Growing Anthurium

The colours of the flowers range from white to pink or red or chocolate brown and growers are always developing new varieties.  Aside from the colour range there is also the size range, most know the small to medium pot plant we have indoor but there are giants, the largest varieties reach close to 4m. There are different varieties that are fabulous for indoor which look more like bird’s nest ferns called Anthurium Superbum, scientific name: Anthurium Superbum 'Madison'. With the larger growing varieties, the flowers are not the stars but the leaves. Anthurium clarinervium and Anthurium dolichostachyum have amazing leaves but remember it is a plant that some react to and is considered a poisonous plant. 

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The huge heart shape we often think of as the flower is a bract or false leaf.  The flower is the spike at the top of the bract.  The bracts have been bred to be many colours from chocolate to white but most often seen as a brilliant red.

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For the best performance of your anthurium, choose a well lit position but not in direct sunlight.  A warm, draught free position is their happy place, but do not make the mistake of placing them near heaters as that will cause issues. For excellent indoor potted displays, plant in Platinum Potting Mix for long term feeding and the correct water drainage.

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Fungal diseases are the main reason for losing these lovely plants and it is very difficult to eradicate a fungal disease in anthuriums. Over watering is the main catalyst of fungal diseases, so never leave them sitting in a saucer of water or over water them as they can rot quiet quickly and often can not be saved.

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Fertilising is important tp produce compact foliage and repeat flowering, so use a controlled releases fertiliser such as Robust for Pots & Indoor Plants every six months. An application of Flourish Flower & Foliage, every 2 – 4 weeks, will provide the plant with instant fertiliser for continuous displays.

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The leaves are naturally shiny. Keep the leaves free from dust with a regular wipe down or pop them into the shower for a good rinse of the leaves and soil.

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A plant that is in the perfect position can flower for most of the year.  The only thing now is to choose the bract colour and position.