How to Grow and Care for Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum) Indoors
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Botanical name: Anthurium crystallinum
Family: Araceae
Description
Anthurium crystallinum or Crystal Anthurium is one of the eye-catching foliage species of Anthuriums whose heart-shaped leaves are velvety on the surface and the leaf color changes from bronzy-purple to deep-green with age.
The foliage hangs vertically, displaying the prominent silvery veins. Under good light, the silvery veins reflect light like crystals and hence the name "Crystal Anthurium".
It may not be easy to grow under room conditions but with proper care it can last for many years.
Flower
The inflorescences Crystal Anthurium are green spathes with a pale-green spandix. This plant flowers through out the year.
Origin
Anthurium crystallinum is native to the tropical regions of Panama to Peru where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
Where to Buy
Are you looking to add this plant to your collection? Buy Anthurium Plants online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Anthurium crystallinum Care Indoors
Anthurium crystallinum (Crystal Anthurium) thrives bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Crystal Anthurium requires pruning to keep it neat and tidy as well as reduce pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound. Continue reading for a detailed account on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Anthurium crystallinum grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunshine as it can scorch the leaves.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.
Where the natural lighting is not adequate, consider investing in a grow light to supplement it inorder to promote a lush growth.
Watering
Water Crystal Anthurium thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings and keep soil consistently moist.
Decrease watering in the cold season as growth is reduce to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not let the soil dry out completely.
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.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Temperature
Crystal Anthurium requires an average warmth with a minimum of 160C inorder to thrive. Keep it away from cold draughts to prevent sudden changes in temperature. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity
Anthurium crystallinum requires high humidity to thrive. Increase humidity by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust. Do not leave water drops on the leaves as it may cause fungal diseases infestations.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Cyrstal Anthurium every 4 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for lush growth.
Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Flush out accumulated salts from 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 crystallinum every 2 years at the beginning of the growing season. Use a pot one-size larger and free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Make sure that the pot has drainage holes to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Soil
The best soil for Crystal 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 the plant. Buy quality Aroids Potting Mixes for Anthurium crystallinum from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Anthurium crystallinum is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat as well as reduce pest and disease infestations.
Cut the leaves at the base of the stem with a sharp sterlized knife or scissors to avoid unnecessary injuries which can lead to disease infestations. Cut away any wayward leaves to maintain the shape of the plant.
Propagation
Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum) can be propagated during the growing season from splits by plant division. Below is an outline on propagation by plant division.
How to propagate Crystal Anthurium by plant division
Water the Crystal Anthurium thoroughly 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 crystallinum is well established after which you can begin routine care.
Photo Credit: Plantura
Anthurium crystallinum Problems Indoors
Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum) problems indoors are caused by cultural faults. These problems include drooping leaves, brown leaf tips, yellow leaves, leaf spots, pests and diseases among others. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Yellow leaves
There are two causes of yellow leaves in Anthurium crystallinum. One cause of yellow leaves is soggy soil.
Maintain the soil moist but not soggy. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
The second cause of yellow leaves in Crystal Anthurium is cold draughts (cold air). Protect the plant from cold draughts or place it away from windy doors and windows.
Brown leaf tips
Two reasons are responsible for brown leaf tips in Anthurium crystallinum. One reason for brown leaf tips is that the air is too dry.
Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.
The second reason for brown leaf tips in Crystal Anthurium 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 (drains easily).
Brown leaf spots
The brown leaf spots are sunburn marks caused by exposure of Crystal Anthurium to direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shaded place or use a curtain to filter the light.
Drooping leaves and stems
There are four causes of drooping leaves and stems in Anthurium crystallinum. One cause of drooping leaves is low humidity.
To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
The second cause of drooping leaves and stems in Crystal Anthurium is incorrect watering, either underwatering or overwatering.
Maintain the soil moist at all times during the growing season and never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
The third cause of drooping leaves and stems in Crystal 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.
The fourth cause of drooping leaves and stems in Crystal Anthurium is pests and diseases infestation. Regularly inspect your plant and take control measures for these pests (see below).
Pests
The common pests in Anthurium crystallinum are Red Spider Mites, Aphids and Fungus Gnats. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Diseases
Crystal Anthurium is prone to root-rot disease which is more prevalent in soggy soil brought about by poor soil drainage.
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.
Is Crystal Anthurium toxic?
Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum) like other Anthuriums is toxic to both humans and pets.
The plant contains oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling Crystal Anthurium and wash your hands thereafter.
