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I inherited 2 anthuriums (one pink & one red) about a year ago. both had “blooms” at the time. Since then nothing. I’ve been wiping the leaves off and don’t think I am over watering, although I think may need to change the soil medium because it appears to be just regular potting soil. As you will see in the pictures attached they are in bright but not direct light. (The large windows are to the right of the bookcase but face due south.) There are brownish flake-like spots on them; which tend to come off when I wipe the leaves/stems off. Also, they seem to let off a sticky substance that doesn’t seem to be hurting anything really; just need to keep shelf & floor below clean. Any suggestions on what I’m doing wrong? – Tammie
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Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
Tammie,
Anthurium can sometimes be a tricky flower to get to bloom because it’s so picky about it’s environment. First, understand that an anthurium is a tropical plant and being so, it loves moisture. Watering once or twice a week might be okay, but keep checking the soil with your finger, if it is dry to the first knuckle, go ahead and water again. Misting will also help keep the humidity up around your plant.
Lighting is the second requirement for getting an anthurium to bloom. Although it may get a good amount of sun certain times a day, it may not be getting all that it needs to bloom. Indirect light is best for these plants, but they like a lot of it.
Another reason your plant may not be blooming is the type of soil it is in. You mentioned that you use regular potting soil. These plants naturally live in trees in the rainforest, they prefer being in an organic mixture of bark, peat, and even nut shells, this is sometimes referred to as an Orchid Mix. Most of the time, when we transplant a plant, it goes into a bit of shock. If you have recently replanted your anthurium, you might consider waiting a while to make sure it’s healthy before changing it’s soil, if necessary.
How often do you fertilize your plant? I would suggest an orchid fertilizer diluted in water every couple of weeks. Hopefully one or all of these solutions will work for you! Let me know if you have any other questions.
The last thing I am concerned with is the little flakes all over the plant. I would suggest getting a magnifying glass to see if these are possibly tiny bugs or larva. If so, this could be where the sticky substance is coming from. Take a sample to your local garden center and they should have advice on how to treat it.
Hope this helps!
