If you are a great admirer of large, leafy plants, you are going to love Anthurium Pulcachense. It is an evergreen tropical species with dark-green, triangular, broad leaves. These leaves are leathery to touch.
This plant is also grown in homes as houseplants. It adds an elegant statement to a room, giving it a tropical look. This plant is equally easy to maintain for beginners or experts in indoor gardening. So, if you want to learn more about this stunning species, keep reading this article.
Anthurium Pulcachense Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Pothoideae
- Genus: Anthurium
Distribution
This plant is native to Peru, where it is found near Pulcachense in the Premontane forest. It is due to its native place, it is named ‘Pulcachense’.
Anthurium Pulcachense Appearance
Foliage
The large, triangular leaves of this plant are the epitome of beauty. These leaves have a velvety, leathery texture. Each leaf is 22 to 46 cm in length.
Blooms
The frilled wings of this plant extend upwards to form peduncles that produce blooms in spring and summer. This plant has brown to grey inflorescence with spadix and spathe.
Size
This plant attains a mature height of 34.4 cm approximately.
Anthurium Pulcachense Care
Quick Guide
- Watering: Water thoroughly once every week.
- Soil type and pH: 1 part potting soil and 1 part perlite, pH 6.5.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: 20°C to 40°C.
- Humidity: 60%
- Fertilizer: Two times every month.
If you are a beginner, here is a detailed guide for you.
Anthurium Pulcachense Watering
Anthurium Pulcachense care routine involves watering it once every week with lukewarm water. This plant must be watered thoroughly so that every inch of its roots can quench its thirst. To prevent overwatering, you should always check if the topsoil is dry yet before watering.
In summers, the soil gets dry quickly due to the heat, so this plant needs more watering during these days. You should water it every 2 days in summer and mist it often. In winters, the watering frequency should be decreased for two main reasons: the plant is dormant, and the soil takes more time to dry.
Soil Requirements
This plant grows best in free-draining soil. Its potting soil should also be able to hold moisture for the roots. Depending on both these requirements, the best potting mix is the one that contains one part potting soil and one part perlite. This potting soil will keep your Anthurium Pulcachense the happiest.
Another potting mix that you can use for this plant is a mixture of two parts orchid mix, one part peat, and one part perlite. All these ingredients perfectly regulate the drainage, aeration, and moisture-holding property of the soil. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH level of 6.5.
Anthurium Pulcachense Sunlight
This plant has large, thick leaves, just like Anthurium radicans and Anthurium Magnificum. And thus, just like these two plants, Anthurium Pulcachense needs bright, indirect sunlight to properly grow. The leaves need good light exposure to carry out photosynthesis and to produce blooms. In low light, not only does its growth rate slow down, but its leaves also get droopy and dull. It is why you should place this plant in a spot that is near a window. Try to rotate the plant in its place daily so that all its sides get enough light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Every Anthurium species prefers to be grown in warmer environments. It is because all these species are native to tropical or subtropical regions that have relatively warmer days. The ideal temperature that ensures the proper growth of this plant is 20°C to 40°C. If you live in a tropical or subtropical zone, this temperature range is not hard to maintain as it is also the average room temperature range. But in extreme winters or extreme summers, you should make some changes to protect this plant from temperature extremes. In winters, place it in a warmer spot or in a greenhouse. In summers, place it in a colder room such as a bathroom.
Humidity
Mostly, the large, leafy, tropical plants need more humidity than the plants from other zones. Anthurium Pulcachense also needs high humidity to stay healthy and fresh. This plant is the happiest when the humidity around it is set to 60%. You can maintain this level of room humidity by either installing a humidifier or using other conventional methods.
Keeping the plant’s pot on a pebble tray or misting it regularly also increases humidity. Also, if you have Spider Plant, Jade Plant, Boston Fern, Areca Palm, or Peace Lily in your home, group these plants together. These are one of the best houseplants that increase indoor humidity naturally.
Fertilizer
Plants absorb nutrients and micronutrients from the soil through their roots. After some time, when all these nutrients are used up, the plant should be fertilized to replenish these nutrients.
This Anthurium variety needs to be fed with liquid or slow-release fertilizer. Whichever fertilizer you use, make sure to dilute it to 1/4th of its strength first. Fertilize this plant two times a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer or after 3-4 months with a slow-release fertilizer.
Grooming and Pruning
The old or yellow leaves of plants fall by themselves. But if your Anthurium Pulcachense has not dropped its yellow leaves by the end of winters, you should remove them yourself by using secateurs. All the yellow leaves at the bottom should be removed first. And the secateurs should be disinfected too. The best way to disinfect them is by dipping them in rubbing alcohol, ethanol, or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
How to Propagate Anthurium Pulcachense
Anthurium Pulcachense is an eye-catching plant that brightens up any space in which it is grown with its lush green foliage. If you want to extend your collection of this plant, you can simply propagate it without buying a new one or planting the seeds. And, if you have never propagated a plant before, let us guide you through the process. This plant is propagated through the division method and the best time for its propagation is spring or mid-summer. Here is an easy step-by-step guide for propagating this gorgeous Anthurium species.
- Gently take out your plant from its pot.
- Shake off all excess soil. You can also clean the roots using water.
- Grab the plant from the center. Half of its foliage should be in your one hand and the other half in your other hand.
- Gently open up the plant. Move both parts around gently so that they get detached easily.
- All the roots will also be detached.
- This way, you will get two parts of your healthy Anthurium plant.
- You can also divide it using scissors, but the roots will get more damaged this way.
- Once you get two divided parts, plant both of them in separate pots.
- Their potting mix should be fast-draining and nutrient-rich.
- Water the plants and place them in bright, indirect sunlight.
Anthurium Pulcachense Basic Features
Growth Rate
If you are an impatient one, this plant is not for you. It is a slow-growing species that takes time to mature. The new leaves also take several weeks to grow. If you wish to increase its growth rate, grow it in ideal conditions.
Air Purification
This lovely plant also has an air-purifying effect on its surroundings. If your room has an Anthurium Pulcachense growing in it, it will have fresher and cleaner air than the other parts of your home. This plant removes maximum toxins and pollutants from the air, making it healthier to breathe.
Anthurium Pulcachense Toxicity
Due to the calcium oxalate crystals present in its foliage, this plant has been declared toxic for cats and dogs. Ingesting its leaves in large amounts can cause irritation of the mouth and esophagus. So regularly remove any fallen leaves if you have nibbling pets at home.
Drought Tolerance
The large leaves of this plant have the ability to store water in this. This retained water comes in handy when the plant faces droughts. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive droughts and days of low-water availability.
Maintenance
This plant requires medium maintenance to grow indoors. It is still easier to grow than many other houseplants. Its care routine is easy to understand and easy to keep up. If you have experience of growing houseplants, this plant will be easier for you to maintain and care for.
Dormancy
In winters and harsh conditions, this plant goes dormant to save itself from dying. The growth rate is slowed down during these days, so the plant has more time to save itself. In winters, the dormancy is natural, so you need not worry about it. During winter dormancy, do not fertilize this plant and reduce its watering frequency as well.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Anthurium Pulcachense Diseases
This plant is most susceptible to root rot and bacterial diseases. The plant suffers from these two diseases when it is overwatered or pruned by unsterilized tools. If left untreated, these diseases can kill this plant. So if you see any mushy roots or blistered leaves, find the cause and treat the disease as soon as possible.
Pests
In high humidity, this plant attracts more pests. The common pests are mealybugs, scales, spider mites, and thrips. These pests are easy to locate if the foliage is carefully examined. Insecticidal spray or neem oil are the two most effective methods for keeping these pests away.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Pulcachense
What Is the Best Fertilizer for My Anthurium Pulcachense?
You should use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus for this plant. It will help the plant produce more blooms.
Why Do the Leaves of My Plant Have Brown Tips?
It is due to more sunlight. This plant does not appreciate direct sunlight. Too much light exposure or afternoon sun can burn its leaves and turn its tips brown and crisp. In such a condition, relocate your plant to another spot where direct sunlight does not reach its foliage.
Why Is My Plant Dying?
If this plant is not being properly water, its leaves will start to turn brown. With improper watering, your plant will die soon. So if you notice the leaves turning brown leaves, regulate the watering schedule of your plant.
Conclusion
Tropical plants and succulents are the two most common types of houseplants. And among them, Anthuriums are one of the most common tropical plants to grow indoors. Among Anthuriums, Anthurium Pulcachense is a remarkable plant having unique and different foliage than other Anthurium varieties. Instead of the customary arrowhead leaves, it has triangular-shaped, broad leaves with a velvety texture. This plant makes a great indoor plant due to its easy care routine and remarkable characteristics.
