This plant is an herbaceous epiphytes, native to tropical America. This particular plant is a genus of more than eight
hundred species found in the New World tropics from Mexico to northern
Argentina and Uruguay. This plant called Anthurium is also known as Painted
Tongue, Flamingo Flower (Flamingo Lily) or Tail Flower. They are actually grown
for their brightly colored flower spathes and their ornamental leaves.
Furthermore the red, heart-shaped
flower of this plant is really a spathe or a waxy, modified leaf flaring out
from the base of a fleshy spike (spadix) where the tiny real flowers really grow.
The anthurium flowers really appear as a roughness on the spadix as compared to
a smooth spadix. Most common colors of this plant are red and shades of red.
The name Anthurium means tail flower
in Greek. Anthurium plant's stem lengths can grow to a height of about 15-20
inches depending on the size of the spathe, for example, the bigger the spathe,
the longer the stem. Anthurium plant's leaves are usually simple, large,
attractively colored and borne on long stalks. The flowering stalks are really
slender, ending in a fleshy column crowded with many unisexual flowers. They actually
have leafy bracts which can be pink, white, red, yellow, orange or green.
This plant is grown for their
attractive flowering bracts which are popular with the cut flower trade.
Actually all parts of the anthurium
plant are really poisonous. If ingested it may cause mild stomach disorders. Also
the anthurium plant's sap can cause skin irritation.
How to grow Anthuriums
This plant can be grown by four
methods. These methods are by vegetative reproduction, seeds, tissue culture,
and fertilization.
1. This plant grows on a wide range of
soil types ranging from sandy loams to heavy clays.
2. This plant actually needs a highly
organic soil with good water retention capability and good drainage.
3. A good well-drained soil is really important
to prevent the rotting of stems and roots.
4. This plant need to be planted in
raised beds of 1.3 to 2 meters wide and 20 cm deep.
5. This plant need to be planted more
than 5 cm deep, as deep planting results in the rotting of stems and roots.
6. Make sure you stake the anthurium
after planting for support.
7. Make sure you water the anthuriums
immediately after planting.
8. You can use a layer of coconut husks,
semi-rotted wood, or sugar cane bagasse.
9. Also mulching is needed for the
anthuriums plants.
10. This plant roots actually grow into
the mulch and spread.
How to care for
Anthuriums plant
1. Make sure you remove dead and
unsightly foliage and faded or brown flowers.
2. You can use a peat moss base.
3. This plant needs a high light but not
direct sunlight.
4. Make sure you water the anthurium
thoroughly, but also allow it to dry slightly between watering.
5. Don’t over-water the plant as it may
cause root damage and yellowing of the leaves.
6. Make sure you fertilize the anthurium
plant every other month.
7. Try and avoid draughts and strong temperature
fluctuations.
During winter, the anthurium plants
need a six week rest period at a 15°C with little water, actually this will
allow the plant to flower profusely again in the following season.
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