Question

Anthurium with disease   QUESTION: Hello.
I think I need answer from real expert..
What is wrong with my mother's Anthurium?
I live in Prague, Czech Republic. The plant is in a pot.
It is not exposed too much to sun, but it is not in a shade either. We have this flower for ten years by now.
I took some photos of it(as I could not explain it in any other way).
Please, tell me how can I treat this disease..

Thank you for help,

Andrej

ANSWER: Andrej:
Thank you for your question. I do not recognize these flower symptoms associated with a true "infectious" disease that is caused by a microorganism such as a virus, fungus, etc.  This resemble more of a genetic mutation or environmental stress.

I will circulate your photo to some of my colleagues for their input.  I have a few additional questions for you.  (1) Is only this single flower affected? (2) Does the remainder of the plant look normal and healthy? (3) Has the plant been sprayed with any chemicals/pesticides? and (4) When did you first notice this abnormality?

I will try to find you an answer to your question as soon as possible.  Our christmas holidays are fast approaching and many people are away on holiday.

Regards
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Anthurium - 2nd blosso   QUESTION: Thank you for answering, Steve.
1) All other (about 9) flowers and tree in the room are just fine, healthy
2) It starts to spread to other blossoms too. I've uploaded photos here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Areus888/Anthurium#
3) No. Only sprayed with water.
4) It is quite a while now. I'd say about half a year.

All right. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Andrej

Answer
Andrej:

After visiting with a horticulture specialist colleague of mine and searching a few references, I believe that your anthurium is in the process of producing seed/berries on the spadix. This apparantly is not a common event.

Take a look a a few images of "anthurium berries" and "anthurium seed" using Google Images on your computer.  I think this is what you are seeing on your mothers' plant.  You may want to research this phenomena since it appears a fairly rare event.

If I hear of other possibilities, I'll pass this along, but for the time being, I don't think your plant is in any danger.

Have a nice holiday season.

Steve