How to take care of an Anthurium, in Canada
To be honest with all the plant lovers out there, tropical plants generally don’t find the Canadian climate very welcoming. As part of that tropical family, Anthuriums face even greater challenges than many other popular tropical species. The reason is quite clear: Canada experiences long and dry winters, an environment that poses significant challenges for tropical plants.
However, the moment you see and touch an Anthurium, you’re immediately captivated by its stunning appearance, the intricate veins, and the unique texture of its leaves. Each new leaf brings a smile to your face and a gasp of admiration. So now, let’s talk about how to care for an Anthurium, right here in Canada!
The four essential elements for any plant's well-being are Light, Water, Humidity and Temperature.
🌱 Lighting Up
Just like other tropical plants, Anthurium also thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. This light intensity is typically quantified as 500-1000 footcandles (fc). When we delve into PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) values, it's clear that Anthurium plants need a range between 15 and 100 μmol/m²/s to prosper.
To ensure your Anthurium exhibits regular growth, aim to provide an environment that offers a minimum of 400 fc of light for 10-12 hours daily.
Meeting these light requirements can be particularly challenging in most Canadian regions, especially during the long winter months. Therefore, we recommend investing in a plant grow light to supplement your Anthurium, and even tropical plants in general, for optimal growth. During the summer, positioning it beside a bright window works wonders, but ensure there's a sheer curtain to diffuse the direct sunlight and prevent it from hitting your plants directly. This setup can closely mimic their natural environment, encouraging healthier growth without the risk of sunburn or dehydration that direct sunlight can cause.
🌱 The Thirst Quench
When it comes to watering, anthuriums are a bit like us after a good workout—not too thirsty, but definitely needing a drink. Wait until the top inch of the soil feels dry before giving them a good soak. Overwatering is like overdoing it at a buffet; it's not going to end well, leading to root rot. And trust me, in the plant world, that's as bad as it sounds.
Now the question is: How do I know when it's time to water my plant? Luckily for us, the solution is at hand—even if you're a newcomer to the plant world! A Soil Moisture Meter can effortlessly solve that dilemma.
🌱 Humidity: The Spa Treatment
Remember, these beauties are from the rainforest, where the air is as moist as a well-made mojito. Keeping the humidity high around your anthurium will make it feel right at home. You can mist it regularly, place it on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby. It's like giving your plant a spa day, every day.
🌱 Temperature: Keeping It Cozy
Anthuriums enjoy a warm environment—think of the comfort of sipping hot cocoa under a blanket but for plants. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). They're not fans of the cold, so keep them away from drafty windows in the winter.
Wrapping up our journey into the world of Anthurium care, I want to leave you with a thought that's close to my heart: you do not need to treat it as a complex science course. There's no need to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of information out there. If you ever find yourself getting anxious, just pause. Take a moment to simply observe your plant. Look at its leaves, roots, and overall form. It's through this gentle observation and a bit of patience that you'll gradually find your own rhythm and methods for caring for your Anthurium.