The Anthurium Rugulosum is an exotic and beautiful species; only a few can grow. With its pebble-like leaves, it is at the top of every house gardener’s wish list.
The plant gives rise to cordate and conspicuous leaves that are bullate-shaped.
The petioles are long, and the veins have small, granular pubescence (hair) that mostly grow on the lower blade’s surface.
This wonderful plant belongs to the Araceae family, containing approximately 114 genera more than 3750 known species. It is exclusively found in Ecuador, though some claim to see it in Columbia as well.
Unfortunately, this beauty is endangered and has only 13 known subpopulations.
Fond of growing in the high Andes Mountains, the Anthurium Rugulosum plant must always be kept cool.
In mountainous, moist forests, the plant typically grows in an elevation between 3500 to 8500 feet (1150 to 2800 meters). However, luckily, some hybrids or house-friendly varieties have also been cultivated.
You can grow one of these varieties under your roof and help this species flourish once again. To grow a healthy and happy Anthurium Rugulosum plant, follow this simple care guide.
When it comes to its needs, this Rugulosum plant is the same as its fellow species.
Table of Contents
Anthurium Rugulosum Plant Care
The Anthurium Rugulosum thrives in bright, dappled sunlight and coarse, well-draining soils, containing peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. It likes moderate watering, about once a week. It’s highly sensitive to temperature; therefore, keep the temperature between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26.6 degrees Celsius) and humidity levels of 85% and higher.
Soil
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant prefers well-draining and well-aerated soils.
Although it can tolerate a wide variety of soils, growing it in its preferred type will lead to healthier and more colorful blooms.
Adding moisture-retaining elements enhances its growth and minimizes the probability of its leaves drying out.
The Anthuriums prefer loose and light soils that are mildly acidic, ranging from pH levels 6.5 to 6.7. I also suggest using a potting mix similar to the plant’s native soil.
If you are confused, mix about two parts of orchid mix with one part of peat moss and one part perlite. Alternatively, you can use equal parts of pine bark, perlite, and peat moss.
Please ensure that the plant’s soil does not retain surplus water as this will increase its susceptibility to infections, including bacterial root rot and fungal infections.
Water
A very important factor for the Anthurium Rugulosum plant is water. It is significantly sensitive to incorrect and infrequent watering schedules.
To grow a healthy and productive Anthurium Rugulosum, maintain a watering frequency of two to three times a week.
If you are growing it outdoors, this bi-weekly schedule works well. However, if the Anthurium Rugulosum plant is indoors, water it only once or twice a week.
A better and reliable indicator is the plant’s soil. When soil’s top layer dries, water the plant thoroughly.
On the other hand, if it is sufficiently moist, withhold watering till the top layer slightly dries out again.
Please remember that a definitive and same watering schedule may not suit your plant throughout the year as the environment plays a major role in any plant’s care routine.
Set your plant’s watering frequency, keeping in mind its surroundings, and make changes appropriately.
Light
For the Anthurium Rugulosum plant, spots with bright, indirect sunlight work wonders. The indirect sun helps the plant carry out all essential functions, including photosynthesis, without burning its leaves.
It also helps the plant stay hydrated and fresh for a longer time.
If planted outdoors, grow the Anthurium Rugulosum under shade, such as in balconies, under tree canopies, and patios.
For the plants thriving indoors, place it in front of east or south-facing windows. Alternatively, you can grow it under artificial growing lights.
Please ensure that you do not leave this beauty under direct, unobstructed sunlight, as the Anthurium Rugulosum plant is quick to react to such unfavorable conditions.
If placed in direct light for long, the plant starts losing moisture, and the leaves may even lose their vibrancy and smooth texture.
In most areas, the sunlight is tolerable during the winters. However, in the summertime, it may be too much for the Anthurium Rugulosum plant.
Therefore, during the latter period, I recommend bringing the plant indoors where the light is milder.
Temperature
Temperature is an important growth determinant; thus, it must be considered when buying any plant.
Get an Anthurium Rugulosum plant only if you reside in a cool region or you can maintain its preferred temperature range.
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant enjoys day temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26.6 degrees Celsius).
Please place it in temperatures no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) at night.
If your city has a mild climate, you may grow this Anthurium outdoors. However, if you live in a temperate or hot area, bring this plant inside during the hottest days is a good option.
Avoid placing it in front of direct drafts of wind to avoid shock.
Humidity
The chief determinant for growing the Anthurium Rugulosum plant is humidity. If you can maintain this plant’s desired moisture levels, it will grow in just about any setting.
However, if the plant is placed in low or excessively high humidity, the plant reacts in a matter of hours.
Put the Anthurium Rugulosum plant in humidity levels of 85% or higher. For better results, establish water dripping through the ceiling.
Such a high level does not pose a problem for the gardeners in rainy areas; however, it may be challenging for those in dry regions.
An excellent option to maintain humidity levels greater than 85% is to install a humidifier in your house; this will continuously add moisture to the air.
Another way is to group your houseplants in one room for adequate water vapor distribution. Alternatively, you can mist your Anthurium Rugulosum plant’s surroundings every other day.
Fertilizer
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant is not a vigorous feeder; therefore, feeding it once or twice every three to four months works considerably well.
Using a feed with a high phosphorus content improves yield and leads to more vibrant leaves.
There are 2 fertilizer types suitable for your Anthurium Rugulosum plant. One is the slow-release feed, which disintegrates gradually, providing nutrition for a longer time.
It also requires a lesser feeding frequency.
The other option is to bring home a liquid fertilizer; this breaks down relatively faster, feeding the plants quicker. However, it may require more feedings.
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant prefers liquid fertilizers with a high phosphorus ratio.
Please remember not to overfeed the Anthurium Rugulosum plant as it causes problems, such as leaf-scorching and yellow leaves.
For feeding schedules, you may also follow the product packaging’s instructions.
Repotting
There is no definite time for repotting the Anthurium Rugulosum plant. However, as noted by most owners, the plant requires repotting after a good two to three years.
Another convincing reason is when the plant outgrows its pot.
Consider repotting it when you see the plant is taller than 17 inches (43 centimeters) in a pot of 5-inches diameter.
The main purpose of upgrading the pot is to give the roots of the plant an adequate space to grow and refresh its soil contents.
Choose a slightly bigger pot and add fresh soil mix, ideally containing sphagnum moss or mulch every time you repot.
Pruning
The Anthuriums are gorgeous plants needing low maintenance. To add to its beauty, prune it from time to time, especially if you see its roots circling the pot.
The occasional pruning also helps the plant live longer and healthier.
Cut back any vines growing erratically or bringing down the plant’s overall look. Also, get rid of leaves that are overly mature, diseased, or turning yellow.
However, please ensure that you do not damage the neighboring foliage and use clean pruning shears.
Propagation
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant can be repotted from stem cuttings; however, the catch is to remain patient and give the plant plenty of time to grow.
Ideally, repot it in summer or spring.
- Start with cutting a stem off a healthy Anthurium Rugulosum plant, preferably with one some roots.
- Take this stem and dust off the roots to get rid of excess soil. You may also apply some fungicide spray.
- Next, plant this stem in a suitable potting mix containing perlite, mulch, or peat moss. Use a small container with adequate drainage.
- Make a hole at the center of the soil and put the stem in it. Once the plant is upright, add more soil to support it.
- Give the plant some water and fertilizer.
- Place this container in indirect light and keep its surroundings clean.
The plant takes a few weeks to mature. During this time, avoid watering it unless the soil runs dry.
Rotate your Anthurium Rugulosum daily, so all parts receive equal lighting.
Blooms
The Anthurium Rugulosum is from a family that produces small, inflorescent blooms. It gives rise to tiny flowers with male as well as female parts.
The flowers grow on a spathe, right in the middle of the spadix.
The female flowers become more receptive even before the male flowers begin producing pollen so as to avoid self-pollination.
Therefore, in most cases, an insect with pollen fertilizes the female flowers.
Many believe that the spathe that surrounds the spadix isn’t a flower but a modified leaf. The Anthurium Rugulosum enjoys popularity primarily because of its foliage.
Growth
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant has a slow to moderate growth rate. It grows almost all year round when given the right care.
The plant’s blooms may last for three months and grow up to six in number.
The exact dimensions of the Anthurium Rugulosum are unknown. However, most varieties grow to about 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 centimeters) and spread 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30.5 centimeters).
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Common Problems for Anthurium Rugulosum
Bacterial Blight
The Anthurium Rugulosum plant is highly susceptible to bacterial blight, mostly caused by Xanthomas. This disease significantly reduces plant yield and distorts its overall appearance.
The symptoms of a Xanthomas-stricken plant include water-soaked, yellow lesions along the leaf margins.
The lesions coalesce rapidly to form dead, V-shaped lesions that characterize this disease.
To treat the plant, isolate it immediately and discard the affected parts. Also, spray the rest of the parts with fungicide.
Bacterial Wilt
The Anthuriums need moderate to high moisture to survive. A dehydrated plant is quick to show signs, such as yellow leaves and flaky spots.
Some bacteria affect dehydrated Anthuriums and cause wilting. The infected plant develops chlorosis, and as the disease progresses, the veins, stems, and leaves turn brown.
Severely affected plants ooze a brownish slime even if you place the plant in its preferred moisture ranges. Unfortunately, by the time most gardeners find out the exact reason for wilting, it is too late.
If the plant is at the initial stages of the disease, place it in the ideal moisture range and treat it with bactericidal sprays.
For the plants that undergo complete wilting, ridding of it is your best bet.
Root Rot
Root rot, caused by Rhizoctonia, is a common disease that affects thousands of plants worldwide throughout the year, especially in the summers.
The other name for this disease is damping off. It primarily infects juvenile, tender stems that become water-soaked and grilled.
The weak stems can no longer support the plant, and it wilts.
The disease may even spread further, affecting all parts. Most gardeners can find out the cause before it is too late.
To save your plant, treat it with ample amounts of fungicide and place it under the sun for a few hours. Also, maintain good hygiene.
Tips for Growing Anthurium Rugulosum
- Place in higher than 85% moisture levels.
- Maintain good ventilation and drainage.
- Place in bright, dappled sunlight.
- Use liquid fertilizers high in phosphorous.
- Watch out for snails, slugs, and weeks. If you see any, remove them promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Rugulosum
Is Anthurium Rugulosum endangered?
The Anthurium Rugulosum is a red-lined species, hence, nearing extinction. However, lots of efforts are made to keep the genus and its varieties alive.
Why is my Anthurium Rugulosum not growing properly?
Various reasons can result stunted or improper growth. The most frequent causes include wet roots and direct sunlight. Please water the plant only when its top layer dries out and place it in bright, indirect sunlight.
How long do Anthurium Rugulosum plants last?
When given the ideal care, the Anthurium Rugulosum lasts for two to three years or longer, and its blooms persist for about three months.
Conclusion
The Anthurium Rugulosum, with its vibrant foliage and average houseplant needs, is a wonderful houseplant.
It grows exceptionally well in bright, dappled sunlight and moist, light soils. The plant can last for two years or longer when watered as per need and given plenty of moisture.
Bring one of these beauties home today to decorate your space.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.