Many house plants receive their own names among the people. Such is the case with anthurium, which is popularly known as “male happiness.”
Because of this, this plant was often given to men and was considered a symbol of masculinity, courage, strength and freedom.
But this is not its only name: there is also “tail flower”, “pig tail”, “flamingo flower”, “artist’s palette” - the riot of imagination among anthurium fans is enormous.
Initially, the name “male happiness” was brought to anthurium by appearance its flowers: a large protruding ear with a colored blanket. This flower shape prompted comparison with distinctive feature structure of the male body. In the photo the most popular red variety Andre Dakota:
Anthurium leaves are very interesting in appearance: large juicy green arrow-shaped or heart-shaped matte or shiny leaves. The aroma of different types flowers can be pleasant or smelly.
A houseplant can reach 40 or even 70 cm in height. You must remember that this poisonous flower, so you need to be careful when caring for it and protect children and pets from exposure to poison.
The birthplace of anthurium is Southern and Central America, and therefore you will have to create real tropics at home. The too spectacular “appearance” of the plant requires proper care, thanks to which it will delight your family with a healthy and literally blooming appearance almost all year round.
Very rare varieties of red Scherzer, white and blue anthuriums are shown in the photo below:
Red Scherzer
Blue variety
Anthurium is a very “capricious” flower, but if desired, it is quite possible to create compositions of unsurpassed beauty even at home. To do this, you need to clearly know how to care for it.
The plant, which originates from the tropics, is accustomed to high humidity, but abundant watering alone is not enough.
The right solution in this case is to water the plant with settled water. room temperature once every three to four days. You should first check the moisture content of the soil in the pot, and then water it, but do not allow water to accumulate in the pan or in the pot itself.
It is better to dry out the soil a little rather than flood it. You can use wet gravel or sphagnum moss in the tray.
“Male happiness” loves light, but even here it’s not so simple: the light should be diffused and soft, but direct rays of the sun harm it. In winter, it especially needs light, but also without exposure to direct sunlight. The optimal placement of a flower pot will be windows facing east or northwest.
Most tropical plants are heat-loving, and anthurium is no exception. To live, it needs a temperature of 15 to 28 degrees, and in spring and summer it needs to provide a temperature above 20 degrees, and in autumn and winter - about 15-17 degrees.
If in winter it is necessary for “male happiness” to bloom before the arrival of spring, you can simply provide it with a higher temperature.
The impact of wind on the plant is unacceptable. You should never place a flower pot in drafts.
High humidity is another necessary condition for “male happiness”. It should be above 80%.
Since the majority modern apartments do not have such conditions, the solution is to purchase an air humidifier, regularly spray and wipe the leaves of the plant (the main thing is to prevent water from getting on the inflorescences), cover the trunk, roots and part of the stems with moss or use it next to flower pot containers with water.
In the latter case, the evaporation of water will benefit the plant, since here the effect is as close as possible to the humidity of tropical forests.
From spring to autumn, anthurium needs to be fed once every two to three weeks, alternating mineral and organic fertilizers. In this matter, you also need to keep in mind the whimsical nature of the flower: do not overdo it with fertilizers containing lime and mineral salts - plants react negatively to this.
The “proper soil” for anthurium is a slightly acidic mixture with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You can prepare it yourself by mixing humus, peat, unsifted leaf soil and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1:0.5. To give the soil the necessary air and water permeability, you can add pieces of broken bricks, charcoal or finely chopped foam.
Another soil option for anthurium is a mixture of peat, turf soil and sphagnum moss in a 2:1:1 ratio. Next, coarse sand, perlite or foam is added to this mixture.
You can also use an option that is often used for growing orchids. Take purchased soil for flowers and chopped pine bark in equal proportions. The soil will provide stability to the plant, and the bark will create the necessary air space. By adding moss to the mixture, you can provide optimal conditions for growing anthurium.
Take the pot size 4-6 cm larger than the previous one in diameter. If you place small plant into a large pot, the soil will become acidic - this is very important. Another disadvantage would be the lack of flowers.
It is better to opt for wide and flat plastic pots with good drainage holes. Additionally, you can make small holes in the sides of the pot, which will provide better ventilation roots
The plant requires regular replanting, especially immediately after purchase, and even during flowering. Otherwise, the leaves will fade and begin to turn black, and the flowers will fade. At first it will need to be replanted annually, and as it matures - every three years.
How to transplant correctly? The algorithm is like this:
To better understand the process, watch this video, starting at minute 2:
The first option for plant propagation is carried out during transplantation, when the side shoots from the main base. This is done extremely carefully, untangling the roots in order to minimally injure the root system.
The second option for propagating anthurium is by planting seeds. True, this is a rather complex, long and painstaking task:
Although caring for “male happiness” is incredibly difficult, illnesses occur quite rarely. Numerous mistakes in care can lead to negative consequences, but in general this is not a painful plant. Look at the photo of leaf disease:
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Why do the leaves turn yellow and dry? Lighting problem: your pet either doesn’t have enough light or is burned from direct sunlight. | |
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If the leaves appear brown spots or dots, it means the plant is freezing. | |
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If strange spots form on the inflorescence, it is likely that water got on them during spraying. | |
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If the stems and visible parts of the roots rot, it is necessary to reduce watering: excess moisture harms. | |
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Why do the tips of the leaves turn black? The soil contains an excess of calcium salts, so the anthurium needs to be replanted. | |
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Why doesn't anthurium bloom? (Although it will not bloom in the first four years after propagation by seeds.) The reason may be an incorrectly selected pot. To make it bloom, you will have to meet all the conditions. |
The most dangerous pests are scale insects and aphids. Also, the indoor flower “male happiness” can be attacked by mealybugs and spider mite. To prevent their appearance, you need to wipe the leaves and stems with water.
How to care for an anthurium houseplant.
Just a few years ago, about a beautifully flowering liana plant that preserves for a long time decorative look, we knew very little. Now experienced amateurs indoor plants be sure to replenish the collection of green flowering pets from South America.
Anthurium received popular name“male happiness”, since this flower is most often presented as a gift to men
The elegant creature is the embodiment of strength, courage, freedom, and passion for a woman. However, anthurium also received less sweet-sounding names.
Florists use Anthurium in men's bouquets
It is also called “devil’s tongue”, “flamingo flower”, and even the name “pig’s tail” has stuck. True, it is rarely called that way, and the name “male happiness” is more common.
The flamingo flower fits perfectly into modern interior home or office, emphasizing its conciseness and harmonious atmosphere.
The best place for “a man’s happiness” will be the one that he does not have to share with a neighbor: the anthurium will open in all its glory only if there are no other plants nearby.
Florists often use anthurium in flower arrangements because cut flowers can stay fresh for up to five weeks.
Anthurium can bloom all year long Anthurium was brought to us from South America. It is difficult to call it unpretentious: for the plant it is necessary to create special conditions so that the humidity is high, and water does not fall on the flowers, and so that the soil does not dry out.
A plant with bright flames, which form an inflorescence-cob, with velvety dark green leaves. An arrow-shaped or heart-shaped bract, like a blanket, wraps the cob. The plant can reach 40 cm in height
What is an anthurium inflorescence? It is a spadix surrounded by a showy shiny bract that is pink, brown, white spotted, yellow or fiery red.
There are bracts with an unusual color - purple. The bract or colored blanket is stylized by nature itself in the shape of a heart. It is difficult to confuse such a flower with any other indoor pet.
Anthurium blooms in March and can delight with flowering for 7-8 months. Each individual inflorescence blooms for 1-1.5 months.
Only in good conditions exotic plant grows in height up to 0.8 m. In diameter, anthurium can reach 0.5 m
In the American tropics and subtropics, anthurium grows in wildlife and is an epiphyte (attached to other plants). But in our weather conditions The flamingo flower will feel comfortable only in heated rooms. An elegant flower requires special care
Among anthuriums there are also unsightly-looking representatives. There are several forms of beautifully flowering anthuriums:
Andre has a shortened stem, numerous protruding aerial roots and large leathery leaves
Anthurium andre Anthurium Scherzer has shortened shoots
Anthurium Scherzer U Anthurium crystal short shoots and large, heart-shaped leaves reaching 40 cm in diameter
Anthurium crystal Anthurium majestic- this is a plant with powerful leaves on which white veins are visible
Anthurium majestic Anthurium clear-veined prized by lovers for its beautiful patterned leaves
Baker's anthurium- owner of short shoots.
Baker's anthurium Anthurium climbing grows up to 1 m in height
Anthurium climbing Hybrids, which go on sale
During the flowering period, the plant needs shading. Not putting it away on time summer time When the anthurium has opened its inflorescences, you can find yellowed spots and burns on the leaves, which the flower receives from direct sunlight. Later, the damaged leaves will simply dry out
The first rule of proper anthurium care: during the flowering period, exclude all bright lighting and keep away from direct sunlight
Second rule: V winter period the flower should be provided with good lighting
Third rule: avoid drafts
Where to place such a capricious plant?
A south or west window will be ideal for an anthurium if you can provide it with additional lighting. On summer period Anthurium should be placed in a shaded place
How to ensure abundant flowering?
In order for a flower to please the eye for a long time with its beautiful colors in winter, it must be moved to a room with constant temperature up to +15 °C (this rule does not apply to crystal anthurium, which should be kept at a temperature of +18 °C and not allowed to drop)
Abundant flowering only possible with engraved care Those inflorescences that have already bloomed should not remain on the plant: they will begin to set seeds and the plant will weaken.
How and when to feed anthurium?
The flower needs feeding with mineral and organic fertilizers from March to September. Humus and cow manure mixed in equal quantities can be used as fertilizers. Or feed with infusion of chicken manure
If fertilizing is done with purchased fertilizers, then the dose indicated in the instructions must be reduced.
All this time it needs to be fed no more often and at least twice a month.
In winter, anthurium goes into a dormant stage, so it needs to be fertilized and watered less often.
Watering - once a week, but subject to frequent spraying with warm, settled water and the use of a humidifier
When spraying a plant, avoid getting drops of water on the inflorescences. Leaves must be wiped clean from dust. To do this, use a soft, damp sponge.
In winter, the plant needs to gain strength before the upcoming flowering. Therefore, it should be placed in a well-lit place. Lack of sunlight can cause yellowing of “male happiness”
Anthurium blooms in favorable conditions.
Is the plant not blooming? Probable reasons:
What to do to make anthurium bloom?
If you correct all mistakes in care, flowering will occur in 2-3 months.
The plant begins to hurt when Not proper care. What is detrimental to anthurium?
The plant can be affected by fungal diseases:
Yellowing of leaves is caused by the following factors:
Anthurium leaves can turn black when overwatered. Therefore, you should not water the flower more than once a week in winter and once every 4 days in summer. Watering is not abundant. Abundant and frequent watering leads to rotting of the roots and blackening of the leaves.
How to save a damaged plant? Stop watering and dry the soil. But rescue must begin when the first signs of blackening of the leaves appear.
It is necessary to water and spray the anthurium abundantly in the hot summer. In winter, watering should be reduced. However, the earthen lump should not dry out
Water requirements:
When choosing a pot for planting anthurium, it is better to give preference to a plastic or glazed one. There is no deposition of salts on their inner walls.
To spray anthurium, you must use a fine sprayer. But a special air humidifier will do the job better.
It is better to replant anthurium in the spring months. Blooming anthurium can also be transplanted
The plant should be removed from the old pot and, without removing the soil from the roots, planted in a pot with fresh soil
The composition of the soil for anthurium should include:
Rotten leaves
turf land
small particles of moss
Which pot to choose for anthurium?
The flamingo flower has a branched root system. Therefore, it is not necessary to buy a deep pot. But in order for the root system to have enough space, the pot must be wide. The principle of “a large pot will last longer” can play a cruel joke in this case: the plant will grow, but will not bloom
Before planting the plant, you need to pour a drainage layer into the pot so that the roots do not rot due to excessive watering.
It is not difficult to propagate anthurium yourself. To do this, the bush is divided into 2-3 parts.
This method of dividing the bush has a positive effect on further growth plants: the flower will rejuvenate every time
The donated plant has strong properties. This is why anthurium is often given to men as a gift.
In order for a flower to please with large flowers and large succulent leaves, it needs to create good conditions, the main of which is a suitable substrate. Most indoor plants feel great in universal soil, but for anthurium the mixture must be specially selected. For the successful growth of this plant, the characteristics of its root system should be taken into account. The soil should have good air and water permeability and be light.. In heavy soil, the roots can rot, and the flower can become sick and disappear.
Those soil soils, which can be purchased in stores, are not suitable for growing anthuriums, so it is better to prepare the mixture yourself.
The substrate should be light, breathable, and acidic (pH=5.5-6.5). In heavy soil, the roots of the anthurium will become covered with velamin and rot..
For successful flower growth at home, you should prepare an earthen mixture consisting of the following components:
The sand needs to be washed well and the bark steamed. The bark pieces should be 1-1.5 cm in size. To increase the looseness of the mixture, you can add perlite to it..
Before planting a flower in the prepared soil, it is necessary to heat treat the substrate.
There is another option for preparing a substrate for anthurium, which is often used experienced flower growers. To do this you need to mix:
Charcoal and crushed bark of coniferous trees, such as pine or spruce, are added to this mixture.
You should know that It is better to plant young plants in a less coarse substrate. For their good growth and development, a mixture consisting of pine bark, sphagnum moss, peat and perlite (1/1/1/1) is suitable. The soil should adhere tightly to the roots and only after the root system has grown can the flower be transplanted into a mixture for adult plants.
As the anthurium grows, its roots may rise above the soil surface. The exposed parts must be covered with pieces of moss to retain moisture.
The health and beauty of anthurium depends on the presence of drainage, because these plants cannot tolerate stagnation of water in the root system and may die. To create optimal conditions for flower growth, you need to think about good drainage, only in this case excess water will go away, and the roots will breathe.
It is important to know! High-quality drainage for flowers must be chemically inert, allow water to pass through, and not mold or rot.
The following materials are suitable for preparing drainage::
The most Expanded clay is a popular material for drainage; it can absorb excess moisture. These are baked pieces of clay that have a porous structure. You can buy it in flower shops.
When using other materials as drainage, you must follow the following tips:
By creating high-quality drainage, the anthurium will be guaranteed comfort, it will grow, develop and bloom well.
If you don’t want to make the substrate yourself, you can buy it in the store, but this poses difficulties. It is difficult to find a special mixture for anthuriums, therefore, you can purchase soil for orchids with a similar composition, which includes bark and peat. There are soils for orchids consisting of peat, charcoal, and sphagnum. This substrate can be mixed with universal primer (1:1).
In Moscow, you can purchase soil for orchids in specialized stores or via the Internet. The cost of the earth mixture depends on the manufacturer. For example:
To prevent potential pests from growing in the soil, it must be subjected to heat treatment. It is also necessary to take into account that the soil for anthurium is not nutritious, so after replanting the plant should be periodically fed by adding fertilizers for aroids or ornamental flowering plants to the water for irrigation.
It should be noted that knowing which soil to transplant Men’s Happiness and the ability to correctly compose the soil will save the anthurium and its owner from many problems. In a good substrate, water does not stagnate, the roots “breathe”, therefore, the flower will develop well and delight the owner with beautiful flowers.
Anthurium, or as it is also called “male happiness,” is popular among flower growers. This plant is beautiful and fits into any interior. But it’s difficult to call him unpretentious. How to care for and replant the “male happiness” flower, photos and descriptions, signs associated with the culture - you will find this and much more in our material.
The “male happiness” flower, photos of which are given in the article, is a prominent representative of the Araceae family. IN natural environment The plant is found in tropical and subtropical forests of America and on the islands of the Caribbean Archipelago. All varieties of the crop are epiphytes or semi-epiphytes, that is, they cling to trees with their roots, but do not receive nutrients from them.
The genus of anthurium has 900 species, but only three of them are suitable for growing at home:
Each of these varieties will become the pride of the gardener and the decoration of the collection of house plants. But this will require a lot of effort, because anthuriums are capricious crops.
After purchasing a “male happiness” flower, it is important to replant it in new soil. The fact is that for sale, plants are placed in a substrate that is not intended for comfortable cultivation of the crop. Therefore, it is advisable to hold the event in the first three days after the purchase. Then the plant will quickly acclimatize to the conditions in your apartment and begin to grow.
For the plant, choose a glass or plastic pot. You can plant the crop in a clay container, the main thing is that its surface is glazed from the inside. What is it for? Anthurium roots are strong and grow into unglazed clay. They are difficult to remove during subsequent transplantation. Give preference to wide and shallow containers, but do not choose a very spacious pot. Otherwise, the anthurium will begin to grow green mass and will not want to bloom.
The culture prefers loose fertile soil. A store-bought mixture intended for orchids will do. If you want to make the substrate yourself, then mix the following components:
Be sure to disinfect the substrate. To do this, bake it in the oven or hold it over steam. After disinfection, add some charcoal and pine bark chips to the mixture.
2-3 hours before the procedure, moisten the soil well. This will make it easier for you to remove the plant from the pot. How to replant a flower “male happiness”:
After planting, water the substrate well and cover the surface with moss. This way the moisture will be better preserved inside the container.
Now that you have figured out how to replant the “male happiness” flower, you should learn about the rules for growing the plant. For this tropical beauty to take root and delight you with its buds, arrange for it comfortable conditions. And for this, support optimal lighting and temperature, do not forget to regularly water and feed the flower.
The flower “male happiness” is very thermophilic. In summer, keep it in a room with a temperature of +20...+28 °C. From September to February, during the dormant period, it is advisable to move the culture to a cool room with +15...+16 °C. If this is not possible, then keep the plant on the windowsill away from radiators and heating devices. And also protect it from drafts - the flower absolutely cannot stand them.
The flower “male happiness” or anthurium is a rather capricious plant. And in different time he needs different lighting throughout the year. In summer, during flowering, it is advisable to keep the pot in partial shade. A north or west window sill will do. In the south, shade the plant from direct sunlight.
In winter, on the contrary, the plant needs maximum illumination. Therefore, move the pot closer to the light. If necessary, provide additional illumination with a phytolamp.
Anthurium is a moisture-loving plant, and complete drying out of the soil is disastrous for it. But stagnation of moisture is also unacceptable, as it leads to rot. Therefore, water the flower with extreme caution. In summer, moisten the soil every 3-4 days. In winter, reduce irrigation to once a week. For humidification, use only settled, filtered and softened water at room temperature. Water the flower strictly at the root so that water does not get on the stems.
Like most tropical plants, the “male happiness” flower prefers high humidity air. To increase this indicator, place a container of water near the pot. Better yet, purchase a special air humidifier or keep the container with the plant on a tray with moistened moss.
The leaves of the crop are large and dust accumulates on them. To clean the surface of the plates, use a soft, damp sponge. Occasionally spray the foliage with a fine spray bottle. But make sure that moisture does not get on the stems and bracts of “male happiness”.
If you want to achieve long flowering and numerous buds from anthurium, then you cannot do without additional feeding. During the active growing season from the beginning of spring to the end of summer, feed the flower with mineral and organic compounds with a low content of nitrogen and calcium. It is advisable to purchase special liquid preparations intended for this species. Fertilize the plant every two weeks and alternate different types feeding each other.
From September to the end of February, “male happiness” begins a period of rest. At this time, the flower does not need feeding.
With proper care at home, the “male happiness” flower will quickly grow and become cramped in an old pot. This can be understood by the roots protruding from the drainage hole. It is better to plan the procedure for spring - summer. During this period, the plant tolerates the event more easily and then practically does not get sick. How to experience the flower “male happiness” using the transshipment method:
After the procedure, moisten the soil well and place the flower in its usual place. For young plants, hold the event annually. Replant adult flowers as needed every 3-4 years.
It is extremely necessary to replant the anthurium if the composition of the substrate has changed for the worse. For example, rusty or white coating. When can you replant the “male happiness” flower in this case? As soon as you notice negative phenomena. And even if the anthurium is blooming at this time, replant the flower immediately. Otherwise, he may die without waiting for spring.
The procedure is the same as when transplanting after purchase. You can learn about it from the corresponding chapter. If you are just changing the soil and planting the crop in an old pot, be sure to treat the container with a solution of potassium permanganate.
The flower “male happiness” is endowed with magical properties. It is believed that it helps improve the personal life of single representatives of the fair sex. The following signs are also associated with anthurium:
Now you know everything about how to replant a “male happiness” flower and care for the plant. Follow these rules and create comfortable conditions for the anthurium, and it will definitely reward you with attractive and numerous buds that will please the eye.
The older the anthurium gets, the less beautiful it becomes. The lower leaves gradually die off, exposing the unattractive trunk of the plant. Leaves and flowers become increasingly smaller, often growing with curled tips. Sometimes the flowering of anthurium stops completely.
If a flower has lost its decorative appearance and began to wither, then in order to revive it to a new life and again admire the chic flowers of “male happiness”, it is necessary to carry out a rejuvenation procedure.
A plant that is not yet three years old does not require updating. As it gets older, the anthurium begins to degrade: the roots and leaves die off, and the plant begins to wither. Growth and development are suspended. Different kinds"male happiness" require rejuvenation in at different ages, which can be determined by their appearance.
Usually, Anthurium, which is 4-5 years old, needs resuscitation. You can rejuvenate at least every year, but it is best to prune once every 3-4 years. The most favorable time for flower renewal is considered to be from May to June. In summer it is warm and the plant has time to sprout roots before the first cold weather and short daylight hours.
To understand that anthurium needs pruning and rejuvenation, just examine it carefully. In an aging plant as it dies lower leaves the ugly trunk is exposed.
Unlike young anthurium, the leaves and flowers of the old plant become small, many side shoots appear and “male happiness” turns into a bush with small flowers, and over time it stops blooming altogether. All these signs indicate that the flower should be rejuvenated.
At good care At home, an anthurium can live up to 10-12 years, but in order for a flower to live that long, it must be rejuvenated every four years, otherwise “male happiness” will stop its growth and flowering and may even die.
You can rejuvenate a plant even at a very mature age, the main thing is that the plant is alive. In this way, you can reanimate an aging anthurium, prolonging its life.
It is necessary to rejuvenate “male happiness” in the following way:
If after cutting the top there is a trunk and roots left, then do not rush to throw them away. You can try to revive “men's happiness”. To do this, you need to continue to care for the remaining “stump” and reduce watering, since there is no need to feed the leaves. Often dormant buds wake up on an old plant, from which they develop young shoots, and under them are aerial roots.
When the roots grow up to 1.5 cm in length, the flower can be transplanted into a new substrate, resulting in another updated anthurium.
After pruning and rejuvenation, the plant requires the same care as for a newly transplanted anthurium:
If you follow simple rules of care, updating an old anthurium will be successful, even if what remains of the gorgeous flower is a trunk with several leaves.
If the plant was pruned correctly and its rooting was successful, but the anthurium soon began to wither, then some mistakes may have been made in caring for the renewed plant.
A renewed plant may begin to wither if:
When all these problems are eliminated, the plant should return to normal and begin to grow. If the leaves still do not rise, then we can assume that the flower was infected with chlorosis or fusarium during transplantation. In the first case, iron should be added when applying fertilizer, and in the second, the anthurium should be treated with fungicides.
Attention! Sudden changes in air temperature, as well as drafts, should not be allowed - this can cause the plant to die.
The procedure for rejuvenating a plant does not require significant effort, and all of the above tips will help you avoid typical mistakes beginner florist.
