Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
LIGHT TOLERANCE:
Anthuriums, with their thick, glossy leaves and dramatic spathes, easily add a tropical look and feel to any room. They are popular indoor plants, due to their long-lasting tropical blooms. Because anthuriums are native to tropical climates, they thrive in humidity, making your bathroom a potentially ideal location. Just ensure that your bathroom receives sufficient light to support your anthurium.
LIGHT: Anthuriums prefer a warm, well-lit environment indoors. The more light these plants receive, the more flowers they produce. However, they should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Filtered light is preferable. If your anthurium isn’t blooming or appears to be struggling to grow, it may be lacking in light. Consider moving it to a brighter location.
WATER: While these tropical plants enjoy humidity, don’t confuse it with their water requirements. You can increase humidity by misting these plants frequently, placing a tray of moistened pebbles beneath the plant’s saucer, or placing them in a bright shower or bathroom. Anthuriums require moist, but not wet, soil. Take care not to overwater these plants. If they receive too much, they will slump. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and only water when the top quarter of the growing medium in the pot is dry.
SOIL: Anthuriums prefer potting soil that is coarse and well-draining. An orchid mix with added sand and peat moss makes an excellent potting mix for anthuriums. In their natural environment, anthuriums absorb water from the air or from damp bark or moss. They dislike having their roots sit in sludgy, clinging soil.
FERTILISER: Only fertilise your anthurium plants during the growing season, which is in the spring and summer. Apply a phosphorous-rich fertiliser, such as a 10:30:20 ratio, every four to six weeks. Before applying the fertiliser, dilute it to one-quarter strength. Fertilising too much is worse than not enough, so feed your anthurium sparingly.
REPOTTING: Repotted anthuriums should be done every two to three years, or when they outgrow their current pot. When possible, wait until the plant’s new growth begins in the spring before repotting. A severely root-bound anthurium, on the other hand, should be repotted as soon as possible. When repotting anthuriums, some wilting occurs, so don’t be concerned if your plant isn’t completely happy for a few days. It should perk up quickly.
(Note: The information provided in this article is based on general guidelines for cultivating Anthurium. Individual plant care may vary, so always observe your plant’s specific needs and adjust your care accordingly.)
