Anthurium radicans, a perennial tropical plant, is popular for its large, heart-shaped, caudate leaves. It is the only species from the Chamaerepium section of Anthuriums. The leaves are bullate and deeply veined. It has exotic, showy flowers that are pinkish to maroon in color. This species has been cross-bred with many other ones to produce new hybrids with extra-remarkable features. However, all of its hybrids are sterile.
It is a tropical plant that is naturally found creeping over the trees in the rainforests of Brazil. Its strikingly-shaped leaves and average height makes it a perfect choice as a houseplant that can be grown in terrariums, living rooms, and home gardens.
Contents
Common Names
- Anthurium Malyi
Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Pothoideae
- Genus: Anthurium
About the genus Anthurium
Anthurium is a member of the Anthurieae tribe. It includes more than 1000 species of flowering plants. All the species of this genus are also known as laceleaf, tailflower, anthurium, and flamingo flower. It is the largest genus of the Araceae family. These plants are endemic to America; these are mostly found in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Argentina.
Almost all the plants are terrestrial; they grow on land. They have showy inflorescence in the form of a spadix. This genus includes epiphyte plants that live off other trees and plants. All of its species are poisonous and must not be ingested.
Origin and Distribution
Anthurium radicans was first studied and described in 1854. It is native to the rainforests of Brazil and Ecuador. It is found in the tropical regions of America.
Anthurium Radicans Features
Foliage and Stem
This flowering plant has beautiful leaves that are 3 inches long. These bullate leaves are caudate-shaped. These are dark-green in color and deeply pleated in texture. It is an herbaceous plant that has glossy and soft stems that retains water for harsh conditions. Multiple stems grow out of a single base. Each leaf is held up by a separate stem.
Flowers
It has showy flowers that grow spirally on a spadix. These flowers can be pink, purple, or maroon in color. Anthurium blooms all the year round; your plant will never run out of flowers. Each flower stays fresh for 2-3 months; after that, it dries out and falls down, giving space to new blossoms.
Anthurium Radicans x dressleri
Anthurium radicans x dressleri is a hybrid of Anthurium radicans by cross-breeding it with A. dressleri. This hybrid has all the remarkable features of both parent plants. Its leaves are all different in shapes. But this hybrid is a sterile plant that cannot produce further offspring.
Evergreen
Anthurium radicans is an evergreen, herbaceous plant whose stunning foliage remains fresh and functional throughout the year. It does not go through the period of falling leaves.
Height
It is an average-sized, tropical plant that attains a mature height of 15 to 20 inches. Its herbaceous stem is erect and grows straight upwards. It is a climbing plant whose height can be increased by supporting it through a totem or a tree.
Temperature Tolerance
All tropical plants prefer to be grown in warmer temperatures. With that being said, the temperature tolerance of Anthurium radicans is quite obvious. It is not frost-hardy; it cannot tolerate high temperatures either. You have to place this plant indoors during winters. In summers, any spot where direct sunlight does not reach its appealing foliage is favorable.
Humidity Tolerance
These magnificent plants love high humidity levels. These naturally grow in rainforests where the humidity is above 80%. This level is difficult to maintain indoors. This plant is not tolerant to low humidity levels; low humidity slows down its lush and rich growth.
Drought Resistance
These hardy plants can tolerate limited water availability. These are quite drought-tolerant plants. These plants can retain water in their juicy, herbaceous stems and save water for future use.
Pressure Tolerance
Anthurium radicans is a hardy plant that can survive through harsh, external pressure. This plant does not ask its grower for regular maintenance thus, it can grow on its own. It can tolerate a considerable amount of neglect.
Disease and Pest Resistance
This gorgeous plant is not prone to any pests or diseases. You need not worry about its well-being. The only insects that bother this beaut a little are spider mites. You can easily get rid of them by spraying water mixed with neem oil on it.
If your plant gets a fungal infection, use an appropriate fungicide on it. Seclude it from your other plant to keep the infection from spreading.
Using clean, sterile scissors while pruning and grooming ensure that your plant does not attract any unwanted pests and infections.
Growth
Anthurium plants are slow-growers relative to other species from the Araceae family. They take 2 to 3 years to reach their maximum height. However, you can increase their growth rate by providing them with a totem or pole. They can attain a maximum height of 20 inches.
These plants are tropical, and the recommended USDA plant hardiness growth zones for these are 11 to 12.
Toxicity
Just like its fellow species, this plant is poisonous to animals and humans. Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation of the mouth, GIT, and respiratory tract. These crystals can cause breathing and digestion problems if ingested. It is better to keep your pets and toddlers away from this planting.
Durability
These perennial plants are quite durable, and they have a lifespan of several years. If cared for properly, your Anthurium radicans will live more years than you can imagine.
Maintenance
No person on this planet will find it difficult to grow this gorgeous plant as it is so easy to grow and maintain. If one can manage to kill this low-maintenance plant, he really is a plant-assassin. This beautiful plant does not need much maintenance. You just have to do the basics.
Dormancy
Anthuriums are winter-dormant plants that hibernate in the cold season. These plants stop growing until the beginning of the next growing season. You should not feed it with fertilizers during this dormancy period.
Anthurium Radicans Care
This beautiful plant needs to be watered thrice every week. Keep it in a well-lit space with 70-85% of bright, dappled sunlight. It grows the best in slightly acidic soil; the soil pH must be around 6.1-6.5. The suggested USDA plant hardiness growth zones for this plant are11-12. The atmosphere must be 60-80% humid.
Water Requirements
Anthurium Radicans does not want much of your attention, but it surely needs to be watered often. You should water it thrice a week. NEVER-OVERWATER!
In summers, it should be watered more often; however, in winters and in rainfall season, cut down its watering rate. Always make sure that the upper 2-3 inches of topsoil are dry before you water it. Standing water will damage the roots and will cause root rot.
Soil Requirements
Loose, organic, rich, and well-drained soil is perfect for this Anthurium radicans. It will thrive well in slightly acidic soil. The optimum pH range is 6.1 to 6.5. For regulating the acidity of the soil, add two vinegar drops to your watering can.
Add orchid mix to the soil for the rich growth of its foliage and greener leaves. You can increase drainage and aeration of the soil by adding a mixture of sand and perlite to the soil. This excellent drainage will make sure that the extra water drips down the drainage holes; roots will be safe from root rot.
Sunlight
These tropical plants that are native to the rainforests of Brazil love to be grown under bright sunlight. You should place your Anthurium radicans in a spot where it receives 70-85% of bright, dappled sunlight. An east or west window will be perfect for your pot.
If you are growing this plant in your home garden outdoors, place it under a shade where it is safe from direct light exposure. Direct sunlight will harm its pretty foliage, and the leaves will lose their shine.
Temperature Requirements
These tropical plants love warmer conditions. The temperature of the surroundings should be between 21°C and 32°C for the healthy growth of these plants. These cannot survive temperatures other than this range. Never forget to move this plant indoors in winters.
Humidity
Anthurium radicans is adapted to high humidity levels. It requires a humidity of 60-80% to stay fresh and green. Of course, the humidity levels of the houses is much less than that of the rainforests, but you can still increase the proportion. You can place your plant in a pebble tray or in a group with other plants to provide it with sufficient moisture.
Fertilizer
These splendid Anthuriums from the Araceae family are loved as houseplants because they are so easy to maintain. These are not much of foodies; they need not be fed with fertilizers frequently. You should only feed them thrice a year. It should be around its growing seasons to ensure healthy growth and more blooms. Spring and summer are the best time of the year to feed your Anthurium radicans.
Slow-release phosphorus fertilizers work fine for this plant. Phosphorus is important for the healthy growth of its inflorescence. Apply the fertilizer six inches above the base of the pot. You can also use fertilizers specially made for Anthurium plants.
Grooming and Pruning
The appealing foliage of Anthurium radicans needs to be pruned every now and then. You should always cut off the dead and old leaves to save your plant’s energy and nutrients. You can also prune your Anthurium to limit its length and size. There is not a specific time to prune this plant, but it is best if you do so at the beginning of the growing season.
Re-potting
This plant grows at an average rate, so you do not have to re-pot it every year. Only re-pot this plant if you see some of its roots growing out of the drainage holes or its roots start to grow in circles. This normally does not happen for 2 to 3 years until it reaches a height of 20 cm.
In case your plant is growing extra slowly, and its leaves have begun to dry out, you should re-pot your Anthurium right away.
Anthurium Radicans Propagation
Propagating an Anthurium radicans is not so difficult. You can propagate it through its stem cuttings. Follow the following step-by-step guide to propagate your own mini Anthurium:
- Use a sharp, sterilized blade to cut a part of the stem that is 6 inches in length; make sure it still has 2 to 3 leaves on it.
- Take a 10 inches deep pot.
- Fill it with organic soil and a little sand.
- Add a phosphorous fertilizer.
- Plant the stem cutting into the soil in a way that the leaves are above the surface.
- Sprinkle some of the fertilizer at the top of the soil surface.
- Place the pot in a spot where it receives bright, dappled sunlight.
- Keep the moist soil but not too damp.
That’s all! New roots will sprout in just some days.
Final Thoughts
Pretty, green plants in the houses are never off the trend. Every room looks fresh and beautiful if it is embellished with a leafy, potted plant. You can do so by planting an Anthurium radicans in your home. It is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant. Its lovely, heart-shaped leaves will add beauty to your living room, patio, or office.