How to Grow and Care for Laceleaf Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) Indoors
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Photo Credit: Gardeners World
Botanical name: Anthurium andraeanum
Family: Araceae
Common names: Laceleaf Anthurium, Oilcloth Flower, Painter's Palette, Tailflower
Description
Laceleaf Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) also called Oilcloth Flower, Painter's Palette or Tailflower is a popular flowering houseplant which bears long, glossy blooms with a straight or arched yellow or white tail.
This Anthurium may not be easy to grow under room conditions but with proper care they can last for many years.
Size
Laceleaf Anthurium grows to a height of 2-3 ft and bears 4 in. long glossy blooms. The leaves are heart-shaped and are 9 in. long.
Flower
The blooms in Painter's Palette are not true flowers but are spathes, each with a yellow or white spadix covered densely with tiny true flowers.
Varieties
Many varieties and hybrids of Laceleaf Anthurium have been developed and are available. White, pink, orange and red flowers are available.
Air Purification
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Anthurium andreanum was found to be a good indoor air cleaner effective in getting rid of common VOCs specifically formaldehyde, toulene, xylene and ammonia from indoor air.
Origin
Anthurium andraeanum is native to the tropical regions of Columbia and Ecuador where they grow as epiphytes on trees.
Where to Buy
Buy this Laceleaf Anthurium in a 5 inches pot or this one which is 18 inches tall at Amazon.
Also check out these beautiful Anthurium Plants available on Etsy.
Photo Credit: Plantsguru
Laceleaf Anthurium Care Indoors
Laceleaf Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) thrives in bright, indirect light, average warmth, humid conditions and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Anthurium andraeanum requires pruning to keep it neat and tidy as well as minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only ncessary when the plant becomes pot-bound. Continue reading for a detail account on the best growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Laceleaf Anthurium grows best under bright, indirect light. A curtain-filtered sunny window is perfect for this plant.
Protect Oilcloth Flower from direct sunlight to avoid scorching of the leaves and regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
If the natural lighting is not adequate, consider investing in a grow light to supplement it inorder to promote a lush growth.
Watering
Water Laceleaf Anthurium thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings and keep soil moist at all times.
Reduce watering in the cold season as growth is reduce to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it may lead to the root-rot and eventual death of the Tailflower.
Use tepid, chlorine-free water as the plant is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water. Avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to fungal diseases.
Temperature
Laceleaf Anthurium requires an average warmth with a minimum of 150C to thrive. Keep it away from cold draughts to prevent sudden drops in temperature.
Humidity
Anthurium andraeanum requires a humid environment to thrive. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as discourage pests and diseases infestation.
Do not leave water drops on the leaves as they may cause fungal infestations.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Laceleaf Anthurium every 2-3 weeks during the growing period with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer inorder to promote flowering.
Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn and death of the Tailflower.
Flush out accumulated salts in the soil regularly by running a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage hole. Allow it to run for a few minutes and repeat the process several times.
Repotting
Repot Anthurium andraeanum every 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season when it becomes pot-bound. Use a pot one-size larger than the current one.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot which can cause the death of the plant.
Soil
The best soil for Laceleaf Anthurium should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most potting mixes designed for aroids are ideal for Anthuriums. Purchase quality Aroids Potting Soil for Tailflower online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Anthurium andraeanum is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.
Cut the leaves at the base of the stem with a sharp sterilized knife or scissors to avoid unnecessary injury which can result in disease infestation.
Remove any wayward leaves to maintain the shape of the plant. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
Propagation
Laceleaf Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) can be propagated during the growing season from splits by plant divison.
How to propagate Laceleaf Anthurium by plant division
Thoroughly water the Laceleaf Anthurium at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.
Take the plant out of its pot and carefully divide it into sections by pulling apart the roots. Ensure each section has adequate roots to hasten establishment.
Select a 6 or 8 in. pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Fill the pot with loose, free-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.
Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.
Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place until the new Anthurium andraeanum is well established after which you can begin routine care.
How to force Laceleaf Anthurium to bloom
After blooming, give the Laceleaf Anthurium a 6 weeks rest period in a cool, dimly-lit room at 150C. Give it very little water during this period.
Bring out the plant after the rest period and continue with normal care. This will break the dormancy cycle and signal the Laceleaf Anthurium to start blooming.
Photo Credit: Thai Garden Design
Laceleaf Anthurium Problems Indoors
Laceleaf Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) problems indoors are caused by cultural faults. These problems include; brown leaf tips, yellow leaves, leaf spots, pests, drooping leaves, lack of blooms among others. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Brown leaf tips
There are two possible causes of brown leaf tips in Anthurium andraeanum. One possible cause of brown leaf tips is is too dry air especially if the room temperatures are too high.
To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or place it in the bathroom or other moist areas in the home. A cool mist humidifier is also an ideal option.
The second possible cause of brown leaf tips in Laceleaf Anthurium is soggy soil.
Soggy soil holds too much water which reduces the amount of oxygen in the soil. Since the roots require oxygen to grow, the lack of adeqaute oxygen causes them to begin dying.
When the roots die, they cannot take up water and other nutrients necessary to the upper parts of the plant.
As such, the plant begins to die and death begins in the furthest parts of the plant which are the leaf tips, hence the brown tips.
To prevent brown leaf tips in Laceleaf Anthurium, maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining (drains easily).
Yellow leaves
There are two possible causes of yellow leaves in Anthurium andraeanum. One possible cause of yellow leaves is soggy soil.
Maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining.
The second possible cause of yellow leaves in Laceleaf Anthurium is cold draughts (cold air). Protect the plant from cold draughts or place it away from windy doors and windows.
Flowers turning green
If Laceleaf Anthurium was in bloom when you bought it, the reason could be it was forced to bloom before it was ready to bloom so it loses color as it ages.
Improper watering, excess nitrogen fertilizer and wrong temperatures can also cause greening of the flowers.
Lastly, the blooms last for about 4 weeks and as they age, they begin to lose color by becoming green and paler as aging continues.
Some species of Anthuriums produce blooms that turn brilliant green in color; check the species you are growing.
No blooms
A Anthurium andraeanum that is not getting enough light will not bloom (flower). Light is very important for flowering. Light provides the energy necessary for the plant to make food that is needed for growth and flower production.
Ensure that the Laceleaf Anthurium is receiving the brightest light but protect it from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Underfeeding is another reason why Laceleaf Anthurium will not bloom (flower). The plant requires adequate nutrients to make food that is needed for growth and flower production.
Feed the plant every 2 weeks with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to promote flowering.
However, withhold feeding during the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time.
Drooping leaves and stems
There are four possible causes of drooping leaves and stems in Anthurium andraeanum. The first possible cause of drooping leaves is low humidity.
Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity or place it in the bathroom or other moist areas in the home. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
The second possible cause of drooping leaves and stems in Laceleaf Anthurium is incorrect watering; either underwatering or overwatering.
Maintain the soil moist at all times during the growing season and reduce watering during the cold season but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
The third possible cause of drooping leaves and stems in Laceleaf Anthurium is too high temperature due to exposure to direct sunlight.
Protect the plant from direct sunlight by filtering the light with a sheer curtain to avoid sunscorching.
The fourth possible cause of drooping leaves and stems in Laceleaf Anthurium is pests and diseases infestation. Regularly inspect the plant and take timely control measures for these pests (see below).
Pests
The common pests in Laceleaf Anthurium are Spider Mites, Aphids and Fungus Gnats. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests. Read on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Diseases
Anthurium andraeanum is prone to root-rot disease which is more prevalent in soggy soil brought about by poorly drained soil.
To prevent root-rot disease, maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining (drains easily). Read on how to treat root-rot disease in houseplants.
Brown leaf spots
The brown leaf spots are sunburn marks caused by exposure of Laceleaf Anthurium to direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shaded place or use a curtain to filter the light.
Is Laceleaf Anthurium toxic?
Laceleaf Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) like other Anthuriums is toxic to both humans and pets.
It contains oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling Laceleaf Anthurium and wash your hands thereafter.
