Anthurium pallidiflorum (Pale-Flowered Anthurium) Indoor Care, Propagation & Problems
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Anthurium pallidiflorum requires bright indirect light, average warmth, humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, aroids potting mix coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing period.
Anthurium pallidiflorum also called Pale-Flowered Anthurium is one of the rare Anthurium varieties with deep-green, pendulous leaves with a prominent, defined light-green rib that runs into a sharp point at the tip.
Pale-Flowered Anthurium is a Strap Leaf Anthurium which bears delicate, pale-colored blooms. The flowers are characterized by long, tubular spathes and a distinctive spadix.
On account of its long, pendulous leaves which can reach up to 20-26 inches long and 6-10 inches wide, Pale-Flowered Anthurium, is one of the best plants for a hanging basket, tabletop or pedestal where it can display the beauty of its leaves.
Anthurium pallidiflorum is similar to Anthurium vittariifolium but in Anthurium vittariifolium the leaves have a less defined midrib and the apex is more broad and less pointed.
Botanical name: Anthurium pallidiflorum
Family: Araceae
Origin
Anthurium pallidiflorum is a threatened Anthurium variety due to loss of its natural habitat. It is endemic to Ecuador in the subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
Toxicity
Like other Anthuriums, Anthurium pallidiflorum is considered toxic to both humans and pets. Anthuriums contain oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation. Keep the plants away from children and pets. Always wear gloves when handling these plants and wash your hands thereafter.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add Anthurium pallidiflorum to your collection, they are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Anthurium pallidiflorum Care Indoors
Anthurium pallidiflorum (Pale-Flowered Anthurium) grows best in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 60-70% and moist, fertile, aroids potting mix coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
In addition, Pale-Flowered Anthurium requires removal of yellow and dead leaves to keep it tidy as well as minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when it is pot-bound. Keep reading for more on the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light Requirements
Anthurium pallidiflorum grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light). Keep it away from direct sunshine as it can scorch the leaves leaving it with ugly, brown marks.
If the natural lighting in your home is not enough, consider instaling grow lights to supplement it. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and avoid lop-sided growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Anthurium pallidiflorum does well in average warmth of 18-270C. Keep it away from cold drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperature as they can cause reduced growth.
Above average humidity of 60-70% is ideal for Pale-Flowered Anthurium. However, if the humidity is below 50%, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Gently damp wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to get rid of dust. Dry any water droplets on the leaves and ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal infestations.
Watering
Water Anthurium pallidiflorum thoroughly during the growing season when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch and keep soil consistently moist.
Decrease watering in the cold season as growth is minimal to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not let it dry out completely.
Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Ensure to use 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 and always empty the saucer after watering to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result in root-rot and loss of the plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Anthurium pallidiflorum every 4-6 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding it at this time can result in fertilizer burn.
To get rid of accumulated salts as they can negatively affect growth, regularly run a stream of water through the soil until the water drips through the drainage hole. Allow it to run for a few minutes and repeat the process several times to clear the salts.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Anthurium pallidiflorum should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Potting mixes designed for aroids are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Anthurium pallidiflorum every 1-2 years at the beginning of the growing season when pot-bound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one and chunky aroids soil that is rich in organic matter.
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 plant. On accout of its pendulous leaves, Anthurium pallidiflorum is ideal for a hanging basket. Check out these marcrame plant hanger and self watering pot set on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Anthurium pallidiflorum involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and to reduce pest and disease infestations.
Cut the leaves at the base of the stem with a sharp sterlized knife or a clean pair of scissors to avoid unnecessary injuries which can result in disease infestations. Cut away any wayward leaves to maintain the shape of the plant.
Propagation
Anthurium pallidiflorum can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from offshoots. Below is an outline on propagation from offshoots.
How to propagate Anthurium pallidiflorum from offshoots
Water the Anthurium pallidiflorum 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.
Carefully, slip the plant out of its pot and carefully seperate the offshoot from the mother plant. Ensure the offshoot has adequate roots and at least 2 leaves to hasten establishment.
Select a 6 or 8 inch 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, well-drained, 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 offshoot.
Place the offshoot in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the offshoot 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 Pale-Flowered Anthurium is well established after which you can begin routine care.
Anthurium pallidiflorum Problems
Anthurium pallidiflorum problems include yellow leaves, drooping leaves, pests, diseases, brown leaf tips, brown leaf spots among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
Common pests in Anthurium pallidiflorum are spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants to minimize spread and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Diseases
Anthurium pallidiflorum is prone to root-rot disease which is more prevalent in soggy soil. To keep root-rot away, maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is loose and free-draining. Read more on how to treat root-rot in houseplants.
Yellow leaves
There are two possible causes of yellow leaves in Anthurium pallidiflorum. One possible 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 Pale-Flowered Anthurium is cold drafts or cold air. Keep the plant away from cold drafts or place it away from windy doors and windows.
Drooping leaves
There are four possible causes of drooping leaves in Anthurium pallidiflorum. One possible cause of drooping leaves is low humidity. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
The second possible cause of drooping leaves in Pale-Flowered Anthurium 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 or to be soggy.
The third possible cause of drooping leaves in Anthurium pallidiflorum is too high temperature or exposure to hot direct sunlight. Keep the plant away from hot direct sunlight by filtering the light with a sheer curtain. In addition maintain temperatures of 16-270C.
The fourth possible cause of drooping leaves in Pale-Flowered Anthurium is pests and diseases infestation. Regularly inspect your plant and take timely control measures for these pests.
Brown leaf tips
Two possible reasons are responsible for brown leaf tips in Anthurium pallidiflorum. One main reason for brown leaf tips is too low humidity (below 50%). Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity.
The second possible reason for brown leaf tips in Pale-Flowered Anthurium is soggy soil. Maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-drained that is it drains easily.
Brown leaf spots
The brown leaf spots are sun scorch marks caused by exposure of the Anthurium pallidiflorum to hot direct sunlight. Move the plant to a more shaded place or use a curtain to filter the sunlight.
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