Months of bloom, prettier than a poinsettia (a great holiday alternative) and beauty shiny green heart shaped leaves – who wold not want to grow an Anthurium??
Also known as the Flamingo Flower, Anthuriums became popular when Samuel Damon introduced this South American tropical to Hawaii. With selective breeding through the years to increase the bloom size and enhance the available color palette, Anthuriums have become quite popular and have an array of colors to include not just red, pink and white, but orange, coral blush and salmon.
Anthuriums require a few basic things to stay in tip-top shape:
- Room temperatures need to be kept consistently between 70 and 90 degrees;
- Humidity is very important and should be kept between 80 and 100%. A daily misting will help in keeping the air surrounding the plant humid;
- Indirect light will mimic the native environment that the Anthurium grows in the wild. If the leaves begin to brown or have a bleached out appearance or spots – move the plant out of the light, as this is merely scalding of the leaves;
- Free draining soil will allow oxygen access to the roots. An orchid mix is great for its non compacting qualities when it is time to repot;
- a slow release fertilizer will fill the nutrient requirements, like the leaf litter in the forest;
- never allow the soil to dry out. A moist environment will keep the plant healthy and happy.
Anthuriums will bring joy and with minimal care, blooms can be achieved from the Holidays until Valentines day……..and maybe beyond!!
by 
