The purple anthurium is a stunning tropical flower that is native to the Caribbean. Also known as the flamingo flower, the purple anthurium gets its name from its distinctive spathe, which resembles the shape of a bird’s beak.
The anthurium is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens, and with proper care, it can bloom year-round. Here is a complete guide to caring for a purple anthurium.
Table of Contents
Get the Right Lighting
The right kind of lighting is crucial for the growth of purple anthurium. While too much light will damage the plant, too little light will result in stunted growth.
The ideal location for purple anthurium is in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. This will provide the plant with the light it needs without causing the leaves to burn.
In addition, purple anthurium requires a period of darkness each day to promote flowering. For this reason, it is important to avoid placing the plant in an area where it will be exposed to artificial light at night.
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When to Water
When watering your purple anthurium, it is important to avoid getting the leaves wet. The best way to water this plant is to use a watering can with a long spout or to water it from below using a drip system.
Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy, and then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. In general, purple anthuriums should be watered about once a week. However, during periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water more them frequently.
Controlling Humidity
Anthuriums are tropical plants that thrive in high humidity. If you live in a dry climate, you can help your anthurium to stay healthy by misting it regularly or placing it on a pebble tray. You may also want to consider using a humidifier to keep the air around your plant moist.
Misting
Misting your anthurium regularly is a great way to provide it with the high humidity levels that it needs. You can do this by using a spray bottle filled with water to mist the leaves of your plant. Be sure to do this in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.
Pebble Tray
You can also create a more humid environment for your anthurium by placing it on a pebble tray. To do this, simply fill a shallow dish with pebbles and water. Then, set your plant on top of the pebbles so that it is not touching the water.
The evaporation of the water will create a humid microclimate around your plant.
Humidifier
If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may want to consider using a humidifier to keep the air around your anthurium moist. This is especially important during the winter months when the air inside your home is likely to be much drier than usual.
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When to Fertilize
Purple anthuriums are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. They are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do need to be fertilized on a regular basis.
During the growing season, purple anthuriums should be fertilized about once a month. However, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every six weeks during the winter months.
The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the plant’s specific needs, but most anthuriums do well with a general-purpose fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Overfertilizing can damage the plant and hinder its growth.
Keeping the Right Temperature
One of the most important things to remember when caring for a purple anthurium is to keep the temperature consistent.
These plants prefer temperatures between 70- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and they should not be allowed to drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. If the temperature fluctuates too much, it can cause stress for the plant, leading to leaf discoloration and flower dropping.
Blooming Habits
Purple anthuriums typically bloom in the spring and summer, although they may also produce flowers sporadically throughout the year. The blooms are long-lasting, and each individual flower can stay open for several weeks. When cared for properly, a purple anthurium can provide months of continuous blooms.
Common Problems
While the plant is relatively easy to care for, there are a few common problems that can occur. Root rot is a common issue, particularly if the soil is too wet or the pot is too small. The plant can also be affected by pests, such as aphids and scale.
How to Handle Root Rot
While these plants are certainly beautiful, they can be susceptible to a condition known as root rot. This happens when the roots of the plant are allowed to sit in water for too long, causing them to rot and become mushy.
As a result, the plant may start to wilt, and its leaves may turn yellow or brown.
If you suspect that your anthurium has root rot, it’s important to act immediately. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and check the roots for signs of damage. If they appear black or mushy, you will need to carefully trim them away.
Once you have removed all the affected roots, replant the anthurium in fresh soil and water it deeply. With proper care, your plant should soon recover from this condition.
How to Control Pests
Purple anthuriums are known to be susceptible to several pests, including aphids, scale, and mealybugs. While these pests can cause damage to the plant, there are a few ways to control them.
One method is to encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control the population. Another effective method is to use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. These products will kill the pests on contact, but they must be reapplied on a regular basis to maintain efficacy.
If you have a severe infestation, you may need to use a more powerful insecticide. However, this should only be used as a last resort, as it can also kill beneficial insects.
When to Prune
These plants can sometimes become overgrown and leggy. If your anthurium is looking a little untidy, it may be time to give it a prune. The best time to prune an anthurium is in the spring before new growth begins.
First, cut back any dead or dying stems. Next, trim back any long or leggy stems, making sure to leave at least two leaves on each stem. Once you have finished pruning, give your anthurium a good watering and place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
How to Propagate
There are a few different ways to propagate purple anthurium, including root division and stem cuttings. Both methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
Stem Cuttings
The most common method is to take stem cuttings from an existing plant. First, use a sharp knife or shears to remove a 6-8 inch piece of stem from the parent plant. Make sure to choose a healthy section of stem that has at least two leaves.
Next, remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top two or three leaves intact. Once the leaves have been removed, dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder. This will help to encourage root growth.
Finally, plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide bright, indirect light. With a little patience, your purple anthurium will soon be blooming once again.
Root Division
Root division is the simplest way to propagate anthuriums, as it doesn’t require any special equipment or materials.
Simply remove the plant from its pot and divide the root ball into two or more sections, making sure that each section has at least one good-sized pseudobulb. (If the pseudobulbs are too small, the plant will not bloom well.)
Plant the sections in separate pots filled with a well-drained potting mix and water well. Keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears, and then reduce watering somewhat. With good care, your anthuriums should bloom within six to eight weeks.
Take Care Around Children and Pets
While the plant is often used as a decorative indoor plant, it is important to note that the purple anthurium is toxic to both people and pets. The toxins are found in all parts of the plant, but they are most concentrated in the leaves and stem.
If ingested, these toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. In severe cases, they can even lead to seizures or death.
As such, it is important to exercise caution when handling or displaying a purple anthurium. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult with a medical professional or a qualified horticulturist.
Conclusion
As with any other plant, there are a few things you should keep in mind when caring for your purple anthurium. Make sure to water it regularly and give it plenty of light—but avoid direct sunlight. Fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer and mist the leaves occasionally to help maintain humidity levels.
If you follow these simple guidelines, your purple anthurium will thrive and bring beauty to your home or office for many months to come.