If your anthurium plant won’t flower it is a sad day in the garden! We love the anthurium ‘flower’ for its charming curved shape and brilliant color. And we appreciate the flower even though it is not even a flower! (In the garden we do not always fuss about the details if we get the look we love.) Here is what to know about the flower system of the anthurium.
The parts we love are the spathe (a modified leaf in various colors) and the spadix (a spike-like structure) that holds the tiny actual flowers.
Flowers or not, we want that decorative color on our anthurium plant. But sometimes we have problems getting this plant to flower in the brilliant colors and shapes we want to see. Here is what we can do about thee problem!
Why We Need to Know Where Anthuriums Come From
Anthuriums are native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America and the Caribbean. They are members of the Areaceae family, also called Aroids. The family contains more than 100 genera and 3700 plant species, lots to choose from.
To grow the anthurium successfully, you will try hard to recreate their warm and humid home. If you garden, as we do, in a warm climate your location is ideal. If you can recreate these locations indoors, you will also win.
How Did We Get The Anthurium?
Early plant hunters found Central and South America to be rich sources of valuable plant material. In the case of the anthurium, several plant hunters were instrumental in bringing this treasure to us. Dr. Karl van ScherzerIn (1821-1903), an Austrian botanist and doctor discovered the first anthurium variety.
Other plant hunters discovered additional varieties and brought them to Europe. Today Hawaii is a prominent grower of anthuriums but the plant is not native to the Pacific. In fact, the first anthuriums to reach Hawaii came from London!
(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Images)
Varieties of Anthurium to Choose From
Never fear! There are plenty of options for anthurium in your home or garden. You will find more than 1000 varieties of anthurium in the market today. Here is an article by a grower called All About Areaceae: it will give you a breeder’s view of care for the overall plant family.
What are areaceae or aroids? Some of our most common tropical foliage plants and house plants are aroids. Pothos, Philodendrons, Alocasias, Monsteras, ZZ plants, Aglaonemas, Arrowhead vines, Elephant Ears, and others are aroids. I(Read my piece, The New Tropical Gardener’s Guide to Lush Foliage Plants. Tell me below if you found it useful. It covers plants we used in our two Florida gardens in Zones 9 & 10.) The plants covered all related and are in the aroid family, Araceae, and spread throughout every continent except Antarctica.
Anthurium plants are often epiphytes. They grow on other objects and plants. Anthuriums produce aerial roots to hold onto objects. You will find anthuriums crawling on the ground or climbing high in the rainforest.
An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant but is not a parasite because it does not need the parent plant as a source of nutrition. Some good examples are ferns, bromeliads, air plants, and orchids growing on tree trunks in tropical rainforests.
This anthurium is growing on a tree in the wild. (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)
How to Choose an Anthurium
When choosing an anthurium, select a plant with lush and firm leaves, a vibrant spathe, and a root system without signs of wilting. Check for a smooth, well-developed spadix, a blemish-free spathe, and avoid plants with drooping stems or floppy leaves. Color choices are vast. Pick the color of the spathe to suit your house or garden plans. The plants can bruise; handle them with care.
Today, anthuriums come in many sizes, including dwarf versions, an enormous range of colors, and even patterned foliage. Choose what suits your houseplant or garden selection.
Some Important Varieties of Anthurium
Consider these varieties with botanical names, popular common names and brief descriptions.
- Anthurium Andraeanum (Flamingo Flower)
- Key Features: Bright red, pink, or white spathes; glossy, heart-shaped leaves; blooms multiple times a year.
- Anthurium Scherzerianum (Painter’s Palette)
- Key Features: Bright orange-red spathes; curly spathe resembling a pig’s tail; similar to Andraeanum but with a unique spathe shape.
- Anthurium Crystallinum
- Key Features: Large, dark green, glossy leaves with prominent white veins; no spathes2.
- Anthurium Clarinervium (Velvet Cardboard Anthurium)
- Key Features: Large, deeply lobed leaves with velvety texture and prominent white veins; striking foliage.
- Anthurium Hookeri (Bird’s Nest Anthurium)
- Key Features: Large, dark green, elongated leaves; no spathes; resembles a bird’s nest.
- Anthurium Veitchii (King of Anthuriums)
- Key Features: Large, dark green leaves with prominent white veins; can grow up to 3 feet tall; no spathes.
- Anthurium Regale (Laceleaf)
- Key Features: Large, dark green leaves with prominent white veins; long-lasting, showy inflorescence.
- Anthurium Warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium)
- Key Features: Large, dark green leaves with prominent white veins; can grow up to 6 feet tall; no spathes.
- Anthurium Faustomirandae (Faustino’s Giant)
- Key Features: Large, dark green leaves with prominent white veins; can grow up to 4 feet tall; no spathes.
- Anthurium Andraeanum ‘Black Beauty’
- Key Features: Dark purple, almost black spathes; glossy, heart-shaped leaves.
As you can see anthuriums come in beautiful and diverse choices. You can select them for their colorful blooms or also for their decorative foliage. These above should grow for you in warm climate outdoor gardens and as popular house plants.
How To Ensure That Your Anthurium Will Flower
If your anthurium plant isn’t flowering, the most likely culprits are improper lighting, inconsistent watering (either too much or too little), inadequate humidity, or a need for repotting; to encourage blooming, ensure your plant receives bright, indirect light, consistently moist soil, regularly mist the leaves to increase humidity, and consider fertilizing with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer, and check if the plant needs to be repotted into a fresh potting mix if it’s rootbound.
Key points to check:
- Light: Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light; too little light can hinder flowering.
- Watering: Water consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- Humidity: Mist your plant regularly or use a pebble tray to increase humidity, as anthuriums prefer humid environments.
- Fertilizer: Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the growing season to encourage blooms.
- Potting Mix: Anthuriums perform best in a combination of half potting mix and half orchid mix. If the plant appears to be rootbound it is time to repot with fresh mix in a larger container.
What to Do If Your Anthurium Still Is Still Not Flowering!
- Adjust light exposure: Anthuriums perform best with indirect light but they want plenty of it. Gardeners tend to be too cautious with light, especially indoors.
- Water: Check the soil moisture, use your finger, if it feels dry as far as your first knuckle, it is time to water again. Test first, then water.
- Humidity: Use a humidifier or mist regularly.
- Fertilize properly: Apply a diluted, high-phosphorus fertilizer according to package instructions.
- Check for pests: Look for signs of insects or diseases and treat if necessary. Turn the leaves over.
- Consider repotting: If your plant is rootbound, carefully repot it into a slightly larger pot with a fresh potting mix.
Summary,
Anthuriums, with their striking heart-shaped leaves and vibrant spathes, can be a pleasurable addition to your garden indoors or out. To keep these tropical beauties blooming, providing them with the right environment and care is essential. Firstly, anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light, so place them near a north or east-facing window, or in the garden in a place with morning sun. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, which can scorch their leaves. Maintaining high humidity is crucial, as anthuriums are native to humid rainforests. Regular misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a tray of pebbles with water can help achieve the desired humidity levels. Additionally, they prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C), so avoid placing them in drafty areas or near air conditioners.
Water is another vital aspect of anthurium care. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to root rot. To ensure proper drainage, use a well-draining potting mix, such as one containing peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Fertilizing your anthurium every six to eight weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer will provide the necessary nutrients to encourage continuous blooms. Pruning spent flowers and yellowing leaves will also help the plant conserve energy for new growth. With these care tips, your anthurium can remain a vibrant and captivating centerpiece in your home.
Happy digging!