Transplanting A Healthly Anthurium
Ask the Expert: Transplanting a healthy anthurium
I was given what appears to be a healthy anthurium plant. It has 6 healthy leaves and is growing another. However, the literature I have read implies that the best growing medium should be more course than the medium in which it is presently growing. The medium appears to be very fine, almost a fine muck. Would it be wise to remove the medium and repot it into a more aereated medium with larger bark particles and less fine peat moss? Thank you for any assistance in this matter. NicNat
Plant Expert Reply:
I'm a live and let live kind of person. If someone or something is happy and healthy with its living conditions, I usually leave it alone. If you decide to transplant plant the Anthurium, you will want to use a humus-rich soil. So what constitutes a humus-rich soil? Soil that has a strong base of organic material (partially decayed plants and animals) and particles that allow for good drainage (course sand, perlite, vermiculite etc) makes for a suitable humus-rich soil. This soil does not have to be extremely course in texture. Your "fine muck", as long as it drains well, could be a humus-rich soil and the reason the plant is thriving.
When transplanting the Anthurium don't try to remove the existing soil from the roots. Simply shaking any loose soil from the plants and place in the new pot with humus-rich soil. Be sure to keep the plant level the same as it was in the old pot.
Good luck with your Anthurium and keep me posted.
July 25th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
James - thanks a million for your quick and informative reply. For the time being the anthurium shall remain as is since it appears to be doing so well. There seems to be a \"flower bud in waiting\" near the center but leaves are being slowly produced in the meantime. I know patience is required with plants so I\'ll just enjoy what I have. Again, thanks.