Anthuriums are popular houseplants known for their distinctive and long-lasting “flowers.” This article explores the various stages of this unique bloom, from emergence to senescence.
Understanding the Anthurium Bloom
The anthurium’s visual centerpiece is the spathe. This colorful, heart-shaped, waxy structure is a modified leaf. Within the spathe is the spadix, a spike where the plant’s true flowers are clustered. The spathe varies widely in color, including shades of red, pink, white, and green, and its shape can range from flat to cup-shaped.
The Life Cycle of an Anthurium Bloom
The anthurium bloom’s life cycle starts with a small, green bud emerging from the plant’s base or stem. As the bud develops, the spathe slowly unfurls and expands, revealing its characteristic shape and vibrant color.
Once the spathe unfurls, the spadix emerges, displaying the true, minute flowers. These flowers are bisexual, containing both male and female structures, but undergo sequential phases to prevent self-pollination. The female phase occurs first, indicated by clear, glistening fluid on the lower spadix, signaling its receptivity to pollen. This receptive phase can last for several days.
After the female phase, the spadix transitions into its male phase, often after a short gap. During this phase, the male flowers produce pollen, which may be visible as a powdery substance. If pollination occurs, the spadix will eventually develop berries containing seeds.
As the bloom ages, the spathe begins to senesce, losing its vibrant color and fading to green or brown. The spathe’s longevity can range from 60 to 90 days. If pollination was successful, the berries on the spadix will ripen, changing color and sometimes falling off when mature. Each berry typically contains one or two seeds.
Factors Influencing Bloom Development and Longevity
Several environmental factors significantly influence the initiation, health, and duration of anthurium blooms. Providing optimal conditions encourages consistent and vibrant flowering.
Light
Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light, which is crucial for healthy foliage and consistent blooming. Insufficient light can lead to fewer blooms or a lack of flowering altogether.
Watering and Humidity
Proper watering is important; anthuriums prefer consistently moist soil but are sensitive to waterlogging, which causes root rot. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. High humidity levels are beneficial for healthy spathe and spadix development, mirroring their native tropical environments. Using a humidifier or pebble tray can help increase ambient humidity.
Fertilization and Temperature
Appropriate fertilization supports robust flowering. During the growing season, typically spring and summer, feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus can promote blooming. Temperature also plays a role; anthuriums generally prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night, but not below 60°F (15°C).
Troubleshooting Bloom Problems
Anthurium blooms can exhibit issues that indicate care problems or environmental stress.
Lack of Blooms
If an anthurium is not producing blooms, common reasons include insufficient light exposure, a lack of nutrients, or the plant’s immaturity. Overly crowded roots from infrequent repotting can also inhibit flowering.
Premature Color Changes
Blooms turning green prematurely can be a sign of inadequate light intensity or duration, or even excess nitrogen fertilizer. Blooms turning brown prematurely can result from low humidity, improper watering (both over and under-watering), or exposure to cold drafts.
Small or Malformed Blooms
Small or malformed blooms often point to inadequate care or environmental stress. This can include nutrient deficiencies, particularly phosphorus, which is important for flower development, or excessive light concentration. Pests and diseases can also contribute to deformed flowers.