Anthurium, also known as the “flamingo flower” or “laceleaf,” is a beautiful and resilient plant often sought after for its striking, waxy flowers. However, many people face the challenge of seeing their anthuriums stop flowering after a while, with the plant focusing only on its leaves. If you’re someone who has experienced this frustration, don’t worry! With a few tips and proper care, you can revive your anthurium and get it blooming again.
1. Light Requirements
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that anthuriums thrive in environments with indirect light. These plants prefer partially shaded areas, which mimic their native tropical habitat. While anthuriums can tolerate some direct sunlight, it should only be in the early morning or late afternoon hours. Prolonged exposure to harsh midday sun can burn the leaves, preventing the plant from producing flowers and stunting its growth. Therefore, ensure your anthurium is placed in an area where it receives bright but indirect light.
2. Watering Routine
Watering is another crucial aspect of keeping your anthurium healthy and vibrant. These plants prefer a consistent watering schedule, but they do not like their roots to be waterlogged. The soil should remain slightly moist, but not soaking wet. To check if it’s time to water, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil feels damp, wait another day. This consistency ensures that the plant gets the right amount of water it needs to thrive without risking root rot.
3. Fertilization for Blooms
One of the most important factors for encouraging your anthurium to bloom is providing it with the right nutrients. Fertilizing the plant regularly is crucial for promoting both healthy growth and flower production. A simple and effective fertilizing technique involves a mixture of bone meal (or bone meal powder) and charcoal.
For this mixture, you will need:
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1 liter of water (preferably without chlorine)
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1 tablespoon of bone meal (calcined bone meal is ideal)
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1 tablespoon of finely ground charcoal (the type used for grilling, but not the charred pieces from a barbecue grill)
Add the bone meal and charcoal into the water and stir the mixture thoroughly. This concoction is rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, carbon, phosphorus, and potassium. These micronutrients help enhance the overall health of your anthurium, promote new leaf growth, and encourage beautiful, long-lasting flowers.
Once your mixture is ready, apply it generously around the base of your anthurium plant, ensuring it is well soaked into the soil. You don’t have to worry about over-watering at this stage, as the nutrients are being absorbed directly into the soil. This nutrient-rich mix will stimulate the plant, making it stronger and more capable of producing flowers.
4. How Often to Fertilize
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