Growing Anthuriums In Your Garden

Gardening

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 12:52

Anthuriums are relatively easy to grow. They are durable and will survive as an indoor foliage plant for a remarkable period of time, even under adverse conditions. Anthuriums come in many colors: red, orange, purple, white, green, pink, peach. Some varieties have more than one color on the flower, whether the colors be blended together or speckled as if somebody threw paint at them. Some flowers are cupped, some are flat, others stand upright, some are heart shaped and others in almost a tear drop shape. Being a durable flower anthuriums will adore your garden for a long time once blossomed.

Anthurium flowers are long lasting, having a vase life up to 2 months. Anthuriums thrive in well draining soils. The soil is usually made up of a combination of cinder, coconut husks, tree fern fiber, bark, saw dust, charcoal, rocks, dirt and nut shells. The anthurium grower mixes and matches the above for their own liking.

Anthuriums grow best with day temperatures of 78 to 90 F, and night temperatures of 70 to 75 F. Temperatures above 90 F may cause foliar burning, faded flower color, and reduced flower life. Night temperatures between 40 to 50 F can result in slow growth and yellowing of lower leaves. Anthuriums will not tolerate frost or freezing conditions.

Best growth and flowering of anthuriums depend on many factors of which potting medium, fertilizer and light levels may be considered the most important. Due to their epiphytic nature anthuriums require well-aerated soil mixes, however, the mixes need to provide sufficient moisture as well as support for the plant.

Growing Anthuriums
Anthuriums can be grown by 4 methods. They are by Vegetative reproducation, Seeds, Tissue culture, and Fertilization.

Anthuriums grow on a wide range of soil types ranging from sandy loams to heavy clays.

Anthuriums need a highly organic soil with good water retention capability and good drainage.

A well-drained soil is important to prevent rotting of stems and roots.

Anthuriums plant care

Remove dead & unsightly foliage and faded or brown flowers.

Anthuriums need a high light, but not direct sunlight.

Fertilize anthurium plant about every other month.

Avoid draughts, and strong temperature fluctuations.

In winter anthurium plants need a 6 weeks of rest period at a 15°C with little water. This allows the plant to flower profusely again in the following season.

Anthurium plants also love shade and mostly grow in shaded areas. They are usually grown in shade houses while some growers have a fern tree forest and plant the anthuriums underneath the trees. Anthuriums grow equally well in pots as well as in the ground. For every leaf that an anthurium plant puts out, there is a flower to follow it.

Watering
While Anthuriums are able to handle dryness around the root ball, they need to be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry slightly before watering again. Allowing the plant to dry out will greatly slow down the growth cycle. Drying out can also cause the tip to burn and root damage, while over watering can also cause root damage and sudden yellowing of leaves.

Pest control
Anthuriums are susceptible to all the usual pests that visit the plants. The best method of insect control is to monitor your plants and treat them before they get out of hand. One of the best ways to stay clear of the use of chemicals is with periodic wiping of the foliage and a gentle spray of water. Make sure not to forget the undersides.