These tropical flowers are great candidates for growing indoors How to Grow and Care for an Anthurium Plant 3:18
Anthurium, also called flamingo flowers, are known for their unique, bright red, green, and white colors. The genus consists of around 1,000 perennial plants native to Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Though they can easily be grown outdoors in tropical climates, they are more often kept as houseplants or in greenhouses due to their specific care needs.
Anthurium can bloom repeatedly for long periods; varieties are distinctive with heart-shaped waxy spathes (i.e., modified leaf around the flower) and red or yellow spikes. Growth rate is slow or moderate and dependent on ample light but susceptible to sunburn. Many anthuriums are climbers, and all need high humidity and warmth to thrive. Anthurium is toxic to both humans and pets.
Anthuriums are popular tropical houseplants known for their lush foliage and brightly colored heart-shaped flowers But if you’re new to growing these exotic beauties, you may be wondering – just how long do those gorgeous anthurium blooms last before they fade?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about anthurium flower lifespan, from factors that affect longevity to care tips for maximizing each bloom Read on to learn how you can enjoy these stunning flowers for months at a time!
The Basics of Anthurium Flowers
Anthuriums belong to the Araceae family and originate from Central and South American rainforests. There are over 1000 species, but a popular one is Anthurium andreanum, which has glossy green leaves and vibrant spathes in shades of red, pink, orange and more
The spathe is a specialized leaf that surrounds the spadix, which contains the tiny true flowers. Together, these structures create the colorful “bloom” anthuriums are prized for.
What Determines Anthurium Flower Longevity?
When well cared for, anthuriums can bloom continuously, with each spathe lasting 2-3 months on average. But various factors affect individual flower lifespan:
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Light – Bright, indirect light provides energy for blooming. Insufficient light means fewer or no flowers.
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Temperature – Ideal temperatures are 70-90°F. Outside this range, flowers fade faster.
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Humidity – Anthuriums prefer 60%+ humidity. Lower humidity causes blooms to dry out quicker.
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Water – Too much or too little water stresses plants, resulting in poorer flower quality and longevity.
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Nutrients – Adequate fertilization gives blooms the energy they need. Lack of nutrients causes weaker flowers.
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Care – Proper techniques like pruning, repotting and pest management keep plants vigorous for longer-lasting blooms.
Caring For Anthuriums to Maximize Flower Longevity
With optimal care tailored to their needs, your anthurium could produce up to 6 blooms per year, each lasting 2-3 months. Here are some tips:
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Provide bright, indirect sunlight from an east or west window. Avoid direct sun.
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Maintain temperatures of 70-90°F. Avoid cold drafts.
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Increase humidity to 60% or more. Use a humidifier or pebble tray.
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Water thoroughly when top 1” of soil is dry. Allow water to penetrate roots.
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Fertilize monthly with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
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Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to improve plant health.
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Repot when roots fill the container into a size larger pot with well-draining soil.
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Monitor for pests like aphids, mealybugs and mites. Take action if found.
Common Anthurium Flower Problems
Understanding issues that impact anthurium blooms allows you to identify and fix them promptly:
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Flowers falling off – Due to incorrect temperatures, watering problems or pest damage to buds
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Discolored spathes – Caused by too much light or inconsistent watering
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Wilting – Result of low humidity, under-watering or diseases like root rot
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Stunted blooms – Improper fertilizing or insufficient light
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No flowers – Triggered by unsuitable temperatures, pruning stress or overwatering
Anthurium Flower FAQs
How long do cut anthurium flowers last?
With proper care, cut anthurium flowers can last 2-3 weeks. Change the water every 2 days and keep the stems submerged.
Do anthuriums bloom more than once?
Yes! With excellent care, anthuriums can re-bloom up to 6 times per year. Allow 3 months between each flowering cycle.
When is anthurium blooming season?
Anthuriums bloom year-round but most abundantly in spring/summer when light levels are higher.
How can I get my anthurium to bloom again?
Increase light, maintain ideal temperatures, prune dead material, and fertilize regularly to encourage re-blooming. Reduce water and light in winter.
Tips for Maximizing Each Lush Anthurium Bloom
Anthurium flowers bring exotic tropical flair to any indoor space with their vibrant spathes. By providing these beauties with the proper moisture, humidity, light, warmth and care, you can maximize flower production and enjoy each individual bloom for 2-3 months.
Follow the tips in this guide, and you’ll be rewarded with anthurium flowers that last and last! From ideal growing conditions to troubleshooting common issues, you now have the knowledge to keep your anthuriums flowering happily.
Common Pests
These plants are subject to the same pests that commonly affect most houseplants: mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, and scale. Aphids leave distorted mottled leaves over time. Ants are a also sign of aphid infestation and feed on the aphids sticky residue.
Spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs also feed on new growth causing yellow stippling and mottled leaves. Stubborn insects may respond to horticultural soap or oil sprays, which are natural and dont harm the plant.
You can often control insects naturally with blasts of water, which dislodge and drown the pests.
Water
Keep soil slightly moist and never allow it to dry out completely. Water indoor plants about once a week or when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Water your plant until it runs from the pots drainage holes but do not leave it to sit in water—anthuriums are vulnerable to root rot.
Grown outdoors, plants may need water every two to three days.