Something Green
Anthurium
Anthurium
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$20.00 USD
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The Anthurium, commonly known as the flamingo flower or laceleaf. It is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, heart-shaped flowers (spathes) and glossy green leaves. This variety is also known by it’s scientific name, Anthurium andraeanum species, which is the most common type sold for its long-lasting, vibrant, heart-shaped red "flowers" (actually modified leaves called spathes) and glossy green foliage.
Plant Care & Information:
- Light: Anthuriums need bright, indirect light and should be kept away from direct sun.
- Watering: Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are dry, ensuring the pot has drainage to avoid root rot.
- Humidity & Temperature: These tropical plants prefer high humidity and warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray and protect the plant from cold.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, coarse potting mix.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly with diluted houseplant fertilizer during the growing season, potentially using one with higher phosphorus for more blooms. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
- Maintenance: Remove spent blooms at the base to encourage new flowers.
- Toxicity: Anthuriums are mildly toxic if ingested, so keep them away from children and pets.
Propagation Methods:
Anthuriums can be propagated using several methods, with the most popular and reliable being
1. Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is an effective and popular method for beginners. You can root cuttings in water or soil.
INSTRUCTIONS
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- Select & Cut: Choose a healthy, leafy stem at least 6 to 10 inches long. Using clean, sterilized shears, make a 45-degree cut just below a node (the point where a leaf or aerial root attaches to the stem).
- Prepare: Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting to prevent them from rotting in the rooting medium. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone to boost growth (optional).
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Rooting Medium:
- Water: Place the cutting in a clean glass of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged but no leaves are in the water.
- Soil: Plant the cutting in a well-draining, loose potting mix (e.g., a blend with perlite, vermiculite, or sphagnum moss), making sure at least one node is buried.
- Care: Place the cutting in a bright location with indirect light and maintain a warm, humid environment.
- Transplant: Roots usually develop in 4 to 8 weeks. Once roots are 1 to 2 inches long (in water) or well-established (in soil), you can transplant into a pot with fresh potting mix.
2. Root Division
Root division is ideal for mature, overcrowded plants and provides quicker results than cuttings.
Instructions:
- Remove from Pot: Water the parent plant first to loosen the soil, then carefully remove it from its pot.
- Separate Roots: Gently loosen the soil around the roots and identify natural division points. Carefully pull or use a clean, sharp knife to divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has its own healthy roots and leaves
- Repot: Plant each new division in its own pot using a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Care: Water thoroughly and place the new plants in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering.
3. Seeds
This method is the most time-consuming and requires patience, as the plant may take up to 4 years to produce flowers.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Collect Fresh Seeds:Harvest ripe (red or orange) berries from a successfully pollinated plant. Squeeze out the seeds and rinse them thoroughly to remove all fruit pulp.
- Sow: Sow the fresh seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining medium (like sphagnum moss or a seed-starting mix). Do not cover them with soil.
- Germination: Place the container in a warm, humid spot (70–80°F / 21–27°C) with bright, indirect light. You can cover the container with clear plastic wrap or a lid to maintain humidity, opening it regularly for fresh air.
- Transplant: Seeds can germinate within a few days to a couple of months. Once seedlings have several true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
General Tips for Success
- Timing: Propagate during the active growing season in spring or early summer for the best results.
- Hygiene: Always use clean, sterilized cutting tools to prevent the spread of disease.
- Environment: Provide a warm, humid environment and bright, indirect light for all new propagations.
- Watering: Keep the rooting medium or water consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot.
- Patience: It can take several weeks or months for new plants to establish themselves, so be patient.
