Anthuriums & Elephant Taro

Anthuriums are rainforest plants and are epiphytic. Their leaves are generally leathery and tough and can withstand a variety of indoor growing conditions. Their roots should be kept moist, but not wet, at all times. If allowed to dry out completely the growth cycle of the plant will suffer, and if overwatered the leaves of the plant will yellow. Although able to grow under low-light conditions, Anthurium plants like bright indirect sun or artificial lighting. No direct sunlight is recommended. Anthuriums require a fast-draining potting mix. They like a loose well draining potting mix that will get evenly moist but not stay soggy. A perfect mix is to take Jungle Grow potting soil (or any GOOD brand), and mix in equal parts of orchid bark, perlite, and lava cinders. Or, if you can't find cinders you can substitute sand for the lava cinders. In Hawaii we use cinders and potting soil. Their roots will eventually come up above the soil level and you should let that happen. Any aerial roots should be misted frequently. Remove old finished brown leaves to keep the plants looking nice. Anthuriums will tolerate temps to the high 30's-low 40's but they really don't like it, a minimum of 50-55 will keep them happy. In nature they attach to trees in the rainforest canopy like bromeliads and orchids do, catching rainfall. In Florida theme parks they mount them up in the trees for effect and they are stunning.

To enhance growth, fertilize quarterly with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Gaviota Orchid/Anthuriums fertilizer or Miracle-Grow. Any orchid fertilizer will work fine. An added benefit is that Anthuriums are perennial plants that produce flowers throughout the year, so enjoy their beauty all year long!