Anthuriums, an easy care long lasting flowering
plant, are very popular for birthdays, Valentine’s
and Mother’s Day. With their big shiny heart
shaped leaves and multiple waxy flowers, anthuriums
are always a joy to receive.
Anthuriums like it warm during the day (75-85 degrees)
and about 10 degrees cooler at night. Temperatures
higher will cause the flowers to fade quickly and
lower will slow down growth.
Water an anthurium well and them allow it to dry
out before watering again. Under watering may slow
down plant growth, but over watering will cause
permanent root damage. Yellow leaves, when temperatures
have not gone below 45 degrees, usually indicates
over watering.
Anthuriums are a high light plant; but like most
indoor plants will not tolerate direct sun. When
there is insufficient light, plant growth slows
down and few flowers are produced.
Fertilizing is not as important with an anthurium
as it is with other houseplants. Don’t fertilize
until you see the plant start to produce new leaves;
this may be several months after you have bought
it or received it as a gift. When you do fertilize,
I recommend diluting it to ½ or ¼
strength. Never fertilize any plant when the soil
is totally dry, as this will burn the roots.
Mealy bugs, scale, and aphids plague anthuriums,
(as well as most other houseplants). I don’t
like spraying chemicals so I recommend that you
use an Insecticidal Soap (Safer Insecticidal Soap
is an excellent product) or a solution of alcohol
(undiluted) mixed with a little liquid ivory soap,
and a small amount of mineral oil.
With very little care, Anthuriums are a flowering
plant that will beautify a home or office for a
long time.
