Climbing Anthurium
anthurium scandens
Also known as: ["Climbing Flamingo Lily","Wild Anthurium"]
Overview
A climbing epiphytic plant with heart-shaped leaves and characteristic spathe flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Anthurium |
| Botanical Name: | Anthurium scandens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or trellis in a humid environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity levels
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, airy mix with organic matter (e.g., peat, orchid bark, perlite).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Adjust to lower light in winter if needed.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a shaded spot outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid south-facing windows.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; water thoroughly until it drains; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C). Prefers stable temperatures; cooler in winter but avoid frost.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temps; use a thermometer to monitor.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer) with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with nodes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below node.
- Apply hormone (if used).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and warm temperatures (70–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or coco coir.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools; keep medium moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a node or leaf junction with clean, sharp tools.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized knife.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged leaves; sterilize tools; cut cleanly; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; discard excess water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water until excess drains from the bottom, then discard any standing water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer), reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on humidity and pot size.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold), wilting or leaf drop (heat), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate pots, and reduce watering until conditions improve.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Anthurium scandens, which can cause significant oral and gastrointestinal distress. Prompt veterinary care is recommended if ingestion occurs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Anthurium scandens can lead to oral and gastrointestinal irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate but require veterinary attention if severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAnthurium scandens contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling upon ingestion. The plant's toxic effects are primarily localized to the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Anthurium scandens toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Anthurium scandens?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically once a week.
Q: Does Anthurium scandens need a support structure?
A: Yes, it is a climbing plant and benefits from a moss pole or trellis.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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