8 FACTORS AFFECTING THE GROWTH OF ANTHURIUM

Posted on by N.Wimalsiri

when we try to understand the factors affecting the growth of Anthurium, it is very important to understand where Anthurium originated and environmental conditions of that area. Anthurium originated in the tropical rainforest of  South America where there is high humidity and temperature due to the existence of this forest area close to the equator and in a high rainfall zone. At the same time, Anthurium species is an herbaceous epiphytes which means, originally, the plant grows on trees and absorbed required nutrient from air, water and the decayed material deposited around the plant. So that, it is possible to list out following essential factors which require for a proper growth of Anthurium plants:

1. Humidity

Humidity is the most important factor for Anthurium and it prefers to have a humidity around 80% for a proper growth. During the night, it can even go up to 90%. Having a value of less than 65% for a long periods could damage the plant. The high humidity helps Anthurium plant to absorb required nutrients and transform them into living tissues by the process of anabolism; metabolize constructively. When the plant grows under the proper humidity, leaves and the flowers of the plant give a shiny and healthy look. When the humidity is lower, roots get weaker and plants become dry.

2. Temperature

Temperature of the surrounding area should not be more than 35°C for a proper growth and between 24 – 28°C is most suitable. during the night, temperature should not fall below 15°C. Areas where day time temperature is less than 15°C, are not suitable for a commercial cultivation of Anthurium. When the temperature is high, leaves and flowers get burned.

3. Light

Anthurium is naturally fond of shading. we have to imagine how Anthurium lived in South American rain forests. For a commercial cultivation of Anthurium, it is appropriate to have 20% to 30% of full sun light. This means, it needs 70% to 80% shading. When Anthurium receives less light, brightness or color of flowers get reduced and there could be damages to the leaves and flowers. However, the degree of shading required varies with the cultivar, the age of the plant, and the climate under which it is grown.

4. Growing media

The growing media to be selected should have certain properties so that it should be well aerated, good in water retention and good in drainage. This media should provide sufficient nutrient and it should help the plant to be in position. Organic material with sufficient drainage is suitable. A mixture of coconut husk (cut in to small pieces) and coarse sand is appropriate for a commercial cultivation.

5. Water

Anthuriums need sufficiently moisture throughout the day and well drained so that there is no water collected around the roots. Insufficient water will give stress to the plant and can burned tips of leaves and damage roots. Too much water also can damage roots by rotting and will make leaves yellow color.

6. Fertilizers

Most of the time, the media used for planting the Anthurium provide required nutrient for a certain period and slow releasing fertilizer like Osmocote is appropriate as it provide necessary nutrients including micro-nutrients in a continuous manner for long period. It is sufficient to repeat manuring after 3 or 4 months. Some times, liquid fertilizers are used on leaves when the plants are very small and they do not have sufficient root system to absorb nutrient.

7. Pest Management

For a commercial cultivation, it is necessary to have a proper pest management program. A controlled environment such as a net house it self gives a certain protection from insects and worms etc. But, still the plants can be damaged by very small insects and fungus which can pass through the plastic nets. Suitable pesticides should be adopted to control both insects and fungus.

8. Affection

Anthurium or any other plant means a living thing. Living things cannot survive along. Interaction with other groups is necessary. When the plant was in the reinforest, it should have an interaction with other plants, specially because, Anthurium is an herbaceous epiphytes. So they always get necessary affection from other plants or trees in the surrounding . When the plant is in your custody, the plant need your affection. It is a living thing. when you live with it for a certain period, it can identify your smell or your voice. Everyday, you visit your plants, you water them, supply necessary nutrients, touch them or look for any troubles such as insects or fungus and take immediate action to remove unnecessary things. You do not like some bad thing happening to your plants like to your children. When you give your affection to them, you also get the response or feedback. It is emotional. They love you. So, plants grow in a healthy way. Then, they are more beautiful and gorgeous.

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ORIGIN OF ANTHURIUM

Posted on by N.Wimalsiri

The Anthurium, its genus name, comes from two Greek words ‘Oura’ and ‘Anthos’ which means “tail flower”. This name is quite appropriate for this plant due the shape of its flower which consists of a spathe and a spadix.  The family name that the Anthurium plant belongs to is  Arum (Araceae).  The Anthurium plant is often growing as an Epiphyte on other plants.  The moisture and nutrient required for the growth of the plant are absorbed from the air, rain, water (in marine environments) or from debris accumulating around it.

Red Fungi in Tusmanian Rainforest.  Thanks to Kacharava – https://images.app.goo.gl/wPepYKbHyvRzK4WD6 

The Anthurium plant has originated in the tropical rainforest of  South America, specially in the area between southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.  These plants have been there untouched for several hundreds of years and there had been no any interest on this plant by native people.  It could be due to that those plants had no such beautiful look what we are looking for today with different varieties of Anthurium.  A businessman called Samuel Samon brought Anthurim first time to Hawaii and introduced to the people.  In the latter part of 1930’s, people learned to propagate Anthurium through seeds and this made a vast change of producing different varieties of this plant with different shapes and colors through selective breeding.

In 1940s in Hawaii, this Anthurium became an economically valuable plant and popular among tourists.  Thereafter, with the invention of the Airplane, Anthurium plantation become an international business.

Scientific name of this beautiful flower is Anthurium andraeanum.  people of the world named this flower with different names such as  Flamingo Flower, Laceleaf, Tailflower, Flamingo Lily, Painter’s Palette etc.

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