How to care for potted Anthurium? Detailed guide to growing methods and precautions

Anthurium, also known as flamingo flower, tailflower, and candlestick flower, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to Central and South America. Its flower stems are relatively short, making it unsuitable for cut flowers, so it is mainly grown in small to medium 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 enclosed by a bract resembling a flower crown, named “spathe” because it resembles the candlesticks used to honor Buddha in temples).

So, how do you care for anthurium as a houseplant?

1. Growing medium

It should have good water retention, drainage, and aeration, otherwise root rot is easily caused. Anthurium's requirements for growing medium are good water retention, the ability to promptly drain excess water, resistance to rotting, the ability to remain loose and aerated over the long term, and no toxic substances contained or released. The commonly used medium is imported peat.

2. Light

One very important factor affecting anthurium is light. Excessive light inhibits plant growth and causes the leaves and the spathes of the flowers to discolor or scorch, greatly affecting flower yield and quality. Conversely, when light intensity is too low, insufficient assimilates in the plant tend to cause smaller flowers, softer flower stems, and reduced yield. During the growth stage, anthurium has relatively high light requirements and light can be appropriately increased to promote growth; during the flowering period, light requirements are low and light can be reduced to prevent the spathes from discoloring and affecting ornamental value.

3. Temperature

Anthurium is quite sensitive to temperature during growth. The suitable growing temperature is 14°C to 35°C, with the optimum at 19°C to 25°C. A day-night temperature difference of 3°C to 6°C is ideal, that is, a daytime temperature of 21°C to 25°C and a nighttime temperature of around 19°C are most suitable for anthurium growth. If the temperature stays below around 13°C for a long time, the plant will not die, but it will be difficult for it to resume growth for a long time; when the temperature is above 35°C with relatively sufficient light, leaf scorching easily occurs, 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 weak 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, since the root system is weak and distributed shallowly in the medium, it is not drought-tolerant, so water thoroughly in one go and keep the medium moist regularly to encourage early and abundant new root growth, and pay attention to the dryness and moisture of the medium 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 period, watering should be appropriately reduced and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased to promote flowering. During watering, it is essential to alternate between wet and dry cycles.

6. Fertilizing

The fertilizing principle is “apply light fertilizer frequently.” Fertilize with different compound liquid fertilizers according to different growth stages of the anthurium: apply fertilizer A during the growth period, and apply a combination of fertilizer B and fertilizer A during the flowering period. Generally, depending on the dryness and moisture of the medium in the pot, apply fertilizer water once every 2 to 3 days; in summer, apply fertilizer water once every 2 days; in autumn, generally apply fertilizer water once every 5 to 7 days. At the same time, regularly conduct sampling checks on the plant's nutritional status so as to promptly improve its 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 are winding along the inner wall of the pot and wrapping around the medium surface, 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 pot depth; take the anthurium seedling out of the small pot together with the medium, place it in the center of the pot, cover with soil up to the junction of roots and stems, then gently pat firm. The repotting procedure is basically the same as planting, and after repotting, water thoroughly with clean water immediately.

8. Pests and diseases

To prevent and control anthurium pests and diseases, you should first improve cultivation techniques and management standards, and must adhere to the principle of “prevention first, integrated control.” During anthurium cultivation, quarantine and disinfection should be strengthened; the environment should be improved and cultivation techniques 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 regular spraying.