If Valentines Day is on the horizon, one classic plant that is all dressed up for a date with vibrant, almost lipstick colored and heart shaped foliage is the Anthurium. Of all the ways to show your love, our research shows that gifting plants is the ultimate proof of your devotion. Well at least for plant addicts like us! Giving someone a plant for a special occasion gives them the opportunity to reminisce every time they care for or admire their new plant. As the plant continues to thrive so too will your relationship!
Similar to poinsettias, that beautiful “bloom” is actually not the bloom at all! It is a spathe! Pronounced like bathe, the spathe is a single bract that surrounds the spadix which is the flower spike. The bright color of the spathe draws the attention of pollinators to the flower spike. Now you see the lipstick analogy? We sure do learn a lot from plants. If red isn’t your color that’s no problem. You can find Anthurium in pink, purple, hot orange and even white. Since these plants are so eye catching they need to protect themselves as best they can which in the plant world is with toxicity. So if the recipient for your token of love has a dog, cat or even curious kid that would be interested in munching on this plant then this is not the plant for you. After all, nothing kills the mood more than a trip to the vet or ER.
Anthurium is native to the tropical forests of Central America, the northern portion of South America and the Caribbean. As you might imagine being from the rainforest, when kept as houseplants, anthuriums want to be kept cozy and humid. No direct light for these tropical babes. They appreciate the protection from direct sunlight provided by the canopy of towering trees and prolific vines in a forest. A nice bright bathroom with a frosted window would be an absolute dream for an anthurium.
A nice well draining soil is best for a potted anthurium. The orchid mix that we carry from G&B organics with a bit of sand and some peat or coco coir is a perfect recipe. You want to let your plant dry out between waterings but not for too long. Allowing just the top inch or two of soil to become dry is what you are shooting for. Anthuriums are one of the longest blooming indoor plants that you can find and to keep them blooming you want to fertilize every two weeks with a phosphorus rich liquid fertilizer the spring and summer months. Drop by the nursery to see our selection of anthurium any day 9-5.
