Anthurium scherzerianum is a perennial terrestrial flowering evergreen herb from the Aroid family, native to Costa Rica, or rather its humid mountainous woodlands. The plant has a shortened stem, several dark green leathery leaves on long petioles (about 20 cm long), collected in a rosette, and yellow-orange flowers on long peduncles (about 8 cm long). After the end of the flowering period, spherical fruits of orange-red shades are formed on the anthurium.
The plant has several types and varieties, including dwarf forms. Scherzer's anthurium is considered the most undemanding indoor flower, but it cannot be called unpretentious. For the full development and manifestation of all decorative qualities, a flower needs good maintenance and compliance with certain conditions during care.
Caring for Scherzer's anthurium at home
Location and lighting
For proper lighting, the plant must be placed on a windowsill on the northeast or northwest side of the house. Anthurium is suitable for partial shade and diffused light.
Temperature
Temperature conditions need to be changed depending on the season. In spring and summer, anthurium for active vegetation is recommended to maintain the limits from 18 to 28 degrees. In the warm season, the flower will feel great outdoors, but in partial shade and away from direct sunlight. With the arrival of cold autumn and throughout the entire autumn-winter period, the indoor plant needs a lower temperature - from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius. With this mode of keeping, flower buds are laid in anthurium. It is very important that in the cold season there are no temperature changes and cold drafts in the room.
Watering
Irrigation water should be soft and well-separated. Before using it, it is recommended to boil it for a few minutes and cool it or add a small amount of lemon juice (or vinegar).
It is necessary to water the anthurium regularly, but only after the soil in the flower pot dries out by about 5-8 cm. Waterlogging and drying out of the soil will negatively affect the growth and development of the plant. Excess moisture can cause rotting of the roots, and underfilling will cause them to dry out.
Air humidity
Scherzer's anthurium requires a high level of humidity (approximately 90%). This level can be maintained using a special pallet with wet expanded clay, on which a flower container will be installed. Another effective method is to cover the potting soil with coconut fiber or moss. When spraying anthurium, water should also fall on this moisture-retaining layer.
The place where the flower is grown is also of great importance. It is better to immediately choose a room with high humidity (for example, a kitchen) or build a greenhouse for it.
The soil
Scherzer's anthurium can be grown on hydroponics, in peeled pine bark (with an increased amount of irrigation and fertilization), as well as in a special soil mixture. An optimal substrate with good water and air passage consists of two parts of sphagnum moss and peat, one part of sod land, a small amount of crushed bark and charcoal.
It is very important that the soil mixture is not compacted or caked, that it is very loose, coarse-fiber and breathable. The recommended level of soil acidity is from 5.0 to 6.0 pH, since anthurium prefers slightly acidic soil.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Universal dressings intended for indoor flowers must be applied to the soil during the growth and development of the plant regularly every two weeks. An excess of fertilizers cannot be allowed, therefore it is recommended to use a less concentrated solution than indicated in the instructions. Top dressing (like irrigation water) should not contain lime.
Transfer
A young indoor flower needs to be transplanted every year, and after 5 years - as needed. The root system of anthurium consists of fragile and fragile roots. Because of this, the plant must be transplanted with care. In order for the root system to continue to develop and give new root shoots, it is recommended to deepen the anthurium when transplanting into a new soil.
Reproduction of anthurium Scherzer
Anthurium can reproduce in several ways:
- Seeds;
- Lateral stem processes;
- Stem cuttings;
- Apical cuttings.
Diseases and pests
Most often, anthurium is sick due to violations of the rules for caring for it. An excess of moisture in the soil and stagnant water leads to rotting of the stems and roots. Root rot can also begin when the temperature regime is violated, when the room temperature drops to an unacceptable minimum. The disease disappears after the restoration of normal conditions of detention.
Drying or blackening of the tips of the leaves can signal an excess of calcium in the soil or the beginning of anthracnose. If the excess calcium in the soil can be controlled by fertilization, then it is much more difficult to get rid of anthracnose. When purchasing a plant, it is recommended to regularly carry out preventive treatments with fungicidal preparations.
Regular preventive warm showers will help anthurium in the fight against aphids, spider mites and mealybugs.
