There are high chances that you might have never heard about the Anthurium plant that we are discussing today. But believe me, you will not be disappointed by the beauty of this rare Anthurium.
The Anthurium Salgarense belongs to the Araceae plant family and originates from Colombia. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, not constantly wet, and add a regular fertilizer in the growing season. This plant is not suited for intense, direct sunlight.
Anthuriums are a diverse plant genus with more than 1000 species, and all these plants symbolize hospitality. They can bloom several times in the year, and the blooms last for months, making them a great plant for beginners.
Anthurium is a Greek word meaning Tail flower, but other names like Flamingo Flower, Hawaiin Heart are also used for this plant. These are loved by plant enthusiasts for their ornamental foliage and flower spathes. This plant has a new name Anthurium Decipiens and is an extremely rare aroid.
Anthuriums vary greatly in size but are known for their colorful, vibrant flowers. The flowers are actually a modified version of the waxy leaves. Mostly the blooms will last for about eight weeks. Bright light encourages more blooms on these plants.
Based on my experience, this Anthurium is easy to grow. Keep reading to learn how and what care instructions are needed.
Table of Contents
Basic Plant Care for Anthurium Salgarense
Soil
Anthurium Slagarense can grow in a wide range of soils from sandy loams to clay but whichever soil mixture you use, just make sure it is well-draining. If you want to grow it in 100% sphagnum moss, keep it loosely packed in the pot. A fluffy texture will allow for good air circulation.
Any potting mixture that’s porous but has good water retention properties works great for Anthuriums. A porous medium allows the water to run freely. You can use the following materials at equal portions to create a custom mixture:
- Orchid bark
- Coarse grade perlite
- Peat moss
One optional step is to add about 10% charcoal in the above mixture; this will help in removing toxicities that build up in the potting soil. Mulching is also necessary for Anthuriums. The preferred growing zones for this plant are USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Watering
Water it frequently in the growing season. Keep the potting mixture slightly moist but not wet for too long. Overly wet soil easily leads to root rot and other issues.
The amount of water also matters, do not drown the plant in water and dispose of the excess water. Increase the watering frequency if you feel the potting soil has dried out.
Check the top few inches before you water; if the soil is still damp, skip the watering but if the soil feels crumbly, treat your plant with a good drink.
Water it well every 1 or 2 weeks, but allow it to dry before watering again. You can alter or increase the watering frequency based on light and temperature.
If the potting mixture is too compact, it’s going to take longer to dry out. This is because the lower portion of the soil does not get enough airflow. On the other hand, if the potting mixture is too airy, it might dry out faster than you expect, leading to under-watering.
The aim is to maintain a watering schedule that keeps the roots happy and hydrated according to Dustin’s blog on Aroids, Anthuriums, and Philodendron care. You may have to experiment to find the perfect balance for your Anthurium Salgarense.
In winter, Anthurium Salgarense needs a six-week rest period to reduce the watering.
Light
Anthurium Salgarense is a sun-lover that requires bright but indirect sunlight exposure. Your plant needs at least 10 hours of moderate but continuous light. You can use a combination of natural sunlight and grow lights.
Anthuriums are epiphytic plants that grow on trees. This species can survive in low light, but it seeks bright sunlight because that encourages better leaf growth. They need plenty of energy to grow the beautiful foliage, so bright light is best suited.
I have placed my Anthurium a few feet away from the window to make sure the direct sun rays never hit the foliage.
Surprisingly this Anthurium can tolerate full sun, but I would not suggest that because the foliage may suffer from sunburns.
Temperature
This plant likes warm environments. Keep the Anthurium Salgarense in ambient temperature ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius).
Even if your plant is grown in a greenhouse, it should be well-ventilated. Avoid draughty doors, windows, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Humidity
The only thing Anthuriums hate is dry air, so keep your plant in an environment with 65% or higher humidity levels. One of the main drawbacks of growing Anthuriums in low humidity is that new leaves are flawed, and old leaves start dropping.
You can create the desired humid environment for your plant by misting it with room temperature water every few days. Having a humidifier is great if you have several houseplants that like high humidity.
A wet pebble tray is also effective for improving indoor humidity levels.
Fertilizer
Right after you receive your plant, feed it with a diluted vitamin solution to help it recover from transportation shock.
Almost every houseplant needs nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus content for optimum growth. You can use any standard NPK fertilizer for the Anthurium Salgarense.
I have used 9-3-6 and 12-12-12 water-soluble fertilizers for my Anthurium plants. Prepare a fertilizer solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of fertilizer with 1-gallon water. You can apply this solution while watering your plant.
Fertilizing this species bi-monthly in the growing season is more than enough. But in winter, reduce fertilization.
Repotting
I always refresh the potting soil for my plants annually. This prevents several root problems and gives me an opportunity to examine the root ball. You need to repot the Anthurium Salgarense only when the plant outgrows its pot, or the potting mixture is deteriorating. Keep the following points in mind for repotting.
- The potting mixture takes longer to dry out.
- There is a decline in plant growth and general health.
I repot all my plants after 1 or 2 years; this is true for this Anthurium as well.
Pruning
The Anthurium Salgarense might be small as a young plant, but it grows really fast, taking up a lot of space. To keep it happy and growing, prune the dead or yellow foliage using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Propagation
All Anthurium species are considered the easiest to propagate. You can grow your Anthurium plant collection with simple cuttings that can be taken while pruning your plant or specifically for propagation. Follow the simple steps discussed below for the successful propagation of your Anthurium Salgarense.
Locate a healthy stem on a mature Anthurium Salgarense plant. Disinfect the gardening tools ( pruning shears or scissors) by dipping them in rubbing alcohol. This is critical for the success of propagation as well as for the prevention of diseases. Using germ-free equipment will protect both the cutting and the original plant.
Stem Cuttings in Soil
- Make an inclined cut just below the leaf node on the selected stem. The cutting should be at least 6 inches in length. Additionally, the cutting should also have 2 or 3 leaves on it. Remove any leaves on the lower part of the cutting.
- Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone powder if you want to encourage fast growth and root development. This step is completely optional because fulfilling light, temperature, and water requirements are enough for successful propagation.
- Take a 10-inch pot and fill one-third of the pot with a well-draining potting mixture. Drainage holes are a must for the Anthuriums.
- Create a 2-3 inches deep hole in the center of the soil. Place the cutting all the way in the hole and pour some more soil. The leaves should not touch the soil; they should be above the surface level of the potting surface.
- Now water the cutting until the soil is completely saturated. Afterward, only water when necessary but don’t allow the top layer to dry out completely. Anthuriums are native to rainforests, so they want moist soil conditions.
- Place the pot/container in a bright spot with filtered sunlight and high humidity. Alternatively, you can cover it with a plastic bag to create a small greenhouse for your cutting. But don’t forget to add a few holes for air circulation.
- Open the bag for 1 or 2 hours every day for air circulation and light supply.
- Root development will take four to six weeks. Tiny, new leaves on the cutting confirm the root development on the cutting.
- After that, you can either continue growing it in the same container or shift it to a bigger one. Continue to care for your cutting as a young Anthurium Salgarense based on the instructions discussed previously.
- If you plan to shift your cutting, allow the roots to grow few inches long before the transfer.
Another method of propagation is the root division. If your Anthurium has outgrown its container, you can split it to have more plants. This should be done when the roots start emerging from the drainage holes or circle the top surface of the soil.
Dividing it to a reasonable size will make your plant healthier with more blooms on it. Simply take the plant out from its pot and, using clean tools, separate the roots. The number of sections will vary depending on the size of your plant.
Blooms
This plant features long, draping inflorescence complementing the dark, metallic green foliage. The blooms are, in fact, spathes that have a foul smell.
Growth
This plant is a holy grail for exotic plant lovers because of the giant leaves. This Anthurium has beautiful, glossy leaves with lobes. The leaves are in shades of light and dark green.
Compared to other Anthuriums, Salgarense has extensive growth and develops particularly large leaves as it matures. This plant can easily grow 8 feet tall when grown in a large pot.
Common Problems for Anthurium Salgarense
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is an important nutrient that is responsible for cell growth and plant vigor. Anthurium plants need a good amount of calcium supply during active growth.
If you are using a high-quality potting mixture, it already has enough calcium. But in some cases, calcium deficiency can lead to root, leaf, or stem rot. You can add dolomite lime.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases or bacterial infections like bacterial blight, bacterial leaf spots are mostly caused by overwatering.
The first visible symptom of bacterial blight is chlorotic leaves. Wet foliage favors bacteria growth. Therefore it is important to allow the leaves to dry after misting or watering. For serious damage, you will have to use fungicides. Trim the infected part of the plant and spray it with neem oil.
Reduce the watering for your Anthurium Salgarense and water only when the topsoil layer feels dry.
Erwinia Soft Rot
The main symptom of this bacterial issue is the presence of wet, mushy lesions at stem bases. The tissue will rot and have a foul smell. Warm, humid conditions favor the spread of this rot. So install a small fan near your plant for better air circulation.
Remove all the infected leaves and dispose of them as this disease can spread from one plant to another. Cleaning and disinfecting your tools is also necessary.
Pests
Anthuriums are susceptible to common houseplant pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These sap-sucking pest feed on plant nutrients and discrete sticky honeydew, which attracts other insects.
All of these can be treated by spraying your plant with a regular insecticidal soap once a week. You can also dab these insects with a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Remove the dead insects from the plant using a damp cloth.
You can try blasting the pests with a strong stream of water. Stubborn pests will require a horticulture soap or oil spray. Pytherine based insecticide is the most effective against almost all houseplant pests.
Pest infestations lead to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and in rare cases, may even kill your plant. For the future, always quarantine your new plants for at least three weeks to identify any pest infestations.
Tips for Growing
- Inspect your plant roots and stems for any transportation damage. Prune them if necessary.
- As a rainforest plant, this species likes foliage misting. Just make sure the leaves dry out within 3 to 4 hours to prevent any fungal or bacterial infection. Misting once every week is also great to help maintain the necessary humidity levels for the plant.
- Houseplants should be watered using any water (tap or rain) provided it isn’t high in sodium.
- Leach your plant every third or fourth watering to remove unnecessary mineral build-up.
- Early morning sun is great for Anthurium Salgarense because the intensity of light is lower.
- Cover the base of the plant with a layer of peat or moss as it matures. This protects the stems/stalks and maintains the desired moisture levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Salgarense
How to revive a dying Anthurium Salgarense?
The first step is to remove the dead, brown, or yellow foliage. Look for the major reason that was killing you plant; resolve this issue first. You might have to regulate the indoor temperature as well as alter the watering schedule for your plant.
How many times should I water my Anthurium in the summer?
In dry and hot climates, you should water it at least once a week. You may also have to mist it every day. But if the indoor humidity levels are high, you can water your plant every two weeks. I would recommend doing the soil squeeze test.
The potting mixture is taking longer to dry out; why is that?
As the mixture ages, the bacteria start decaying different components. This also compacts the soil leading to reduced airflow. All this reduces the drying capacity of the potting mixture. The best option is to refresh the potting soil.
Is this plant toxic?
Anthuriums have toxic plant properties that can irritate the mouth, intestinal tract, and throat if swallowed. Even the sap can cause allergic reactions.
Can this Anthurium plant root in water?
Propagating Anthuriums in water is possible, but this method is rarely used. Mainly because it takes very long for root development, and there is a high risk of root rot as Anthuriums are sensitive to excessive watering.
How can I improve the drainage for my Anthurium Salgarense?
For a peat-based potting mixture, you can add large chunks of perlite or tree fern to improve the drainage.
What are some repotting instructions for the Anthurium Salgarense?
Repot after 1 or 2 years. Always use a pot/container with drainage holes and increase the pot size by just 1 or 2 inches. Fill the pot halfway with pebbles and add a mixture of 3 parts orchid peat, 1 part sphagnum moss, and 1 part leaf mold. You can also add crushed charcoal.
Conclusion
To conclude, this plant is an absolute highlight that deserves to be in every indoor garden. On top of that, it is a tough survivor that can thrive without ideal conditions. Anthurium Salgarense is a must-have for exotic plant enthusiasts.