Can someone please help me identify this cool houseplant I bought for my office: http://www.smugmug.com/photos/147394937-M.jpg What is it and how do I take care of it to keep it healthy? Thanks in advance for your help! -erik
Looks like one of the dwarf cultivars of Anthurium andraeanum. But can't advise on care, anthuriums generally languish and eventually dwindle to nothing in my care! (or should I say neglect!)
The plant is almost certainly a hybrid variation of Anthurium andreanum. Many such hybrids are created, especially in Hawaii, for the nursery trade. As a rule Anthurium sp. are easily cared for. The first thing you must realize is they are tropical species. This one likely was "born" in Hawaii! As a result, they need high humidity and damp soil that is not soaking wet. I use a mixture of 50% Miracle Grow Moisture Contol potting mix with 20% peat moss, 20% Perlite™, and 10% orchid potting media such as Schultz added. Many aroid enthusiasts use similar mixes. This mixture is very loose and drains quickly yet holds moisture for the Anthurium hybrid's roots. They like their roots to be damp, just not soaking wet. Check the mix often and when you can't feel moisture an inch or so into the mix, water the plant. Just make sure it drains completely through. If you live in a dry climate add a pebble tray beneath the pot. A pebble tray is a simple shallow dish, perhaps 2 inches thick, with pebbles inside. Keep that tray filled with water at all times. When you water your Anthurium the water will drain into the tray. The water in the tray will allow humidity to surround the plant all day long. And your Anthurium will lvoe it. Anthurium sp. grow in rain forests and you know what it does in a rain forest? It rains! By the way, most Anthurium sp. don't grow in soil, they grow on the sides of trees! They are called epiphytes. But the hybrid varieties will do fine in the mix I described. I have over 60 true species of Anthurium, some quite rare, and have never lost a one with the methods I described. Don't be afraid of it!
Not all that cool - Anthuriums need a minimum temperature of 15°C, and do best around 23 to 25°C. Don't let it get too cool in winter!
Generally, Michael F's comments are absolutely correct. However, there are many Euadorian Anthurium sp. that live high in the Andes and do appreciate temps down into the high 40 degree F range. I have one called Anthurium rugulosum that is quite rare in collections because it is a "bear" to keep alive in warmer temperature zones. This one grows in very wet and cool "cloud forests" and as a result wants to stay very cool and wet all the time. Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden scolded me for buying it! It is that difficult to maintain. I've had it 7 months and so far am beating the odds. And there are quite a few other beautiful species with long leaves that collectors love to try to master that are the same way. I just bought another one collected in the high mountains of Ecuador! Just call me "stupid". My only point is some Anthurium sp. do like cooler temps. The one in this photo is not one of those!
