The Anthurium Doc Block Michelle is a popular plant in the aroid community. This guide provides comprehensive care information to help you cultivate it successfully.
Distinctive Features of Anthurium Doc Block Michelle
The Anthurium Doc Block Michelle stands out with its velvety, dark green, heart-shaped leaves that often emerge burgundy-purple before maturing. A prominent feature is the bright silvery-white venation, which creates a dramatic contrast against the dark foliage. The underside of the leaves shifts color, starting purple and transitioning to lavender, then light green with darker veins as they mature.
This cultivar is a hybrid created by Dr. Jeff Block, blending traits from Anthurium forgetii and Anthurium magnificum. Its heart-shaped leaves often have a closed or nearly closed sinus, giving them a fuller, rounded appearance. The plant received the “Best New Flowering Plant” award at the 2022 Tropical Plant International Expo.
Essential Care for Anthurium Doc Block Michelle
Light
Anthurium Doc Block Michelle thrives in bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight, mimicking its natural habitat. Place it in an east or west-facing window with filtered light, or near a bright window with sheer curtains. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the delicate velvety leaves. Lower light conditions can slow growth.
Humidity and Temperature
This plant has a strong preference for high humidity, ideally ranging between 60% and 85%. Regular misting can increase humidity, but a humidifier or pebble tray is more effective for consistent levels. Maintain stable warm temperatures, with an optimal range between 15°C and 29°C (60-85°F). Avoid temperatures below 15°C (60°F), as cold drafts or sudden changes can stress the plant and damage leaves.
Watering
Proper watering techniques are important to prevent both overwatering and underwatering, which can impact plant health. It prefers consistently moist, but not wet, soil. Allow the top 1-2 inches (2-3 cm) of the soil to dry out between waterings before rehydrating thoroughly. Ensure good drainage; never leave the plant in standing water, as this leads to root rot.
Soil Mix
Anthurium Doc Block Michelle requires a well-draining, airy, and chunky soil mix that provides moisture retention and aeration. An ideal aroid mix includes components such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or coco chips. This substrate prevents compaction, which supports root health. Some mixes incorporate about 50% coco chips and bark, 25% perlite, and 25% soil, with optional charcoal or moss for improved structure.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Anthurium Doc Block Michelle benefits from regular fertilization. Feed the plant once a month at half strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula. During winter or dormancy, reduce or stop fertilization. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, so use diluted strengths.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is at the beginning of the growing season to minimize root shock. Select a pot with good drainage and use a fresh, well-draining aroid mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, shake off excess soil, and place it into the new pot with minimal disturbance to the root ball.
Propagating Anthurium Doc Block Michelle
Propagate Anthurium Doc Block Michelle through stem cuttings or division.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings involve taking a section of the stem with at least one node and some roots. Use a clean, sharp razor for the cut to prevent damage. Place the cutting in a rooting medium such as perlite, Fluval stratum, or water, ensuring only the bottom of the stem is submerged to prevent rot.
Division
Division is a quick method, resulting in new plants with established root systems. Carefully remove the mother plant from its pot and gently separate individual plantlets that have their own roots and stems. Each separated section can then be potted into its own container with a suitable well-draining soil mix. This method is ideal for mature, overcrowded plants.
Common Problems and Solutions
Leaf issues indicate environmental stressors for Anthurium Doc Block Michelle. Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies; brown, crispy tips indicate low humidity or underwatering. Stunted growth may result from a lack of nutrients or the plant being root-bound. Adjusting watering frequency, ensuring proper drainage, and providing adequate humidity can resolve many of these issues.
Anthurium Doc Block Michelle can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions, cause fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Thrips leave silvery marks, and mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses. Regularly inspect the plant for pests for early detection. Treating infestations can involve using a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil to dislodge and eliminate pests.