How to grow anthurium? A Complete Guide to Anthurium Care

The anthurium, or flamingo flower, is a popular potted plant of great aesthetic value. Like any domestic plant, it needs adequate attention from the owner, so that it grows well. Watering, fertilizing and transplanting regularly are the basic care of the anthurium. Do you want to have an anthurium at home but are afraid you won't be able to take care of it? Learn how to grow your flamingo flower so that it blooms beautifully. We have prepared a few tips that will make you an expert!

Anthurium - what kind of plant is it?

The anthurium, flamingo plant or laceleaf is an unusual type of potted plant. It is a long-lasting perennial of great decorative value. The Anthurium is one of the most popular and at the same time most original tropical plants. Sometimes it is used as a cut flower but more often it is a decoration for the home.

The Anthurium has unique looking flowers, unusual and irregular in shape and usually red in color. For this reason, in the past they were often used in a cut form, as components of a bouquet of flowers. Today, the anthurium is a common ornamental plant. Although many homeowners are afraid to care for flamingo flowers, they are not very complicated to grow. There are a few simple rules, and following them makes Anthurium care a breeze.

Popular anthurium flower species

One of the most popular types of anthurium is Anthurium andraeanum. It is a common practice to mix this species with its subspecies. The most prominent feature of the Anthurium andraeanum is its red flowers. They can reach up to 10 cm in height. The flowering period depends on the type. Some subspecies can bloom throughout the season, that is, in spring and summer.

Another popular species is Anthurium sherzerianum. This type is a decoration of many homes. The species is native to South America. This peculiar type of flower usually reaches up to 20-50 cm in height. It has long leaves that can grow over 20 cm long. Due to its deep green color and shine, the leaves are highly ornamental, as are the flowers. The latter resemble twisted red ears, which is very characteristic of the species.

Anthurium care: how to care for a flamingo lily?

Each species of potted plant has different demands, and requires a different type of care. The Anthurium plant does not need much attention. However, since the plant comes from another part of the world and when kept at home it does not grow in its natural habitat, proper care is necessary for its healthy growth and development.

How to care for anthurium so that it grows well?

The Anthurium flower, like any other potted plant, should have its own place in the house, with the right conditions for its particular needs. Because the anthurium comes from tropical areas, and rather from shady areas, it does not require direct sunlight to grow and develop beautiful flowers. For this reason you should place the plant next to the window, but not in full sun - partial shade will be perfect.

Too little light, just like too much sun, can harm an anthurium's growing process. If it is very dark in the room, you will notice that the leaves change. They will be very thin, they could also elongate. Unsuitable conditions and a lack of light also make flowering difficult.

Anthurium care also involves fertilizing and replanting, not too often, but regularly. Young plants should be fed once a year, from May to August, and replanted in early spring, for healthy growth.

If you notice that the roots are too big for the pot, transplant the anthurium. You can easily see the roots at the bottom of the pot.

The soil in which the anthurium grows is a very important factor in its care. It should be as close as possible to the native conditions of the plant. The soil for a potted anthurium should contain plenty of acid peat and leaf compost. A potting mix and sand can also be used.

The anthurium: water and propagate

Regular and frequent watering is an important aspect of anthurium care, especially during the growing period of the plant. During this time the roots must be provided with adequate levels of moisture. Avoid limbs - do your best not to overdry your flamingo flower and don't pour too much water into the pot.

The best water for daily irrigation is soft rainwater. To get the right moisture, you can spray the leaves and flowers of the anthurium with it.

With proper anthurium care and regular watering, you can try to propagate the plant. Please note that this process can only be successful if the flamingo flower is large enough. You can divide the roots of the anthurium when you replant it. Separate them carefully, using a sterilized knife, and then place the plants in their new pots.

What kind of fertilizer does an anthurium need?

The anthurium needs special care when it grows. It is recommended to pay it too. It is a basic action that not only affects its growth, but also improves its general condition and flowering.

You can use natural biohumus or special fertilizer for indoor plants. You can also use products for acidophilic plants.

Anthurium plant - price

The price of an anthurium depends on several factors. The larger and more developed the plant, the higher its price. Potted anthuriums can be purchased at garden stores, as well as flower shops.

You can also buy the anthurium in the form of a bouquet of flowers. The price depends on the number of flowers used in the bouquet. It is a great gift for many occasions.

A bouquet with cut anthurium, due to its specific character, is a perfect decoration for any celebration that takes place in a church, such as a wedding or funeral. It's also a great everyday altar decoration.

How to treat an anthurium attacked by a disease?

Treatment of anthurium disease should be tailored to its cause. Flamingo plants are strong and resistant to most external conditions, although some care mistakes can affect the leaves and flowers. The plant disease is usually caused by:

1. that do not meet the needs of the plant,
2. an infection,
3. insects.

If you want to treat the most popular anthurium diseases that manifest as dry yellow leaves or wilting, be sure to take good care of the plant. Provide it with enough water, fertilize it and replant the plant, according to its needs.

Curing an infected anthurium is a slightly more complicated process. The pathogens multiply very quickly and are consequently transported to another plant. The main cause of this state is usually the inattention of the owner.

It could be the case that an anthurium seedling was taken from a diseased mother plant. It is very possible that it is already infected. To avoid carrying the disease to other houseplants, isolate your new anthurium plant. Two weeks of observation are usually sufficient.

How to treat damage caused by insects? If you have noticed some pests on your plant, you should take appropriate measures. You can get the right products at every garden store.

Some pests that affect the color of an anthurium's leaves are: aphids, thrips, green flies, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. They usually appear due to dry air. In this case you must act immediately. If the insects are not noticed soon enough, they can weaken the flamingo plant or completely damage it.

How to care for anthurium?

Anthurium care is not very complicated, although it requires regularity. Be sure to water the plant properly and provide plenty of light - part shade is best. Keep an eye on the leaves, as their condition could tell you that the plant does not have enough nutrients. The Anthurium requires to be fertilized from time to time.