Anthurium is an evergreen species native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
Anthuriums are so diverse and unique that anyone can find a species that suits their preferences!
However, it can be quite tricky to care for anthuriums.
It grows as an epiphyte or semi-epiphyte, in rock crevices or on shallow, skeletal, limestone soil.
This genus includes both epiphytic and terrestrial plants.
All Anthurium species are poisonous.
The name Anthurium comes from the Greek words anthos meaning flower, and oura meaning tail.
This tropical beauty was first introduced by the Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1829.
The stunning, large leathery leaves are usually heart-shaped, oval, or elongated.
Anthurium is an attractive species for all collectors of rare and exotic plants.
Anthurium Symbolism
Anthurium is believed to symbolize love and family happiness.
Therefore, this tropical beauty has the power to harmonize your home and close relationships.
Lets take a look at some of the most common Anthurium varieties.
Anthurium Types
1.
It is a great species for all lovers of flowering plants.
The flower is located on a 2-inch long stalk, with a heart-shaped leaf over 6 inches.
The flowering period can last five to six months.
Anthurium Andreanum was first discovered in Colombia.
Anthurium Amnicola (Tulip Anthuriums)
This interesting species stands out for its recognizable lilac flowers.
They have unusual tulip-shaped flowers with lilac petals and a deep purple spadix.
Anthurium species usually produce heart-shaped leaves.
The subtle dark green elliptic leaves make a great contrast to the flowers.
Tulip Anthuriums originate from South America, more precisely from the tropical islands of Panama.
In the wild rainforests, they grow along streams mostly on large rocks.
Amnicola is appreciated by houseplant collectors because of its elegance.
Anthurium Bonplandii
Anthurium Bonplandii was divided into several subspecies.
Guyana is one of the most famous subspecies that grows in the shape of a birds nest.
The unusual Anthurium Bonplandii can be distinguished by its thick and large leather foliage.
Dark green leaves have the most prominent white veins in the entire Anthurium family.
They are sometimes even called the White Venous Anthurium.
Anthurium Clarinervium is a stunning tropical species native to the rainforests of Mexico.
Anthurium Crystallinum (Anthurium Ace of Spades)
Anthurium Crystalliumis a species that is grown for its ornamental leaves.
In this species, the leaves are very large and can grow up to 19 inches long.
They are dark velvety green, streaked with strong and light yellow-white nerves.
The flower is inconspicuous, light green to whitish.
Ace of Spades is a permanently flowering plant that can decorate your home all year round!
Anthurium Clavigerum
Anthurium Clavigerum is considered one of the largest epiphytes in Central America.
These plants can reach great heights.
In mature plants, the inflorescence can reach 3 feet.
This species is rarely confused with any other Anthurium species in Central America.
They are recognized by the ornamental leaves and huge pendant flowers.
The leaves are increasingly curling and dividing as they mature.
A. clavigerum can be found from Nicaragua to Guyana, Brazil, and Bolivia.
Anthurium Coriaceum
This is one of the most attractive species, also called the Paddle Leaf.
It can reach an amazing height of 3 feet.
It has very rich green velvety, erect, and paddled leaves.
This species is recognized by the pronounced middle vein on the back of the leaves.
The flowers are also green with a brown spade.
Anthurium Coriaceum is a native to the humid rainforests of Brazil.
Anthurium Forgetii
Anthurium Forgetii is a species with the most distinctive feature.
During the flowering season, the spike gets covered in tiny purple berries.
These berries carry seeds for reproduction.
Forgetii species have a green spathe with a purple edging.Dark green leaves are painted with contrasting white veins.
They are oval and not so prominent in size.
This species differs in appearance from other Anthuriums, and it can be found exclusively in Colombia.
Anthurium Whitelockii was the name of this huge species until it was officially named Faustomirandae.
Magnificent heart-shaped leaves can reach an incredible 9 feet.
The texture of the leaves is glazed and they are very thick and durable.
The stalks are also large, holding the magnificent green flowers with a chestnut-colored seedling.
This rare terrestrial species is easy to grow and makes a perfectlandscape tropical plant.
Anthurium Hookeri (Birds Nest Anthurium)
Hookeri is a true symbol of exotic beauty.
Elongated, six-foot-long, and hanging leaves carry the true spirit of the jungle.
This species is also called Birds Nest Anthurium because it develops in the form of a rosette.
Although it may produce flowers and tiny white berries, the rich foliage still represents the main statement.
This plant needs a good distribution of energy to focus on the growth of the bushy leaves.
Anthurium Luxurians
Formerly known as Anthurium Splendidum.
Anthurium Luxurians is a beautiful species of dense leathery leaves and short stems.
This luxury plant looks like a black diamond.
The shape of the leaves resembles the facets of a cut diamond.
Young plants produce pale leaves, which darken as they grow.
They go through different shades of pink, brown, and blue at first.
They get a green hue as the leaves become solid, and turn dark when they are mature.
This is a lowland tropical plant native to Colombia.
Anthurium Magnificum
Anthurium magnificum is a popular member of the Anthurium genus, because of its outstanding foliage.
Velvety and oval leaves, with large pronounced veins, characterize this rare species.
Its average size varies from 2 to 3 feet.
This species blooms throughout the year and gives beautiful contrasting red flowers.
With adequate maintenance, Anthurium Magnificum could turn your office into a tropical paradise.
The leaves are rolled inwards from the rim on both sides.
Other members of the Anthurium usually have leaves that twist into one direction spirals.
Big Red Bird is also named after the extraordinary leaves.
They have the unusual feature of changing color depending on the light or temperature.
In bright light, the leaves become red.
This species also differs from many others because the veins are not present.
These are the birds-nest anthuriums with a rosette growth pattern.
They can grow up to 6 tall with 3 long leaves.
Anthurium Pedatoradiatum
Anthurium Fingers is one very interesting species, perhaps the most unusual.
It is known for its unique arrangement of narrow leaves with deep lobes.
The leaves are light and flutter so that they resemble the fingers on the hands.
They reach a height of 3 feet, while the stems are 13 to 37 inches long.
Another trait that distinguishes this species is their classification as terrestrial species of genus Anthurium.
Anthurium Pedatoradiatum is native to southern Mexico.
It can be grown in temperate climates as a houseplant.
Place it under the right conditions, and it will add a unique look to your home or garden.
Anthurium Pendulifolium
Pendulous and elongated leaves can reach an incredible length of 4 feet.
The upper side of the leaves may be one-colored, but some specimens have a slightly bi-colored surface.
As they claim, boiled leaves of this species can help with bone aches and rheumatism.
Anthurium Radicans
Hybrid with extraordinary characteristics originates from southeastern Brazil and some parts of Ecuador.
It is a tropical epiphyte that is found naturally growing on trees in the rainforests of Brazil.
The spacious and heart-shaped leaves of Anthurium Radicans add to its uniqueness.
The leaves are bright green and distinctly fibrous.
This perennial plant also has exotic, ostentatious deep pink or maroon flowers.
It was first found in the rainforests of Brazil and southern Mexico.
The leaves of this elegant species are nothing less special.
They are mostly oval, matte green, and grow up to 5 inches long.
This species is not too demanding to maintain if you provide it a humid environment and regular watering.
Anthurium Scherzerianum (Flamingo flower)
Anthurium Scherzianum is the first discovered variety of Flamingo Flower.
This subtle species is adored among Anthurium lovers, primarily because of its low maintenance.
The leaves protrude from the center at different angles and reach a length of 7 inches.
The flowers are erect with a wide range of colors.
you’re able to come across red, white, pink, or freckled.
Anthurium Veitchii (King Anthurium)
Anthurium Veitchii is characterized by huge, elongated heart-shaped, bright green leaves.
Certain conditions are required for its extraordinary, hanging leaves to reach a length of four to five feet.
You understand why he is the king of this family.King Anthurium is an epiphytic species native to Colombia.
Anthurium Vittarifolium
This is one rare species of Anthurium!
During the flowering period, its beauty comes to light.
A series of pink berries form a unique twist between the colorful greenish-yellow leaves.
These berries contain seeds for further planting.
Most species of the Anthurium family have flat green leaves, but Vittarifolium may have traces of lime color.
Lush and elongated leaves can reach 6.5 feet.
Anthurium Warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium)
Queen Anthurium is by far one of the most attractive Anthuriums!
It has long velvety leaves that can grow up to six feet in mature plants.
The leaves are usually deep green with silver veins that become more pronounced as the leaves grow.
This perennial plant originates from the tropical regions of western and central Colombia.
Queen anthurium is suitable for all lovers of elegant giants.
Anthurium Watermaliense (Black Anthurium)
Black anthurium is the most unusual ornamental variety.
The dark-colored flowers are highly valued for their uniqueness.
This species attracts the eye with its bright green leaves and shiny black leathery cover.
When a bud forms, it is not as dark, but gradually darkens over time.
We can thank the growers and botanists for the creation of Anthurium Black Queen.
This is an artificially grown variety, but in any case, the burgundy-black flower is outstanding.
It is often called the Black Prince because the flower is considered masculine.
It is desirable to put a drainage layer as pebbles or gravel on the bottom of the pot.
Fertilizer
Anthurium is sensitive to fertilizers that contain carbonates, so they should be avoided.
Use organic fertilizer for flowering plants.
With careful care, Anthuriums can grow and bloom for many years to come.
Sun & Light
Indirect light or partial shade is ideal for Anthurium.
Never expose it to direct sunlight, as it can burn the delicate leaves.
Water
Anthurium needs regular watering, preferably in the morning hours.
The soil should be watered abundantly and left to dry until the next watering.
better to water with stagnant or boiled water when the soil is completely dry.
Once a week, the whole plant can be washed with a damp cloth or a gentle shower.
The appearance of yellow and dry leaves of Anthurium occurs due to excess or lack of water.
During the winter, the temperature must not drop below 59F.
Given where our Anthurium comes from, we must provide it with adequate living conditions.
This includes the appropriate humidity above 50 percent.
The leaves should be occasionally sprayed with boiled or stagnant water.
During the stagnation period, leaves should not be wetted.
Older plants are repotted once every three years, into a slightly larger pot.
The pot should be made of plastic or clay.
It shouldnt be too large or deep, because the roots prefer to be compact.
Pruning
This species requires occasional pruning because it keeps them healthy and eliminates infected or damaged leaves.
Pruning depends on the overall condition of your plant more than the season.
Take the young plants out of the ground with the roots and plant them in a special pot.
Transplanting by division is done after the blooming phase.
Young plants should be watered regularly, preferably before noon, and fed to bloom the same year.
Pests are often dangerous and sometimes can cause permanent damage.
Gently wipe the leaves and repeat the process if necessary.
If you notice brown spots on the leaves, spray the plant with systematic fungicides.
Leaf spot disease occurs in conditions of increased relative humidity and excessive soil moisture.
Protect the plant by using appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of Anthurium are there?
The genus Anthurium, from the family of Araceae, is very diverse.
It includes almost 1000 species.
The hybrids are cultivated as indoor ornamental plants of diverse shapes and colors.
The most common species are A. scherzerianum, A. andreanum, and A. crystallinum.
Are there miniature anthuriums?
Miniature Anthuriums, like other varieties, prefer a shady place and a good watering routine.
This species of Anthurium has a wide range of colors.
The spathe can be red, white, or lavender with a red or yellow spadix.
Do Anthuriums like bathrooms?
The ideal place for your Anthurium is a bathroom or kitchen, due to the increased humidity.
These rooms are the closest imitations of their natural habitat.
Move them away from the radiators, because it diminishes moisture from the air.
Conclusion
As with any tropical indoor flower, it would be ideal to reconstruct their natural habitat!
Anthurium is a plant that requires permanent environmental conditions, so do not change once established environmental conditions.
They bring a touch of exoticism to any space.
