Anthurium Andreanum

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Anthurium

Species

andreanum

Description

Evergreen epiphytic herbaceous perennial. It is cultivated as an indoor pot plant where it lends a unique design accent with its showy, long-lasting inflorescences marked by spathes or bracts in a wide range of colours depending on the variety. Fears cold and temperature fluctuations, suitable for exposures with diffuse light and high humidity.

Variety description

Ornamental evergreen perennial for indoor use. Aesthetic value is conferred by the distinctive shiny shaped leaves and coloured spathes. Indoor plant, suitable for warm locations with intense filtered light and high humidity.

Curiosities and special features

There are varieties of Anturium suitable for cultivation in pots and others for the production of cut flowers used for fresh arrangements.
The generic term comes from the Greek ánthos meaning flower and ourá meaning tail in reference to the spadix of the inflorescence, while the specific epithet andreanum was given in honour of the horticulturist Edouard François André who first discovered the plant.

Origin and distribution

A plant native to the humid tropical biome of Colombia and Ecuador; discovered and introduced to Europe in 1876 by the French horticulturist and landscape gardener Edouard François André, it was immediately the subject of intense hybridisation activity that in recent decades has expanded the assortment of cut flower and flowering vase varieties.

Leaf

Leaf, bearing slender 0.20 to 0.60 m long petioles, has a lamina with a sagittate or saettiform base and evident veins.

Flowering period

Blooms year-round for a duration of 60 to 90 days

Inflorescence

Spadix inflorescence. In particular, each terminal inflorescence, borne at the axil of the leaf, consists of an erect peduncle, a conspicuous spathe of different colour shades depending on the variety, and a cylindrical sessile spadix bearing small hermaphrodite flowers.

Leaf colour

The leaf blades are solid-coloured and glossy, in perfect colour contrast to the spathe shades.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.6 m considering the final development of the leaf petioles and the peduncles bearing the inflorescences.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen herb.

Where to plant

Depending on the climatic conditions, it is mainly cultivated as a pot plant , small pots, tubs indo ors Anturio is used for interior decoration paying attention to ideal temperatures and humidity.

Stem

The erect stem, equipped with aerial roots, is herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is small with bi-coloured, single-coloured and shaded petals. It is arranged in large spadix-shaped inflorescences. It flowers all year round, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

The new pot Anthurium varieties are characterised by compact growth.

Plant habit

The upright habit of growth is visually reinforced by the long Leaf petioles and the distinctive Inflorescence, resulting in a highly aesthetic result.

PH

The substrate must have a slightly acidic pH of between 5.5 and 6.6. Attention must also be paid to the acidity level of the water used for irrigation, which must not alter the indicated limits.

Sun exposure

It is a plant that requires bright locations but sheltered from direct sunlight. The following exposures are recommended: light source indoors, light shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 22 and 23 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 40 °C. It is recommended to place the plant in warm, moist places, away from draughts and radiators.

Use

It is one of the most widespread ornamental plants in:

Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Anturium, in relation to its tropical origin, can be a medium hardy plant. It does not tolerate cold, temperature changes and draughts.

Soil

Use a specific, well-draining substrate with a suitable water retention capacity, containing peat mixed with expanded clay, coconut fibre or perlite.

Difficulty

The cultivation of Anturium is fairly easy. With appropriate exposure, temperature and Irrigation, excellent Growth and flowering results can be achieved.

Growing tips

The following are some specific cultivation tips for proper vegetative growth and lush flowering:

With little light the plants do not flower Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers slightly calcareous water Prefers warm, humid climate

Propagation

Multiplication is mainly by in vitro micropropagation. Reproduction from seed, apical cuttings or layering is less common.

Repotting

Repotting in spring if the roots have filled the pot.

Watering

Supply non-calcareous water at an average temperature of 22°C directly to the substrate in order not to damage the leaves. Depending on the moisture requirements of the plant, it is advisable to mist the leaves and leave a few millimetres of water in the saucer detached from the pot by means of a layer of expanded clay or pebbles to prevent prolonged water stagnation with subsequent root rot and leaf yellowing. Do not water the plant from above with water with a high bicarbonate content so as not to damage the leaves and flower spathe.

Fertilising

Apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the medium regularly, but without exceeding the doses and frequencies, and dilute it in the Irrigation water. Fertilise on moist, not dry soil.

Pet safety

Toxic.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Toxicity for humans

Do not ingest any part of the plant. Wear gloves when handling.

Tip

Place the plant in warm, moist and bright locations, but away from direct sunlight and draughts. Use high-quality, acidic soil with a suitable water retention capacity. Do not fertilise on a dry substrate.