How to Grow and Care for Anthurium luxurians Indoors
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Botanical name: Anthurium luxurians
Family: Araceae
Description
Anthurium luxurians is a popular foliage species of Anthurium whose large bullet-shaped leaves are dark-green and have a crinkled leaf surface which reflects light.
When the plant is in the juvenile stage, the foliage is light green and as it matures, it turns dark green to almost black.
Anthurium luxurians may not be easy to grow under room conditions but with proper care it can last for many years.
Size
The Anthurium luxurians grows to a height of 15-20 inches but the leaves are large and have a spread of about 20-23 inches.
Flower
The inflorescences Anthurium luxurians are green spathes with a pale-green spandix though it is unlikely to flower under room conditions.
Origin
Anthurium luxurians is native to the tropical regions of South America in Columbia where it is found growing along the streams.
Where to Buy
Are you looking to add this spectacular plant to your collection? Buy beautiful Anthurium Plants online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Golden Garden
Anthurium luxurians Care Indoors
Anthurium luxurians thrives in bright, indirect light, average warmth and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.
Anthurium luxurians requires pruning to keep it neat and tidy as well as minimize 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.
Light Requirements
Anthurium luxurians grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunshine as it can scorch the leaves. A curtain-filtered sunny window is perfect.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
It can also grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is insufficient.
Watering
Water Anthurium luxurians liberally during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep soil consistently moist.
Reduce 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.
Ensure 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 Anthurium luxurians.
Temperature
Anthurium luxurians requires an average warmth with a minimum of 160C to thrive. Keep the plant from cold draughts to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Humidity
Anthurium luxurians requires high humidity inorder to thrive. Raise humidity by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Clean the leaves regularly 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.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Anthurium luxurians every 3-4 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Occasionally flush out accumulated salts from the soil 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 luxurians 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 a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Soil
The best soil for Anthurium luxurians 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. Buy quality Aroids Potting Soil for Anthurium luxurians online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Anthurium luxurians is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy and also discourage 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.
Propagation
Anthurium luxurians propagation can be done during the growing season from from splits by plant division. Below is an outline on Anthurium luxurians propagation by plant division.
How to propagate Anthurium luxurians by plant division
Thoroughly water the Anthurium luxurians at least one 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 luxurians is well established after which you can begin routine care.
Photo Credit: kensphilodendrons.com
Anthurium luxurians Problems Indoors
Anthurium luxurians problems indoors are caused by cultural faults and 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 spots
The brown leaf spots are sunburn marks caused by exposure of Anthurium luxurians to direct sunlight. Move it to a shaded place or use a curtain to filter the light.
Yellow leaves
There are two causes of yellow leaves in Anthurium luxurians. One cause of yellow leaves 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.
The second cause of yellow leaves in Anthurium luxurians 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 luxurians. 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 luxurians 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 luxurians. One cause of drooping leaves is low humidity.
To increase 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 Anthurium luxurians is incorrect watering; either underwatering or overwatering.
Keep 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 luxurians 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 Anthurium luxurians is pests and diseases infestation. Regularly inspect the plant and take timely control measures for these pests (see below).
Pests
The common pests in Anthurium luxurians are 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
Anthurium luxurians is prone to root-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil which is 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.
Is Anthurium luxurians toxic?
Anthurium luxurians like other Anthuriums is toxic to both humans and pets.
Anthuriums contain oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation.
Always wear gloves when handling Anthurium luxurians and wash your hands thereafter.
