Anthurium vittariifolium Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Humidity, Propagation & Problems

Some links in this post may be affiliate links

Anthurium vittariifolium thrives in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moist, rich, well-drained potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Anthurium vittariifolium is among the favorite Anthurium varieties, it features short stems and long, strappy leaves, about 2.4 meters long which are clustered at or near the apex of the stem.

Anthurium vittariifolium is a Strap Leaf Anthurium with long, pendulous leaves making it perfect for a hanging baskets, tabletop, desktop or pedestal where it can showcase its beautiful leaves.

Anthurium vittariifolium is similar to Anthurium pallidiflorum, but they are different in that, Anthurium pallidiflorum leaves bear a prominent, light-green mid-rib, and are more pointed at the apex and rounded at the base.

Botanical name: Anthurium vittariifolium
Family: Araceae

Origin

Anthurium vittariifolium is native to the Amazon region; southeast Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Brazil where it grows deep in the humid rainforests, on the thin layer of forest soil or in cavities between branches of trees.

Flower

Anthurium vittariifolium blooms with small pinkish spathe and spadix and the berries are a bright violet or pink in color. Though it is unlikely to bloom when grown indoors.

Is Anthurium vittariifolium toxic?

Yes, Anthurium vittariifolium like other Anthuriums is toxic to both humans and pets. It contain oxalate crystals which can cause digestive distress, breathing problems and skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling the plants and wash your hands thereafter.

Where to Buy

Are you looking to add Anthurium vittariifolium to your collection? You may get these plants from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Anthurium vittariifolium Indoors

To care for Anthurium vittariifolium indoors, give it bright indirect light, warmth of 16-27⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Anthurium vittariifolium requires pruning to keep it neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when it outgrows its current pot. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.

Watering

How often should I water Anthurium vittariifolium?

Water Anthurium vittariifolium liberally in spring and summer until water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moist at all times and avoid soggy soil to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and browning leaves.

Cut down on watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is less at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can result in wilting, drooping, yellowing and brown leaf tips.

Use tepid water to prevent cold shock as it can cause stunted growth. Confirm the water is chlorine-free to prevent brown leaf edges.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent sogginess as it can lead to root-rot and eventual plant death. Avoid wetting the foliage to minimize fungal diseases.

Light Requirements

Where is the best place to put Anthurium vittariifolium?

Anthurium vittariifolium grows best in bright indirect light; place it near a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Inadequate light for Anthurium vittariifolium will result in yellowing and leggy growth (stretched stems). If the natural lighting is not enough, use full spectrum grow lights to complement it.

Give the pot a 90⁰ turn every month, to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides, for uniform growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Anthurium vittariifolium requires a warmth of 16-27⁰C. Keep it away from drafts to avoid sudden changes in temperature, which can cause reduced growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and browning.

Anthurium vittariifolium prefers a humidity of 60-70%. Too low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain a good air flow to discourage fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Anthurium vittariifolium with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer for a lush growth. Stop feeding in fall and winter as growth is minimal, and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.

Regularly, flush out accumulated salts, 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 to get rid of as much salt as possible.

Potting Mix

The best soil for Anthurium vittariifolium should be rich in organic matter, and free-draining to prevent waterlogging, while providing the required nutrients. An Aroids potting mix is perfect for the plant.

Photo: Amazon

Gardenera Aroid Potting Mix

Soil Sunrise Aroid Plant Potting Soil Mix

Photo: Amazon

Soil Sunrise Aroid Plant Potting Mix

Photo: Etsy

Molly's Aroid Potting Soil Mix

Repotting

Repot Anthurium vittariifolium every 1-2 years, at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), to give it enough time to recover from repotting shock.

Select a pot one-size larger that has a drainage hole, and free-draining soil to avoid getting soggy soil, which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant. On account of its pendulous leaves, Anthurium vittariifolium is beautiful in a hanging basket. Check out these macrame plant hanger and self watering pot set on Amazon.

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning Anthurium vittariifolium is easy. Remove yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant 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. Remove any dead and wayward leaves to maintain the shape of the plant.

Clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust. Do not leave water drops on the leaves to reduce fungal infestations.

Anthurium vittariifolium Propagation

Anthurium vittariifolium is propagated from from splits by plant divison. The best time to propagate is at the beginning of the growing season for faster establishment.

Propagating Anthurium vittariifolium by plant divison

Water the plant thoroughly at least one day before to make it easier to divide, to hasten establishment and to reduce transplanting shock shock.

Slip 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 inches pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy which can lead to rotting.

Fill the pot with loose, free-draining, potting mix and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure 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. Take care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.

Wet 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.

Related Content: How to Propagate Anthurium Plants by 5 Easy Methods.

Anthurium vittariifolium Problems & Solutions

Anthurium vittariifolium problems are brown leaves, yellow leaves, drooping leaves, brown leaf tips, pests, diseases among others.

Brown leaves

The main causes of brown leaves on Anthurium vittariifolium are dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, direct sunlight or drafts.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Anthurium vittariifolium. are dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, direct sunlight or drafts.

Drooping leaves

Drooping leaves on Anthurium vittariifolium are due to low humidity, inconsistent watering, direct sunlight, drafts or pests infestations.

Brown leaf tips

Brown leaf tips on Anthurium vittariifolium are caused by dry air, underwatering, soggy soil or salts buildup.

Pests

Common pests of Anthurium vittariifolium are spider mites, aphids, mealybugs and fungus gnats. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Diseases

Anthurium vittariifolium is prone to root-rot disease which is prevalent in soggy soil. The disease is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves which is rapidly followed by browning and plant collapse.

Related Content: 8 Common Anthurium Problems and How to Fix Them.