Flower of the Day - Anthurium, Tailflower

Name: Anthurium, Tailflower

Latin Name: Anthurium sp.

Botanical Name: Anthurium Andraeanum

Plant Type: Tropical

Blooming Time: Spring – Fall

Colors: Red and shades of red are most common.   Less common are cultivars in white, green, purple and multi-colored.

Vase Life: 10 – 45 days

Storage Temperature: 53-63 degrees

Ethylene sensitivity: No

Height:  Leaves up to 1 Ft

Special Care Instructions:

Grow best in day temperatures from 78 – 90 degree temperatures and night temperatures of 70 – 75.  Temperatures above 90 F may cause foliar burning, faded flower color, and reduced flower life. Night temperatures from 40 - 50 F can result in slow growth and yellowing of lower leaves. Anthuriums will not tolerate frost or freezing conditions.

Water plant and let dry some before watering again.  If watered too much can cause the leaves to yellow and can cause root damage.  Under watering can greatly slow down the growing cycle and can cause root damage and the tip to burn.

The foliage type species will tolerate lower light levels as they grow in some of the shadiest areas in their natural habitat.

Anthuriums are susceptible to the usual pests that visit out indoor plants, such as aphids, scales, mealybugs and thrips. Thrips and "mealy" are found more on new growth. You can also find aphids feeding on the flower buds. Scales seem to be particularly fond of the tough bird nest type. The best method of insect control is to monitor your plants and treat them before they get out of hand. There are some "insecticidal soaps" which work well on the soft insects, but scales may need a stronger insecticide. Under low humidity conditions spider mites may show up. One of the best ways to stay clear of the use of chemicals is with periodic wiping of the foliage and a gentle sparay of water. Make sure not to forget the undersides.

The biggest disease problem that you will face indoors is RHIZOCTINIA. This is caused by high temperature and humidity coupled with soil that is poorly drained. Don't over water and if you must replant, use a well drained soil, for that will be your best defense. Chemically, RHIZOCTINIA can be controlled with a wide range of fungicides. The best approach is prevention via cultural practices.

Below are Simple Arrangements Using Anthurium

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Cut Flower Care Instructions:

Fill a large tub with warm water and soak the entire flower for 20 minutes.  Cut under water with a sharp knife.  Hydrate in warm water for two hours before storage or usage.  Use a solution of warm water and commercial floral preservative / floral food after hydration.

Keep vase water clean as Anthurium stems are very susceptible to stem blockage.

Anthurium is a dramatic tropical flower, generally used alone, or in contemporary floral designs with other exotic flowers.   The bloom makes a strong focal point.

Below are Larger, Bolder Arrangements containing Anthurium

Fun Facts:

With their open, heart-shaped flowers and tropical disposition, it's no wonder that Anthurium have come to symbolize hospitality.

Also known as the Flamingo Flower, Boy Flower, Painted Tongue and Painter's Palette – because of their distinctive shape and color – the name Anthurium comes from Greek, meaning "tail flower." Exotic and compelling, with bold, typically red flowers and shiny, dark green foliage, Anthurium, like the hospitality they represent, are long-lasting and irresistibly beautiful.

Thought to bring luck and protect against evil, legend has it that when the anemone closes its petals, it's a signal that rain is approaching. Still other mythology connects the anemone to magical fairies, which were believed to sleep under the petals after they closed at sunset. Perhaps it's because of this magical and prophetic tales that today in the language of flowers, anemones represent anticipation.