The Anthurium Radicans, symbolized for hospitality, is a popular houseplant choice. The reason for their exemplification of hospitality is the showy and heart-shaped leaves.
It is a long-lasting and easy-to-grow plant, which are two other causes for its widespread admiration.
This tropical plant does not require too much maintenance. The Anthurium Radicans plant enjoys growing in moist, well-drained soil with dappled sunlight.
It thrives in mild temperatures and has moderate watering needs. It can be called a water-loving plant. However, over-watering can lead to extensive damage.
The Anthurium Radicans, also known as Anthurium Malyi, is the sole member of the Chamaerepium section.
This aroid species is native to Southeastern Brazil and parts of Ecuador. Up till now, the Radicans species is the smallest creeping Anthurium among the others.
The bullate and cordate leaves of the Anthurium Radicans add to its beauty.
The Radicans plant is often used to produce various hybrids. The hybrid species give rise to unique plants with interesting foliage.
However, they are sterile, and so do not make a successive generation.
Another fascinating fact about the Anthurium species is that they all produce beautiful flowers with both female and male organs.
But, the Anthurium Radicans species do not self-pollinate. The female flowers become receptive earlier than the male flowers. Therefore, female flowers rely on insects for pollination.
Table of Contents
Basic Plant Care for Anthurium Radicans
Soil
Generally, these tropical species thrive in well-drained, moist, organic soil.
The ideal potting content for Anthurium Radicans is an orchid mix containing additional sand and peat moss. The perfect pH for the Radican plant is 6.1 to 6.5 (slightly acidic).
If you are growing the Anthurium Radicans indoors, an equal mixture of potting soil and orchid soil or perlite will provide the perfect conditions for the plant to grow in.
In the case of the outdoors, place the plant in a freely draining pot/soil.
Water
Although the Radican plant does not require a lot of effort, it does love water. Its watering needs are low to medium, depending on its environment and genetics.
For a rough estimate, water your Anthurium Radican when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry.
For hot climates, I suggest watering the Radicans plant about once every 2 to 3 days.
For those of you living in relatively colder or rainy locations, water your Anthurium Radicans as necessary. Allow the Anthurium Radicans soil to dry out before watering it again.
Remember not to overwater or underwater your Radicans plant. To make things convenient, you can use a moisture meter to check the plant’s moisture levels.
Light
The Anthurium Radicans need about 70-85% light. Place your Radicans in a spot with filtered, indirect sunlight. A light that is too direct will most likely scorch the leaves and flowers of the plant.
During the summers, put the plant in partial shade where bright dappled sunlight hits it. During the colder seasons, if temperatures are extreme, bring your Radicans plant indoors.
However, if the temperature is moderately cold, let it remain outside, but make sure it receives plenty of indirect sunlight.
Since the Anuthirum Radicans is a tropical plant, protect it from the harsh winter temperatures.
However, remember to allow the plant to receive adequate sunlight as low light slows down the plant’s growth, and it produces fewer, smaller flowers.
Temperature
The humid and toasty climate of the lands of Brazil is home to this aroid species. Therefore, the Anthurium Radicans species prefer warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for the Radicans plant is 70 to 90 oF (21 to 32 degrees Celsius).
If you do not live in such warm temperatures, worry not. Fortunately, this species is adaptable and possesses the ability to flourish in a vast range of temperatures.
However, as with most plants, the Anthurium Radicans also cannot tolerate temperature extremes. If your thermostat drops below 50 oF, it is time to heat things a bit.
Similarly, if your house gets too warm, the Radicans plant may wilt.
Be sure to keep them away from cold environments having air conditioners and direct fans.
Humidity
The Anthurium Radicans species flourish very well in humid environments. An ideal humidity level for the Radicans plant is 60% to 80%.
You can measure humidity levels in your house by using a hygrometer. This device accurately tells the humidity levels and can be very helpful for keeping indoor plants.
Alternatively, you can invest in a humidifier to achieve the desired humidity levels.
If you are not a fan of technological devices, you can also alter the humidity levels in your house naturally.
One way is to fill small trays with pebbles and water and place your Radicans plant in or around them.
Another option is to group all your houseplants if you have other indoor houseplants as well. This can increase humidity levels in a short time and ensure even humidity distribution among the plants.
Luckily, the flowering varieties of the Anthurium Radicans can tolerate some dryness, which allows you more time to establish the ideal humidity levels.
On the other hand, the types with more textured and elongated leaves may require greater care and humidity.
Fertilizer
One reason why the Anthurium Radicans is a popular houseplant choice is because of its minimum to moderate maintenance needs.
It only has to be fed a few times throughout the year, making it easy to manage.
For growing a healthy Anthurium Radicans, buy good quality fertilizer with a high content of phosphorous.
Phosphorous will promote relatively more blooms. Ensure the fertilizer does not contain too many salts as such fertilizers can cause root-rot and have adverse effects overall.
Fertilize the Anthurium Radican about thrice a year. For fertilizing your Radicans plant, use a slow-release fertilizer and put it approximately 6 inches away from the plant’s base.
This will help the fertilizer spread evenly.
I would suggest using the fertilizer specifically made for Anthuriums if you are unsure.
Be sure to fertilize the Radicans plant during the growing seasons, summer and spring, to ensure relatively fast and healthy growth.
Repotting
The Anthurium Radicans plant has an average growth rate. However, like any other plant, its growth can reduce significantly if left in a confined space.
If you notice your Radicans plant’s growth rate has slowed down or it is drying out quicker than usual, I recommend you to repot it.
Another indication of repotting is the outgrowth of the plant from its current pot.
An Anthurium Radicans should be repotted about every two to three years or when it has reached a height of approximately 20 inches.
You can also check if the roots are circling the potting mixture’s surface or are growing through the drainage holes. Both indicate repotting.
Place your Radicans plant in the new larger container and fill it with the suitable potting soil to repot.
With light tapping of your fingers, firm the potting mix. Add some water to settle the soil. Now, sprinkle some more potting mixture, if needed.
Pruning
As visually pleasing as the Anthurium Radicans is, it may need pruning from time to time. Your Radicans plant can be pruned at any time of the year.
One reason why you might want to trim the exotic Anthrum Radicans is for it to look aesthetic. Irregular and dead leaves can look unpleasant.
And so, it is best to cut them off. Another reason to prune the Radicans plant is when its leaves have grown yellow or brown due to old age, low humidity, or inadequate nutrients.
You can also prune an Anthurium Radicans for size control. If you have limited space available indoors or simply do not wish for your plant to outgrow its pot/space, you can always trim it with a pair of pruning scissors.
Ensure that you utilize good-quality cutting tools, as dull blades can damage and crush the plant’s stems.
The usage of unsterilized tools also increases the probability of pest attack and disease. To prevent microbial infections, clean your cutting tools after each use.
Make use of rubbing alcohol or an anti-bacterial bleaching solution.
Propagation
The propagation process for Anthurium Radicans is quite easy and does not require much. All you need is stem cuttings of your plant, and the next steps are pretty similar to other plants’ propagation methods.
After the stem-cutting process, you just need to ensure that the new plant is placed and grown in an ideal environment.
Always make sure that your gardening tools are sterilized and free of any microbial growth.
The use of tools with fungal/bacterial growth makes your plants susceptible to diseases and infection. Preferably, wear protective clothing during the propagation process.
Follow the steps below to propagate this exotic species:
- Cut off a length of 6 inches from one stem of your Radicans plant with some pruning shears/scissors. I would recommend you to cut the stem with 2 to 3 leaves on it.
- Pick a plant pot that is approximately 10 inches in diameter. Fill this with a well-draining potting mix. Choose a planting container with drain holes in it.
- Now make a hole that is about 2 to 3 inches deep at the prepared soil’s center. You can use your fingers or other tools, such as a garden spade, to create this hole.
- Place your stem cutting in this hole and put in more potting soil to completely seal the gap around the stem. If the leaves at the bottom touch the soil or sink in the hole, gently pull them off with your fingers.
- Next, water the potting mix with the stem cutting until it seems saturated.
- Remember to water the soil with an interval of 2 to 3 days or whenever you feel the top layer is drying out. The goal is to keep the potting soil moist but not excessively watery.
- Lastly, move your pot to a location that has high humidity and bright dappled sunlight.
- Be patient as roots grow from the plant. When the roots have sprouted, you will see new foliage, or the cutting will seem taller.
When your plant seems larger and has new leaves growing from it, it is most likely mature enough to be moved into a bigger pot. This can take four to six weeks.
Blooms
The Anthurium Radicans produce showy and unique flowers. They are mostly purple with pale maroon spathes that are tinged with green.
The Radicans often bloom all year round. Each bloom lasts for about two to three months. If grown in conditions similar to its natural habitat, the rain forests, it can give rise to up to six blooms each year.
Growth
Luckily, an Anthurium Radicans grows almost all year round. However, its growth rate is faster during the warmer months of summer and spring, due to favorable conditions.
When placed in the right soil with adequate humidity, it can grow beautiful, long-lasting flowers.
An Anthurium Radicans plant may reach a height of 15 to 20 inches. The growth is dependent on its environment and genetics. However, in most cases, the bigger the spathe is, the longer the stem grows.
Common Problems for Anthurium Radicans
While the Anthurium species is generally easy to grow, it can sometimes cause problems. Fortunately, these problems are few, and most can be solved with some extra care. Some common problems are the following:
Tenderness
As mentioned earlier, the Anthuriums prefer the warmer summer temperatures, ranging from 70 to 90 oF, over the colder lower temperatures.
Unless these temperatures are provided and maintained, the plant can suffer severe damage.
In warm areas, you can allow your Radicans plant to grow and thrive outdoors.
However, if you are a resident of the colder regions, it is best to bring your Radicans plant indoors.
You can always take your plant outside during the hotter seasons when temperatures are more appropriate for this particular species.
To make it easier for your plant to adapt, gradually increase its time outdoors over two to three weeks.
Overwatering
Anthuriums should be watered often. However, overwatering can lead to significant damage. The roots of your Radicans plant can suffocate and begin to rot. This will ultimately cause your plant to wilt and die.
An easy solution to this seemingly tricky problem is watering the plant only when its soil is slightly dry. Wait for the top one or two inches to dry out before watering your Radicans plant.
Furthermore, you can mist your plant with some water using a spray bottle once in a while. This will also prevent dust buildup on the leaves.
Over-fertilizing
Food is good for the plant, as long as it is given within certain limits. Over-fertilizing your Radicans plant can lead to leaf burns, which begins as browning over the leaf edges.
Albeit nitrogen is mostly beneficial for plants, it can sometimes affect them adversely. It promotes the growth of new foliage. However, its excess leads to blooming inhibition.
An easy fix to this issue is water-soluble fertilizer that does not contain too much nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.
Choose a fertilizer with a 1-2-1 ratio. Flush your plant’s roots with water from time to time to prevent salt buildup.
Pests and Diseases
Generally, the Anthurium species tolerate pests and diseases well. However, they may fall prey to them at times.
To prevent such mishaps, make sure before placing any new plants with your existing houseplants, you initially isolate the new plants for a while.
Notice if any abnormal changes occur in the new plants. This will prevent the spread of possible infection.
The Anthuriums can suffer from spider mites. Therefore, either spray your plant with insecticide or wash the leaves with insecticidal soap.
Moreover, avoid overwatering and use a fungicide, if necessary. Also, keep your gardening tools sterile and germ-free.
Tips for Growing Anthurium Radicans
The following are some care tips for your Anthurium Radicans:
- Use a well-draining soil to avoid root-rot. However, make sure it can lock-in sufficient moisture for the Radicans plant.
- If you see roots growing from your plant’s stem, do not be alarmed. This is normal. If you dislike them, simply cut them off carefully with some planting scissors.
- Do not let your plant be root-bound. This will stunt its growth and have adverse effects on the existing foliage. Shift it to a bigger pot as soon as possible.
- If the blooms fade and you wish to get rid of them, cut close to the flower stem base to prevent possible damage to the rest of the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Radicans
Is Anthurium Radicans easy to care for?
The Anthurium Radicans requires little care and is durable. Therefore, it is generally easy to look after as a houseplant.
Do Anthurium Radicans bloom more than once?
Mostly, the Anthurium Radicans bloom throughout the year. However, they produce more flowers during the warmer seasons as compared to the colder months.
For how long does an Anthurium Radicans plant live?
If given the right care and placed in ideal conditions, it can last for years.
Which fertilizer is best for my Anthurium Radicans plant?
It is best to use fertilizers made explicitly for Anthurium Radicans. However, you can use one with high phosphorous content for the best results.
Why are my Anthurium Radicans’ flowers turning green?
There is most likely a problem in its environment. Make sure you are not overwatering or over-feeding the plant. Another problem could be root-rot, thus make sure the roots have enough space to grow and flourish.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Anthurium Radicans is a unique species. This tropical species is an excellent choice for growing as a houseplant due to its minimum requirements and durability.
It can make any corner of your house look aesthetically pleasing and welcoming.
However, it has toxic properties, thus must not be consumed. Keep the Anthurium Radicans plant away from children and pets.