What you should know about caring for anthuriums
The flamingo flower is a very unusual houseplant. Their actual flower is a long spike that is located in the middle of the beautiful and colorful bracts. The flamingo flower is very trendy as a houseplant and is ideal for plant lovers who like it tropical. Want to learn more about this wonder of nature? In the following article you will find out everything you need to know about caring for the flamingo flower.
The story of the flamingo flower
The flamingo flower, also known as the anthurium, originally comes from the rainforests of South and Central America. This houseplant has an incredibly pretty flower and is becoming increasingly popular for this reason. Strictly speaking, however, the indoor plants are Anthurium hybrids, which would never occur in the wild. These hybrids were mostly bred from the species Anthurium andreanum (large anthurium) and Anthurium scherzerianum (small anthurium).
The different varieties of the flamingo flower
Anthurium andreanum: This anthurium variety has an impressive size. Unfortunately, it does not have many, but very large and magnificent bracts. The leaves have a leathery structure and can grow up to forty centimeters long. The actual flowers are in the middle of the bracts or bracts. They are colored green, salmon white, pink or bright red. Because of its size, this variety is very rarely kept as a houseplant. However, the flowers are perfect for the vase as they last a long time.
Anthurium Crystallinum: This variety has beautiful heart-shaped leaves and is therefore very decorative. These leaves can grow up to 55cm long and change color with age. At first they are metallic crimson and on older plants they are emerald green. The Anthurium Crystallinum is grown solely for its leaves. Their flowers are rather inconspicuous.
Anthurium scherzerianum: The Anthurium scherzerianum is very common in apartments due to its size. Due to its maximum 30cm leaves, it fits on every window sill and its radiant flowers give your home that certain something.
The correct location for the flamingo flower
Anthuriums or flamingo flowers need a bright location all year round. However, make sure that they do not get direct sunlight. If the anthurium does not get enough light, the leaves become long and thin. They enjoy a room temperature of 20-25°C and high humidity the most.
Flamingo flower care: how to do it!
You shy away from this houseplant because you think it's too demanding? With these tips you will definitely succeed in caring for the flamingo flower.
It doesn't always have to be earth
The soil plays an important role in caring for the flamingo flower. A slightly acidic to acidic potting soil is suitable here, which should be loose and well drained. However, hydroponics is best suited here. Hydroponics have many advantages that make caring for the flamingo flower all the easier. You can find out everything you need to know about it in our article Planting hydroponics.
Water flamingo flower: Like in the rainforest
Anthurium soil should never dry out completely, but it shouldn't be too wet either. It is also very sensitive to lime and should therefore only be watered with lime-free water.The heat of the irrigation water is also of great importance. Make sure that the water is not too cold but at room temperature.
Fertilize frequently for lush flowers
In the summer, the plant should be fertilized once a week. It should be fertilized frequently but moderately. Use half the concentration of liquid fertilizer for your irrigation water. In our shop you will find a very special liquid flower fertilizer,take a look.
Do you have to repot the flamingo flower?
Young plants are repotted every spring. Plants with a pot size of 25cm in diameter no longer need to be repotted, it is sufficient to replace the top layer of soil every year.
Tip: If you keep the flamingo flower in hydroponics, then it hardly ever needs to be repotted. It is also better to wear gloves when repotting, the leaves of the plant can cause redness.
The right way to overwinter your flamingo flower
The temperature for wintering the anthurium should be around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Cooler temperatures are particularly important for anthurium scherzerianum, as the cold stimulates flowering. In winter, the amount of water is also reduced, but the root ball is always kept slightly moist. Fertilizing once a month is sufficient.
This is how you multiply your flamingo flower
After a healthy flamingo flower care, it is big enough to multiply. If you want to do this, we advise you to divide the plant. Take the opportunity when repotting in spring. To do this, divide the root ball into sections with at least one leaf. Keep the pot with the new plant warm and bright and keep the humidity high.
Tip: If the plant is still very small, you can put cling film over the pot to keep the humidity high. However, regular ventilation of the pot is important, otherwise mold can quickly form underneath.
Is the flamingo flower poisonous?
All parts of the flamingo flower are poisonous, but mainly its leaves. Since this plant belongs to the aroid family, it contains the pungent substance aroin. However, the oxalate raphides, which are crystal-like needles that shoot out when you touch the anthurium and cause tiny skin injuries, are particularly unpleasant.
Signs of poisoning may include: severe reddening of the skin, swelling at the affected area, and blistering. After consumption, tongue and oral mucosa may swell. Be sure to place your flamingo flower out of the reach of children and animals.
The perfect room for your flamingo flower
An east or west facing window is ideal for the Anthurium. Of course you can also place them in a south-facing window, but you should soften the blazing sun with curtains or other plants. They like warmth and high humidity just as much. Therefore, avoid dry heating air. A nice, bright bathroom comes into question here, or the living room.
Tip: To increase the humidity, you could put some water bowls around the room. And from time to time spray the leaves of your flamingo flower with low-lime water.
Tips for problems with your flamingo flower
Despite good flamingo flower care, it gets green flowers, what can be the reason? It is not very uncommon for these bracts to turn greenish, this is mostly due to age. In order for your anthurium to have bright, beautiful flowers, the location must be bright enough. If your plant is on the windowsill and still doesn't have any gorgeous colors, then even this natural light won't be enough for it. Try it with a plant lamp.
Tip: Unfortunately, there are often anthuriums for sale that have been treated with hormones beforehand and therefore bloom so beautifully white. After a certain time, however, the effect of the hormones wears off and the flowers turn slightly greenish. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done about this.
Now you no longer need to be afraid of this tropical beauty, because caring for the flamingo flower can be so easy. We recommend planting the Anthurium hydroponically, it makes everything so much easier.
Have we aroused your interest? Then have a look at our shop and discover a variety of different anthuriums.
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