How to Grow and Care for Anthurium forgetii Indoors

Some links in this post may be affiliate links

Botanical name: Anthurium forgetii
Family: Araceae

Description

Anthurium forgetii is a popular plant on account of its spectacular round leaves that lack a sinus (upper lobes) and therefore, they can flexibly hang on their stems like teardrops.

The large dark-green leaves also have silver veining which makes the plant a beautiful sight to behold.

Anthurium forgetii may not be easy to grow under room conditions but when provided with the right growing conditions, it can last for many years.

size

Anthurium forgetii is a small-sized, moderate grower which grows to a height of 4-5 ft and about 2 feet wide.

Origin

Anthurium forgetii is native to Colombia and Ecuador. Anthurium forgetii is more of a terrestrial plant than an epiphyte.

Toxicity

Anthurium forgetii 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 Anthurium forgetii and wash your hands thereafter.

Where to Buy

If you would like to add this plant to your collection. Buy beautiful Anthurium Plants from Etsy.

Anthurium forgetii Care Indoors

Anthurium forgetii does best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Anthurium forgetii 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 more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

How to water Anthurium forgetii

Water Anthurium forgetii liberally during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep soil consistently moist.

Lessen watering in the cold season as growth is reduce to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Make sure 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.

Light Requirements

Anthurium forgetii grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunshine as it can scorch the leaves. A curtain-filtered sunny window is ideal for this plant.

Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.

If the natural lighting is not adequate, consider investing in a grow light to supplement it inorder to promote growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Anthurium forgetii requires an average warmth with a minimum of 16⁰C inorder to thrive. Keep it away from cold draughts to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.

Anthurium forgetii requires high humidity to thrive. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray. 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. Do not leave water drops on the leaves as it may cause fungal infestations.

Potting Mix

The best soil for Anthurium forgetii 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 suitable for this plant. Buy quality Aroids Potting Mix from Etsy.

Feeding

Feed Anthurium forgetii every 4 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer to promote growth.

Withhold 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 forgetii 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.

Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Anthurium forgetii is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy 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 dead and wayward leaves to maintain the shape of the plant.

Propagation

Anthurium forgetii propagation can be done during the growing season from splits by plant division. Below is an outline on propagation by plant division.

How to propagate Anthurium forgetii by plant division

Water the Anthurium forgetii 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 plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Anthurium forgetii Problems

Anthurium forgetii problems include leaf spots, brown leaf tips, yellow leaves, drooping leaves, pests and diseases among others. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.

Brown leaf tips

Two reasons are responsible for brown leaf tips in Anthurium forgetii. 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 Anthurium forgetii is soggy soil. Maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining (drains easily).

Drooping leaves and stems

There are four causes of drooping leaves and stems in Anthurium forgetii. The first cause of drooping leaves is low humidity.

To create a humid environment, 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.

The second cause of drooping leaves and stems in Anthurium forgetii 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 Anthurium forgetii is too high temperature due to exposure to direct sunlight.

Shield the plant from direct sunlight by filtering the light with a sheer curtain.

The fourth cause of drooping leaves and stems in Anthurium forgetii is pests and diseases infestation. Regularly inspect the plant and take control measures for these pests (see below).

Pests

The common pests in Anthurium forgetii are Fungus Gnats, Aphids and Spider Mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with Insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.

Yellow leaves

There are two causes of yellow leaves in Anthurium forgetii. One cause of yellow leaves is soggy soil.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining.

The second cause of yellow leaves in Anthurium forgetii is cold draughts (cold air). Protect the plant from cold draughts or place it away from windy doors and windows.

Diseases

Anthurium forgetii is prone to root-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil brought about by poorly drained soil.

Maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining. Read on how to treat root-rot disease in houseplants.

Brown leaf spots

The brown leaf spots are sunburn marks caused by exposure of the Anthurium forgetii to direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shaded place or use a curtain to filter the light.