How to Grow and Care for Anthurium (Flamingo Flower) and Key Points to Note
Temperature
The optimal growing temperature for Anthurium is between 22°C and 30°C. If the temperature is too low, the leaves will be damaged by frost; if too high, both the leaves and roots will rot. In summer, be careful not to let the temperature get too high - do not exceed 30°C; in winter, be careful not to let it get too low - do not go below 15°C.
Humidity
Anthurium is a beauty-loving flower and needs its face misted every day. Yes, you need to spray its leaves 2 to 3 times a day for it to stay lovely. It is also best to ensure that the air humidity of its growing environment is between 70% and 80%.
Soil Guarantee
Anthurium has relatively high soil requirements. First, the soil composition should be fine; the best soil is a moist-and-dry alternating mix of leaf mold, crushed tree roots and crushed charcoal. Second, the soil should be acidic, close to the acidity of rainwater, so we should ideally water it with rainwater. Finally, there is fertility: from March to August is the rapid growth period for Anthurium, and during this time it is best to apply some fertilizer every 15 days.
Care
Anthurium is relatively prone to bacterial infection and insect pests. To fight bacteria, we need to apply carbendazim or chlorothalonil about once every 10 days. For pest control, we commonly use Confidor, as well as wiping the front and back of the leaves with laundry detergent water and then clean water in succession.
Shading
Direct sunlight will scorch Anthurium, so shading is necessary when needed. In summer, block about 50% of the light; at other times, no shading is needed, and you can decide based on the situation.
The above are the methods for growing Anthurium. Follow them and you too can grow the kind of Anthurium that others have. In nature, there are many plants with very similar appearances and flowers, and sometimes they are hard to tell apart - Anthurium andraeanum and Anthurium scherzerianum are just like this. Below, let us learn about the differences between the two.
How to Grow Anthurium
1. Anthurium likes a humid environment and fears strong light, so it is best to place it in a shady spot.
2. Anthurium is a very delicate flower species with high soil requirements, so it is best to buy pre-mixed soil.
3. Anthurium should not be fertilized too frequently; fertilizing once every half month is enough. Being too diligent will instead kill this delicate flower. However, during the vigorous growth period, you can be a little more frequent.
4. Watering Anthurium also requires proper methods. Overall, it should not be watered too much, and the amount of water varies with the seasons.
Now that we have discussed Anthurium growing methods for so long, let us look at what points need attention when growing Anthurium!
The Flower Language of Anthurium and How to Grow Anthurium
Anthurium has a spadix inflorescence and leaf-shaped bracts. Common bract colors include red, pink, white and others, and even when the flowers fall, the leaves are still worth viewing. It can be propagated by sowing, division and other methods. Pink anthurium is harder to grow than red anthurium. It is native to the tropical rainforest regions of South America. Its characteristics are that it likes warmth and fears cold, likes moisture and fears drought, and likes shade and avoids sun. Besides these, what else needs attention in cultivation? What is its flower language? Below, we will explain the flower language and growing methods of Anthurium, hoping to help everyone.
The Flower Language of Anthurium
1. Anthurium has a bright and eye-catching quality, and many Westerners regard it as a symbol of passion and boldness. Therefore, the flower language of Anthurium is great prospects, enthusiasm and hot-bloodedness. The Japanese, who are skilled in flower arranging, give Anthurium the honor of the large red round fan.
2. Its Greek name is Anthurium, meaning tailed flower. It is like an open red palm, with a small golden-yellow spadix standing up from the center, academically called the spathe. In Western flower arranging style, it is arranged in clusters in a low shallow vase, surrounded by small white or purple flowers, making the hall appear exceptionally magnificent and noble. In addition, when a new store opens or at a wedding celebration, people also choose it to make flower baskets to add a joyful atmosphere.
How to Grow Anthurium
1. Soil. The best growing medium for Anthurium is loam rich in humus, loose and well-drained. It is best to use a mix of 2 parts leaf mold or peat soil and 1 part perlite or coarse sand as the growing medium, or use leaf mold (or 1 part peat soil, 1 part garden soil, moss) and 1 part charcoal plus a small amount of superphosphate or bone meal as the growing medium.
2. Watering. Anthurium likes warmth and moisture, so it needs to be misted on the leaves every day. Maintaining humidity is good for leaf growth. Poor drainage or overly wet potting soil easily causes root rot, so during the vigorous growth period, be careful to keep sufficient moisture in the potting soil. Watering should alternate between dry and wet; after one watering, wait until the surface of the potting soil looks dry before watering again. It likes slightly acidic water, so you can water it with slightly acidic water at pH 4 to 4.5 or with rainwater.
3. Sunlight. Anthurium likes semi-shade and fears strong light, so in summer it is best to place it indoors near a north-facing window for care; in spring and autumn, place it near a south-facing window; in winter, place it on a south-facing windowsill so it receives relatively sufficient light. This way it will grow robustly, with green leaves and abundant flowers. If after flowering it can be moved outdoors to a shaded place for a period of cultivation, it will grow even better.
4. Temperature. The suitable temperature for Anthurium growth is 20°C to 25°C. The highest temperature it can tolerate is 32°C; above 32°C, growth begins to slow. The lowest temperature it can tolerate is 15°C; below 15°C, cold damage occurs and the leaves turn black or yellow.
5. Fertilizing. Anthurium's growing period is from April to October, with fertilization once every half month. From May to September is the vigorous growth period, with additional fertilizing once a week, and after budding and before flowering, fertilizer must not be lacking. Additional fertilizing is mainly with decomposed organic liquid fertilizer, combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer or compound fertilizer.
6. Pest and disease prevention. During the care of Anthurium, it is best to spray a 750-times dilution of carbendazim or chlorothalonil solution once every 7 to 10 days. The pests and diseases that easily harm Anthurium include scale insects and thrips. Scale insects are characterized by often being active on the underside of leaves; when the infestation is severe, they easily induce a layer of black mold on the leaf surface, which feels sticky when touched and does not come off easily with a light wipe. The method to control scale insects is to dissolve a little laundry detergent in water, gently wipe the front and back of the leaves with a soft cloth, and after wiping, wipe again with clean water to avoid laundry detergent residue remaining on the leaves.
7. Because Anthurium has a bright and eye-catching quality, many Westerners regard it as a symbol of passion and boldness, and commonly adopt the grandeur of Western flower arranging, using low shallow vases for clustered arrangements, surrounded by small white or purple flowers, making the hall appear exceptionally magnificent and noble. In addition, when a new store opens or at a wedding celebration, people also choose it to make flower baskets to add a joyful atmosphere. The Japanese, who are skilled in flower arranging, are also very fond of Anthurium; when using the flower arranging method of heaven, earth and humanity, they often place Anthurium in the "heaven" position to display its heroic posture.
The above is the explanation of the flower language and growing methods of Anthurium. Is everyone clear now? For more home decor knowledge, please stay tuned.