Thursday, January 8, 2015

Basic Care for Anthuriums: How to Grow Exotic Flowers and Tropical Plants

One of the most popular tropical flowers that mesmerized me is the Anthurium. In the Philippines, these exotic flowering plants have become a part of daily life. Whether they’re in homes as center pieces or in grand arrangements in special occasions they are the top choice when it comes to indoor tropical flowers.



Best for indoor decoration
Until now, I often touch them before actually believing they are real. Anthuriums have the uncanny ability to fool anyone. At first, you’d think they are plastic flowers. Even when you touch them, they seem to be inanimate. But it comes as a surprise they are actually living things!
The Anthurium andreaenum or the Flamingo Flower is a great choice as an indoor plant. The main reason is that they can last long with minimal care and attention. I guess resilience is a common characteristic of many exotic plants. In the wild, they have to fend for themselves and brave the elements. Another reason why they are favored is the fact that they come in different hues. Although red is the common color, you can find an assortment of other colors to suit your preference. With around 700 species, you won’t have time to sort through all of them in a day.
These two characteristics alone make them the top choice for indoor accessories and decorations.







Caring for these exotic plants
Anthuriums can grow almost anywhere but they thrive in warm places with high humidity. Any plant lover knows that simulating their natural habitat will ensure they grow strong. So do keep these plant care tips in mind:




Light and temperature
Warm environment is different from leaving them out in the sun. They may love sunlight but putting them in direct sunlight is detrimental. Instead, keep them away from direct light as much as possible. Moreover, keep the temperature between 65 to 90 degrees. When the temperature goes down to 40 expect a slow death for your precious plant.



Water necessities
Since Anthuriums love humidity, make sure you provide enough moisture. However, do not over water this plant as they do not like it. When the leaves turn yellow or when roots begin to rot, it’s an indication that you’re overzealous with watering the plant. To avoid these, ensure you have proper drainage in your pot. Also, you might want to let the soil to dry up a bit before sprinkling more water.
Diet for the Exotic plant
This exotic plant does not require fertilizers. But since you are trying to recreate their natural environment, you may want to consider adding some to their diet. Of course organic fertilizers are best so check your local gardening supplies store for this. Depending on the type of fertilizers
that you will use, you may have to add fertilizers every other month.
Anthuriums are easy to care for. In fact, this is a good exotic plant to have if you’re just starting to explore exotic flowers and plants. Even if they are easy to rear make sure you give them ample attention. Also, exotic plants require specific environmental conditions so try to mimic their natural environment to get the most out of them. Lastly, remember that plants are living organisms and that they require your respect. They’re gifts from Mother Nature so let’s treat them right.