Question
I purchased a 3 gallon Anthurium close to a year ago. Avery month it looks worst that the previous month. I followed the intructions that came with the plants, but the resolts have not been positive. Any suggestion?


Answer
Without seeing the plant or having more information, it would be difficult for me to give you the exact cause of your problem. So I feel the best way to help you is to tell you what you will need to do to grow this plant.

I will start by saying that these plants are not easy to grow. Don't feel you are failure at growing houseplants, if you don't succeed with these. They require the same conditions as an Orchid. So if you are able to grow orchids or have information about them, it will make it easier for you. You will not be able to make them grow the same way you grow other house plants, and heres why.

The higher the humitity the better. Anthurium leaves lose shiny texture and may die if humitity drops below 50 percent for more than a few days. Keep pots on trays of moist gravel, in bathroom, or under polythylene cover, or double pots with wet moss inbetween. Sponge or spray leaves several times daily. For good bloom, place plant by a window with good light, but no direct sun light. Generally grow best in 80 to 90 degree temperatures, but will get along in normal house temperatures (low 70s) Growth stops at 65 and it is damaged below 50. Protect from any drafts or sudden change in temperature. Pot them in coarse Orchid soil. Young plants should be repoted every April, older plants every two to three years. Give light feeding every 4 weeks from May to August. Water often. Don't let the soil dry out. In winter let the surface of the soil dry out between waterings. In short, they like conditions much like those in a hot, wet, tropical jungle.

bakerplanter