Anthurium Black

Did you know the colorful “flowers” of the Anthurium are actually modified leaves? The true flowers of the plant grow from the center structure called an inflorescence.

Originally found in areas of the Andes Mountains range in Colombia and Equador, this beauty enjoys a warm spot in your home with a bit of extra humidity.

The genus name Anthurium is derived from the Greek ‘Anthos’ and ‘Oura’. The literal translation of this is ‘flowering tail’. The name is appropriate because of the flowering manner. This consists of a spathe and the spadix, on which the flowers are found. The manner in which it flowers defines that the Anthurium belongs to the Arum family (Araceae).

The “flowers” of the Anthurium are some of the longest-lasting on earth, which means that dazzling color will last in your home for months. The Anthurium symbolizes hospitality with its open heart-shaped flower and inspires happiness and abundance.

How to take care of your Anthurium

1. Light – Place your Anthurium in a warm, well-lit spot. The more light the plant receives, the more flowers your plant will produce, but never expose it to direct sunlight. During the winter they can handle less light.
2. Water – Keep the soil lightly moist during the growing season from March through September. Water your Anthurium well and then allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering causes yellow leaf tips and under-watering causes brown leaf tips.
3. Temperature – Your Anthurium prefers temperatures between 65-80 degrees during the day and no cooler than 60 degrees at night. Avoid placing your plants near heating and air conditioning vents and fans.
4. Humidity – Your Anthurium loves a humid environment, so feel free to mist every day. Use a pebble tray or a humidifier during the winter months when the air tends to be much drier.
5. Fertilizer – Use a balanced fertilizer or one a little higher in nitrogen for Anthurium plants. Feed monthly in the spring and summer, when Anthurium plants are actively growing. Dilute the plant food to one-third the recommended strength.
6. Additional care – Quickly remove fading or dying flowers as soon as they appear. This helps the plant focus its energy on new growth. Give your Anthurium a six-week rest during the winter. Lower temperatures, less light, and drier soil during this time help an Anthurium produce more flowers in the spring and summer.