic bag, you can leave it covered at night and uncover it during the day to let it breathe and receive light. In addition, the flowers of anthurium are mildly toxic. When caring for it indoors in winter, be careful not to touch its sap. If you do come into contact with it, be sure to wash your hands promptly and avoid ingesting it by mistake.