Anthurium Salgarense is a delightful and hassle-free plant to grow, with distinctive waxy and large leaves. If you are keen on growing this exciting plant from the Aracacea family, this is the right article for you.
In this plant care guide, our experts list all the information that you need to know to manage and grow the plant. Read on for some interesting information, tips, and tricks to tackle the foliage of this exotic anthurium variety.
What Is Anthurium Salgarense?
Anthurium Salgarense is a rare tropical plant that produces several blooms in a year. It has beautiful dark green leaves that grow up to eight feet long. On the other hand, the leaves have a smooth texture, and they look like a heart shape as they grow.
Anthurium Salgarense Care
This anthurium variant is an endangered plant of South America that thrives well in a tropical environment. The plant may be rare, but it is extremely easy to grow which even beginner-level gardeners can maintain. In this section below we discuss each of the care aspects in detail, so read on to understand what this plant requires to sustain healthy and thriving foliage.
– Water Requirements
The plant requires consistently moist soil, thus regular watering is mandatory to keep it going. The ideal frequency can be once or twice a week depending on the climate or the zone you are growing it in.
During sultry hot days, you will have to increase the frequency of watering and during colder days of the winter months, when the plant enters a state of dormancy, you will have to scale back on the level you add.
The critical aspect is that the soil has to be moist at all times, briefly allowing it to dry between watering schedules. However, take note not to completely dry out the soil as this can put the plant under stress conditions.
Overwatering too can result in soggy soil where the roots will be unable to absorb enough oxygen, thus leading to the plant not growing appropriately or fungal diseases such as root rot.
– Light Requirements
This plant is a beauty and is often referred to as Anthurium Decipiens, requires adequate bright sunlight to thrive and grow. On average six hours of daily sunlight, which is indirect, is needed to keep the leaves green and intact and the blooms to sprout regularly.
The plant is an epiphyte and thus clings onto trees to grow and seek sunlight. Avoid over-exposure as this could scorch the lovely waxy textured leaves and may also result in slow growth of the plant.
If you are growing it in a semi-closed space or indoors, place it in the east-facing direction where adequate morning sunlight can be received. Additionally, you can also place artificial grow lights, especially during the colder months of winters so that the plant gets its daily quota of light.
If you are growing them outdoors the best way to provide filtered light is to use a green garden cloth or sheet or place them under a tree canopy to protect them from the harsh direct sunlight.
– Soil Requirements
This anthurium variety requires slightly acidic soil, and the pH needs to be between 6 to 7. The soil needs to be well-draining and light, so mix in peat and organic matter such as perlite, orchard back or pine to increase aeration. You can also use worm castings or organic compost to increase the nutrient composition of the soil.
The ideal soil mix, including the above contents, can also have around 10 percent of charcoal to keep it toxin free. Additionally, throw in some mulch that will aid in keeping the soil slightly moist at most times.
– Temperature Requirements
Similar to the other anthurium variants such as anthurium cupulispathum, anthurium magnificum, painter’s-palette anthurium, anthurium forgetii, anthurium crystallinum and anthurium waterburyanum, this variety too is a tropical plant.
It requires an adequate amount of warmth between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant may thrive below 60 degrees Fahrenheit however it will not be able to produce any blooms. At much lower temperatures, it will be under stress leading to wilting of leaves.
Keep the plant away from sudden temperature fluctuations and sudden exposures to cold drafts or chilly winds. Move the plant indoors and place them under the warmth of artificial grow lights when the temperature outside is not within the ideal range preferred by the plant.
In case of extreme summer heat, you can place them under larger plants to create a natural tree canopy for them. Alternatively, you could create a greenhouse effect by placing a green garden sheet over it to protect it from the extreme solar heat.
– Humidity Requirements
The plant requires high humidity levels of 65 percent to be able to produce fresh foliage, green leaves, and beautiful blooms. By misting the plant frequently, you will have to create some moisture around it if you are living in a dry zone.
Alternatively, you could place a pebble tray below the container or pot which can kick in some humidity as the water in the tray slowly evaporates. If you are growing the plant inside the house you could use a humidifier around it to add in the much-required moisture.
– Fertilizing Requirements
This plant is a moderate feeder and does well with occasional fertilizer feed. You could stick to fertilizing it twice or thrice a month with a liquid formula, especially during the active growing phase of the plant. This will boost foliage and aid in producing more vibrant blooms.
Alternatively, you could also use slow-release pellets that will nourish the soil adequately. The ideal formula is a standard NPK preparation, diluted in one gallon of water and applied in the warm spring and summer seasons. Scale back or avoid fertilization during winter to prevent salt buildup in the soil.
– Pruning
This anthurium can grow fast and may often look unruly and wild. Thus to keep it in shape it is advisable to prune it regularly. Pruning is also essential to remove all dead and yellowed foliage and to keep the plant disease free. Remember to snip away all decayed sections of the foliage or those infected with pests.
Always remember to sterilize all garden tools such as knives and shears before pruning the plant. Pruning will also encourage fresh and new growth especially if done in the warm months of spring and summer.
Propagation
Propagation of the plant is easy and all you require is stem cuttings. Alternatively, you could also propagate through a simple method of root division. With just basic gardening skills, you can create your new offset of the plant and will not need to look for anthurium salgarense for sale.
In this section below, we discussed the exact procedure and tips to achieve success, along with details on the excellent season to propagate and the tools you would require to keep at hand.
– Propagation Through Stem Cuttings
With its moderate levels of growth, the plant will develop fast with just a stem cutting. You could also propagate with seeds procured from a gardening store however it will take a much longer time for it to germinate and produce results.
Pick a healthy and mature mother plant and place a cut just below a leaf node with the help of sterile gardening tools such as shear or scissors. Ensure the cut section is at least 6 inches in length along with two or three leaves intact on it.
Dip this cut section into rooting hormone powder which boosts growth and aids in faster root development. Place this cut end in a pot with well-draining potting soil. Also, ensure the pot or container has well-draining holes.
Secure the cutting in the soil and water to just keep it lightly moist. Place the pot in a warm area with adequate humidity and light. You could kick in some extra humidity if required by placing a plastic sheet over it with a few holes. However, remember to remove this sheet after a few days so that there is no risk of excess humidity around the plant.
It will take around four or six weeks for the roots to develop and in a month you will notice tiny leaves sprouting in this cut section. Once the juvenile roots pick up health you can consider transplantation into another pot, if required. You have now successfully propagated a healthy anthurium variant.
– Propagation Through Division
You can also consider propagating the anthurium using the method of root division. The tools required to propagate the plant are sharpened garden pruners that are sterilized, a plastic sheet with tiny holes, and rooting hormone powder in addition to potting mix that is well draining.
For this, you will have to pick a healthy mother plant and gently remove it from the soil in its entirety. Split a section along with the roots and plant in fresh potting soil. The new cut and divided section will begin to develop health and grow into an independent plant in a couple of weeks.
The right season to propagate the plant is during the warm months of spring and summer. This is that time of the year when the plant is in its active growing phase and propagating in these months will ensure the roots developed are healthy and the foliage sprouts faster and better.
Avoid the cold months of winter or the end of fall when the climate is cold, with chilly wind and cold drafts. These are the months the plant is in a state of dormancy and generally low in energy levels.
Problems
Anthurium is easy to grow, yet it is not entirely devoid of problems. You will face a few common challenges during growing this plant however they are easy to tackle. In this below section we addressed these very same challenges and provide solutions to fix them as soon as possible.
– Calcium Deficiency
During the growing phase of the plant, it requires an adequate amount of calcium to boost the production of blooms and for fresh foliage growth. A calcium deficiency can lead to root rot, the withering of leaves, and limp stems. Nonetheless, the best way to tackle this condition is to use potting soil which is rich in calcium. Additionally, you could also add dolomite lime to the soil.
– Fungal Diseases
The plant can be subject to fungal infections such as bacterial blight or leaf spots generally caused by overwatering. When the plant is infected by fungal diseases you will notice the leaves limp or spots on the foliage. As soon as you spot any one of these symptoms, scale back on the watering. Allow the plant to completely dry out before you mist or water it again.
Snip away the infected parts and spray an organic fungicide. Monitor the plant’s watering schedule and add in more only when you feel the top soil is dry. The ideal way to know whether your plant requires more water or not is to do a simple finger test by pressing your finger an inch into the soil. Feel for moisture and if it comes out wet, do not add in any more water.
– Erwinia Soft Rot
Another fungal disease that is hazardous to the health of the plant is Erwinia soft rot which comes with symptoms of lesions on the foliage. This bacterial disease will also emit a foul smell from the roots. The condition occurs when the plant is placed in a spot with excessive warmth and high humidity, along with poor air circulation.
Reduce the spread of the infection by snipping away all infected sections with the help of clean and disinfected tools. Prevent this bacterial infection by monitoring your watering schedule and ensuring the plant is placed in a well-ventilated and bright area.
– Pest Infestations
The most common houseplant pests that affect these anthuriums are spider mites and mealybugs. These bugs or pests will suck out the sap from the plant and reduce the nutrient content in the foliage. They also leave behind sticky honeydew, which attracts other insects such as ants which in turn feed on the leaves and buds.
As soon as you spot these pests isolate the anthurium so that other plants in the garden are not infected by it. You could spray an organic liquid of neem oil or a jet spray of water on the infected areas. This will make all the pests fall off the foliage.
Repeat every few weeks until the plant is rid of all the insects. Alternatively, you can dab the spots that have been infected with a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
– Stunted or Slow Growth
Your anthurium plant may not grow adequately if it is overexposed or under-exposed to light. The plant requires ample sunlight during the day which would be around four to six hours. This will aid it to produce fresh foliage as well as buds that will bloom through the seasons. However, keep in mind that you will also need to protect the plant from overexposure to light.
Ensure the sunlight it receives is bright yet diffused. Protect it from the harsh rays by creating a greenhouse effect around it or placing it under larger plants. This will filter the light and thereby keep the plant protected. In winter, move the plant under artificial grow lights to meet its light requirement and this should help you tackle the growing issues of the plant easily.
– Variation of Foliage
If you notice the otherwise green and waxy leaves turning yellow, it could be because you have subjected the plant to fluctuations or extremes in temperature. The plant is tropical and requires an ideal temperature range that is steady and constant to thrive.
Sudden temperature changes are going to result in stress thereby turning the leaves yellow in color. Moreover, the plant will struggle to cope with extremely low or high temperatures. Thus regulate the temperature around it, keeping it constant always to tackle this problem.
The leaves of your anthurium may be turning brown if it is under a stress condition caused by under watering or over watering and exposure to excessive sunlight. The leaves may also turn brittle and crunchy under this condition thus monitor your watering schedule and keep the plant under bright yet diffused light to tackle the condition.
FAQ
– How Do I Get More Blooms on Anthurium?
You can keep the anthurium blooming by providing it with adequate light humidity, well-draining soil, and enough warmth to boost the production of buds. You could also additionally include a phosphorus-rich formula to the plant once or twice, especially during the active growing phase. This should ensure and keep the anthuriums blooming throughout.
– Is the Anthurium Salgarense Toxic?
Yes, this anthurium is mildly toxic and if swallowed accidentally it can cause irritation around the mouth and the digestive system. Thus keep it away from pests and children.
Conclusion
After having read this detailed guide where our experts have listed out the growing and carrying procedures for the plant, you can confidently maintain it in your garden in an easy and hassle-free way.
Here is a quick summary of all that we have learned in this article.
- The anthurium salgarense is a rare and exotic plant that has large leaves. With a waxy texture, it is easy to grow and is thus a favorite among gardeners across the globe.
- The plant is an epiphyte and can grow indoors as well as in outdoor spaces. It is a tropical plant and prefers to thrive in environmental conditions closest to its native.
- Grow the plant in moderate temperatures, direct yet diffused sunlight, and high levels of humidity, with occasional fertilizer use. You are required to prune it regularly to keep it disease-free and pest free and to give it a neat and maintained look.
- Propagate the plant with the help of stem cuttings or root divisions, preferably in the active growing months of spring or summer.
- The most common problems can be tackled by maintaining a proper watering schedule and ensuring the plant receives adequate light and warmth. Tackle pest infestation by keeping the plant dust-free and snipping away infected sections as soon as you spot them.
Though this anthurium variant is endangered, it is low in maintenance and can easily be grown with just some basic gardening skills. Generally, wait no longer and go ahead and include this attractive plant in your garden to grab eyeballs from one and all.
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