How to Grow, Care and Propagate Anthurium vittariifolium

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Botanical name: Anthurium vittariifolium
Family: Araceae
Common name: Strap Leaf Anthurium

Description

Anthurium vittariifolium commonly called Strap Leaf Anthurium is a foliage Anthurium with long, pendulous leaves making it perfect for a hanging basket, a pedestal or simply for hanging.

Strap Leaf Anthurium is an epiphyte with short stem and the long, strappy leaves can grow to up to 2.4 meters long. The leaves are clustered at or near the apex of the stem.

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.

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.

Toxicity

Anthurium vittariifolium (Strap Leaf Anthurium) 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 Strap Leaf Anthurium and wash your hands thereafter.

Where to Buy

Anthurium plants are readily available online at Etsy. Buy Anthurium Plants online from Etsy.

Anthurium vittariifolium Care Indoors

Anthurium vittariifolium grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunshine, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained 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

Water Strap Leaf Anthurium thoroughly during the growing season wile allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings and keep the soil moist at all times.

Decrease on 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.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and eventual plant death.

Light Requirements

Anthurium vittariifolium grows best in bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching leaves.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.

Anthurium vittariifolium can also grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is not adequate.

Temperature and Humidity

Anthurium vittariifolium requires an average warmth with a minimum of 16⁰C inorder to thrive.

Keep the Strap Leaf Anthurium away from cold draughts to avoid sudden changes in temperature which can cause reduced growth.

Anthurium vittariifolium thrives in high humidity conditions. Elevate humidity by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

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.

Fertilizer

Feed Anthurium vittariifolium 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.

Regularly 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.

Potting Mix

The best soil for Anthurium vittariifolium 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 perfect for Strap Leaf Anthurium. Buy Aroids Potting Mix online from Etsy.

Repotting

Repot Strap Leaf Anthurium 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 that 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 vittariifolium 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.

Remove any dead and wayward leaves to maintain the shape of the plant.

Propagation

Anthurium vittariifolium (Strap Leaf Anthurium) can be propagated during the growing season from from splits by plant divison.

How to propagate Anthurium vittariifolium by plant divison

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

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 Strap Leaf Anthurium is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Anthurium vittariifolium Problems

Anthurium vittariifolium (Strap Leaf Anthurium) problems are brought about by cultural faults and include brown leaf tips, drooping leaves, yellow leaves, leaf spots, 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 vittariifolium. One reason for brown leaf tips is too dry air (low humidity).

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 Strap Leaf Anthurium 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).

Pests

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

Diseases

Anthurium vittariifolium is prone to root-rot disease which is more prevalent in 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. Read on how to treat root-rot disease in houseplants.

Yellow leaves

There are two causes of yellow leaves in Anthurium vittariifolium. 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 Strap Leaf Anthurium is cold draughts (cold air). Keep it away from cold draughts or place it away from windy doors and windows.

Brown leaf spots

The brown leaf spots are sunburn marks caused by exposure of Anthurium vittariifolium 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 vittariifolium. One cause of drooping leaves is low humidity.

To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

The second cause of drooping leaves and stems in Strap Leaf 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 Anthurium vittariifolium 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 Strap Leaf Anthurium is pests and diseases infestation. Inspect the plant and take control measures for these pests (see below).