Anthurium Andre (Anthurium andreanum) is an evergreen perennial from the Aroid family, whose homeland is the tropical regions of South America. On the forest soils of Ecuador and Colombia, the epiphyte is distinguished by bright green oval-lanceolate leaves with a shiny surface, almost 30 cm long, on petioles of approximately the same length and a large, inflorescence heart-shaped leaf with a slightly bubbly or wrinkled surface. Its cob-shaped inflorescences consist of numerous yellow flowers. After the end of flowering, spherical orange fruits are formed on the plant.
Among the many varieties and hybrids anthurium there are specimens that differ in height, flowering duration and color palette. Anthurium Andre can bloom from 1 to 12 months with all the colors of the rainbow and many different shades. Some varieties surprise with their almost black or two-tone color.
Note to flower growers! The stems and leaves of the plant contain toxic substances that are dangerous to the life and health of people and pets. This should be taken into account when choosing a growing location, especially if there are small children and cats in the apartment.
Anthurium Andre care at home
Anthurium Andre feels great at home, but only under certain conditions of detention.
Location and lighting
Anthurium flower Andre does not like direct sunlight. It is recommended to place it on windowsills from the east, north-east, west and north-west sides of the house. The light should be diffused, and the place may be partial shade. In the period from October to February, when there is not enough natural light, you can supplement the illumination of plants with fluorescent lamps or phytolamps.
Temperature
The favorable temperature for growing Andre anthurium in the summer is from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Growth can slow down or stop if the temperature drops to 18 degrees. In winter, for 1.5-2 months, anthurium is in a dormant period and prefers to be kept in cool conditions with a temperature of 15-16 degrees. These cool conditions are conducive to bud formation and active flowering in the future.
Watering
Irrigation water for anthurium should be filtered or boiled, you can use tap water, but before watering it is recommended to add a small amount of lemon juice or a few drops of acetic acid to it. Soft, settled water with a temperature of 20-22 degrees is abundantly watered throughout the growing season. The next moistening of the soil is carried out only after a slight drying of the upper layer, but no more than 1-2 cm. In winter, the volume and frequency of watering are reduced. Lack and excess of moisture in the soil is equally dangerous for the life of anthurium.
Air humidity
A high level of humidity is necessary for Andre's anthurium throughout the year (even during the dormant period).To maintain it, it is recommended to carry out daily water procedures in the morning and evening hours in the form of spraying with warm water. An additional vessel with water, located next to indoor flowers, or a tray with wet expanded clay also contributes to increased humidity.
The soil
The potting mix must be breathable. This requirement is met by the soil for growing orchids, which can be purchased at a specialized store. When preparing the mixture yourself, it is imperative to take one part of vermiculite and coarse river sand, two parts of crushed pine bark, coniferous, peat and leaf land and a small amount of charcoal.
The flower container should be shallow, but with an obligatory drainage layer (at least 3 cm) and additional holes on the walls.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Nutrient dressings intended for orchids are applied to the soil during the growing season every 15-20 days.
Transfer
In the first 5 years, the Andre anthurium plant is recommended to be transplanted once a year, and in subsequent years - as needed.
Reproduction of anthurium Andre
Anthurium Andre propagates in several ways: by apical cuttings (in the presence of aerial roots), by seeds, by dividing an adult bush into young divisions, by lateral offshoots.
Diseases and pests
The main pests of anthurium are scale insects and spider mites. Dealing with them is not easy and ineffective. A regular warm shower is an excellent means of preventing harmful insects.
The flower is often sick due to improper care or under improper maintenance conditions. The main diseases are stem rot, root rot, rust, anthracnose, downy mildew.
The most common causes of root and stem rot are low indoor temperatures and regular waterlogging of the soil.
Signs of anthracnose are dry brown tips on the leaves, which lead first to the complete drying of the leaf part, and then to the death of the entire culture. It is very difficult to cure a plant from this ailment, and sometimes it is simply impossible. As a preventive measure, experienced florists recommend regularly spraying with fungicides.
Withering of anthurium often occurs due to contact with an infected indoor flower or poor-quality substrate, as well as with a lack or excess of fertilizers.
