Description of the anthurium flower and caring for it at home, reproduction and diseases

Anthurium is one of the most prominent representatives of the world of botany. The combination of rich red, orange or pink hues of the flower and dark green or light shiny leaves really attracts the attention of many people. However, the plant is not as famous in Russia as, for example, tulips, so not every person knows the rules of care. It is better to take a closer look at the description and care of the anthurium flower.

Basic information about anthurium

Anthurium is also known as "tongue of flame". The flower attracts attention with its unusual shape and bright color. Despite the fact that the plant prefers a tropical climate, it is able to adapt to other climatic conditions. Has aesthetic and health-improving functions.

What is anthurium: description of the plant

Anthurium belongs to the genus of evergreens, the Araceae family. The plant grows in tropical conditions, preferring moist and bright environments, but can adapt to indoor spaces and different climatic conditions. There are different types, differing in color and texture.

The leaf blade is arrow-shaped, shiny and dense. The leaves are either light green or dark. The inflorescence consists of spatha and small flowers. Spatha can be red, pink, white, or orange. The stems are thick, shortened, reaching a length of 30 centimeters.

Flowering occurs throughout most of the year, mainly from February to November, and is accompanied by long-term retention of shape and color saturation. Flowering is excluded during the cold winter months.

The plant is also known for its healing properties, which include:

• humidifying the air in the room, which has a positive effect on the health of the respiratory system;
• natural air filtration;
• freeing the air from formaldehyde and benzene.

The flower prefers regular watering, but does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so it is necessary to monitor the condition of the soil and avoid overdrying or waterlogging. In addition, the flower needs a sufficient amount of light, but direct sunlight should be avoided.

Conditions required for growing anthurium

Caring for and growing any indoor plant requires effort and time. Anthurium was no exception.To successfully grow this flower, you must comply with mandatory but simple conditions.

Caring for anthurium at home: basic rules

Despite the fact that the plant's habitat is the tropics, it can be grown at home. The main thing is to provide the right living conditions. Seven rules to follow:

1. Lighting – preferably bright, but diluted light lighting. Direct sunlight is prohibited, so for placement you should choose places with partial shade or slight shade.
2. Temperature - the optimal indicator is from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and not lower than 16 degrees Celsius at night. There is sensitivity to cold, which is why there is a high risk of harming the anthurium if the temperature is kept low.
3. Watering should be regular. The soil in the pot should be constantly moist, but not oversaturated with water. Watering occurs when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. It is necessary to avoid overdrying and stagnation of moisture.
4. Humidity – you need to maintain the level around 75-80%. You can place a container of water next to the flower, and also use a humidifier. Spray the leaves and stems with settled water.
5. The soil must be drained and nutritious. It is recommended to use a peat-based substrate with the addition of perlite or vermiculite.
6. Fertilizer – Feed regularly with all-purpose liquid fertilizer.
7. Trimming – the shape and beauty depend on the frequency of the procedure. It is necessary to pay attention to wilted and damaged leaves, as well as sprouting stems.

Rules for caring for anthurium for its health and beauty

In addition to the correct temperature, humidity, lighting, regular watering, and suitable soil, it is important to apply fertilizers and pruning on time.

Feeding should include equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as these elements play a key role in plant development, affecting flowering and the health of the root system. Fertilizer should only be applied to moist soil to avoid burns to the roots. Feeding is carried out once a week, when the stage of active growth is observed. It is necessary to strictly follow the dosage indicated on the package, since an excess amount of nutrients can negatively affect the anthurium and cause the roots to die.

The second important point is pruning. First of all, it should be performed when wilted or diseased leaves and flowers appear, which affects not only the aesthetic side, but also helps prevent the spread of diseases. Proper pruning allows you to shape the bush and control its height and width. Process step by step:

1. Prepare clean and sharp gardening tools. It is better to take scissors with straight blades.
2. Look for wilted, damaged, yellow or diseased leaves and flowers, then remove. It is forbidden to get too close to the buds and stem in order to maintain support for new shoots.
3. Trim the top end of the stems to encourage side shoots to grow.
4. Remove cut-off parts and debris.
5. Water the flower.

The recommended time for pruning is spring and summer, as these are active periods of growth.

Rules for transplanting and propagating anthurium

Transplantation is performed only in spring and summer. Process step by step:

1. Prepare a new pot, soil, detergent for the old container, gardening gloves, hand sanitizer, and water at room temperature.
2. Remove the flower from the pot.
3. Prepare a new container, which should be twice as large as the previous one. Fill with fresh, you can add sand and perlite.
4. Place the plant and cover it again with soil, leaving a small gap between the top layer of soil and the edge of the pot.
5. Place the anthurium in the shade for 2 days.

Reproduction can be done using one of the following methods:

1. Cuttings - the stem is cut at an angle of 5-10 centimeters. The cutting is placed in a glass of water so that the vertical position is maintained. The container is placed in a bright place. Transplanted into permanent pots after 2 weeks.
2. Dividing the bush - the flower is removed from the container, the root system is divided into two parts, each is transplanted into separate pots.
3. Seeds - bought or collected from flowers. The seeds are covered with damp moss and placed in a plastic bag, which is kept in a warm place and ventilated periodically. They are transplanted into permanent pots after 2 weeks.

Anthurium is a magnificent representative of the botanical world, which, with proper care, will delight with its beauty and brightness for many years. The flower will require a little more attention than other houseplants, but it's worth it for the aesthetics.