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Anthurium is often misspelled as antharium
but whatever way you spell it this is a great plant that produces beautiful long lasting flowers throughout the year. The
waxy heart shaped “flowers” are really modified leaves called “spathes.” These spathes may be red,
pink, white, or salmon and are often used in cut flower arrangements. This plant looks beautiful as a table centerpiece or
on a reception desk in an office.
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CARE OF ANTHURIUM
Light: An anthurium will take as much light as you can give it as long as it is not in the direct sun. If there is
less than medium light, flower production slows down and leaves may stretch toward the light.
Water: Water an anthurium well and then allow the top two or three inches of soil to dry out before watering
again. Over watering will cause leaves to turn yellow while under watering will result in brown leaf tip burn.
Temperature: Anthuriums prefer temperatures between 75-85 during the day and about 10 degrees
cooler at night. Temperatures below 50 degrees slow plant growth and flower production.
Fertilizer: Try to find a fertilizer high in nitrogen such as 3-1-2 or 9-3-6 ratios. Feed your anthurium once
a month in the spring and summer using the food at 1/3 to ¼ strength.
Pests:
Mealy bugs, scale, aphids, and thrips may infest an anthurium, especially the new growth. Look at your plant carefully each
time you water and spray with the green solution if you notice an infestation.
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ANTHURIUM FAQ’S
1. Every year I get less and less blooms on my anthurium. Should I repot it, give it more food, or just throw it out?
Anthuriums appreciate a six-week resting period during the winter at lower temperatures of around 55-60 degrees. This will
help it flower more profusely in the spring and summer. Have you moved it to a new location that has less light and is not
as warm?
2. Can I cut the flowers off of my anthurium and use them in a vase of
water?
Anthuriums were originally used as a source for cut flowers. They make a beautiful arrangement alone or
with other flowers and last quite a long time.
3. Do yellow leaves mean too much
or too little water?
Yellow leaves can mean too much water or the temperature in the room is going below 50 degrees.
4. I have a new baby. Is an anthurium poisonous?
If ingested, an anthurium
will cause stomach distress, the smaller the victim the more serious the distress. The sap from an anthurium may cause skin
irritations.
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