Anthuriums are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
They have existed outside of the rainforest for many years as popular exotic-looking house plants and florist shop potted gifts.
This was where I first saw them, as a florist, 35 years ago now!
The colour available then was usually a deep shiny red and we called it the 'Flamingo Flower'.
Forward to 2023, there are now around 1000 varieties and cultivars, flower bract (spathe) colours, and hybrids, including miniatures, readily available to the houseplant collector.
Some are leaf-only varieties that offer interesting variegations, and foilage shapes.
What I have today to show you is a miniature form.
It has smaller glossy dark green heart shaped tropical leaves.
With the smaller pink waxy flower bracts also in the classic heart shape.
Meet 'Pink Emma'.
A lovely pink bubblegum shade.
(There are many other shades of pink available in anthuriums).
Care:
*Position anthuriums in a situation that offers bright indirect light, but not direct sunlight.
*You will get more flowers if the light is bright.
*Direct sunlight will cause the leaves to develop brown patches.
*They enjoy having a room temperature of 65 to 86 degrees F
(18 to 32 degrees C)
*If positioned in a place in the home with not enough bright light, the plant leaves will become yellow, this will also happen if the soil does not have enough nutrients in it.
*Remove old dry leaves by pulling them off at the base of the plant.
*On hot dry days, mist with water as they love humidity.
*Spray in the first instance with insecticide at the first sign of mites, mealy bugs or scale.
* Cut off the dead flowers to encourage new blooms.
*Repot the plant in Spring if the roots have come out of the bottom of the pot. Use a quality free-draining potting mix for indoor plants.
Don't use one with added water retention crystals as they don't like wet feet or sitting in a saucer of water.
*Watering requirements are that they stay evenly moist (not wet). They dislike drying out and them being soaked with water.
*Gently wipe dust settled on leaves and flowers with a soft damp cloth.
*Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks when in full bloom.
Note:
ALL anthurium varieties are toxic to pets and humans if ingested!
The flowers last many weeks in a floral arrangement.
Indoor flowering anthuriums bloom throughout the year if in ideal conditions.
Flowers can sometimes change colour as genetics kick in and cause them to revert back to their original form.
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