Anthuriums are popular for their attractive foliage and flexible nature. Say hello to another one, the Anthurium esmeraldense plant. This herbaceous evergreen epiphyte plant is native to tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests of Ecuador. However, unfortunately, harmful human activities have added it to the list of threatened habitat species.
The juvenile burgundy leaves grow to become dark green in the typical Anthurium elephant-ear shape. These leaves grow individually on long stalk-like stems, joined at the base. Expect a mature plant to get about 120 cm tall with a spread of about 50 to 70cm.
If you get your hands on one, it’s a nice option for both indoor and outdoor plantations. Still with us? Keep reading to enjoy an informative guide about the Esmeraldense Anthurium Plant.
Anthurium esmeraldense Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Anthurium.
Species: A. esmeraldense.
Genus Anthurium:
The largest Aroid genus was introduced in the 18th century. These are native to the lands of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Argentina. More than a thousand beautiful plant species include both epiphytic and terrestrial ones.
The majority of the Anthuriums have attractive foliage. The edged leaves and typical flowers on long thin stalks make these plants pure eye candy. Also, many common names like tail flowers, flamingos, and lace leaves are associated with them.
Features of Anthurium esmeraldense Plant
Size
This plant is generally medium-sized on maturity. The size mainly depends upon the atmosphere and space available for growth. At max, a mature plant can get about 120 cm tall.
Leaves
The baby leaves protrude out in a unique burgundy shade and long shape. This juvenile foliage grows out to get deep-green shade. The elephant-ear or long, bi-lobbed leaves attain a maximum size of about 10 to 12 cm.
An important feature of these leaves is their slightly bullate or pebbled leaves. They increase the light-absorbing capacity of the plant. This helps the plant to survive in its natural habitat with low light and highly humid conditions.
Flowers
Typical Anthuriums flowers are famous for their long life. You will be surprised to know that a single flower will stay for about 3 to 4 months.
These are brightly colored and grow spirally on a spadix. However, a flowering Anthurium is not something you should expect to see frequently.
Toxicity
Carrying the legacy of toxicity, esmeraldense should be avoided by kids and pets. Close contact causes allergy and itching on the skin.
Furthermore, ingestion can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and ulceration of the mouth and esophagus. Hence, don’t delay seeking emergency medical aid in case of emergency, especially ingestion.
Resilience and long life
Anthuriums have a long life. Give good care with a little love, and expect them to grow for years.
Anthurium esmeraldense Care
Anthuriums are generally known to be easy plants. Beginners and busy peeps can go ahead to enjoy these around their surroundings.
Quick Guide:
Water: Low to average.
Sun: Bright to the medium indirect sun.
Humidity: Preferably high but moderate is also enough.
Let us have a deeper understanding about ‘How to grow an Anthurium esmeraldense?”
Water Requirement:
These tropical plants have low water requirements. The common Anthurium watering is good enough for this plant. Drench the soil with water until the pot starts draining.
Afterward, leave the soil to remain barely moist or just dry out. Also, don’t water again without checking the upper 3 inches of the soil to be dry or with minimum moisture.
The watering frequency for the anthurium esmeraldense plant is dependent upon the climate and season. In a moderate climate, watering the plant every week is enough for the spring and summer. However, people living in hotter zones can increase the frequency to twice a week depending upon the soil.
How to water Anthrurium esmeraldense in winter is an important discussion. In winters, the water requirement of the plants generally decreases.
You need to see and observe the drying pattern of the soil to help you create a watering schedule. As an estimate, water the plant about once every ten to fourteen days.
This is enough to keep it alive. However, the availability of light and temperature may cause a slight increase in the water demand of the plant.
Some people also use the ice-cube technique to provide slow and steady water to the soil. Around six to seven cubes are good enough for the whole ten days for the plant.
Important Instructions:
The soft and soggy roots of Anthuriums are prone to rotting. So, make sure you strictly avoid over-watering and never let the soil stay soggy. The key here is to ensure the soil; especially the upper layer has just dried out or is barely moist before you water again.
Anthurium esmeraldense Sunlight Requirement
The native habitat of these plants directs us to keep them in partial shade or indirect filtered sun. They can survive well in low light but don’t expect them to bloom here.
A sunny window with some pleasant sun is a good indoor choice for your plant. It can enjoy a few hours of mild direct sun in the early morning or late afternoon hours. However, direct exposure to the bright sun at peak hours can scorch out and burn the foliage. So, make sure you adjust the plant accordingly.
Soil/Substrate Requirement
The soft roots of the anthurium esmeraldense need to stay in well-drained and loose soil. You can add some sand and perlite to enhance the drainage of the soil. Also, the addition of some orchid mix is a good way to increase the soil more fertile.
As far as PH is concerned, it should be slightly acidic with a PH between 6.1 and 6.5.
Temperature Requirement
These tropical plants prefer to stay in moderate and pleasantly warm temperatures. The room temperature which makes you feel comfortable is good for your plant as well. Ideally, a temperature range of 65 to 85 F is a nice range for your Anthurium.
The poor resistance to cold and frost makes them need your help in winter. Anthuriums should better be transferred to some warm spot before the winter gets fierce. This is important for the people living in colder regions.
Humidity Requirements
Your Esmeraldense Anthurium loves to stay in moist environments. Around 50% moisture in the air is a nice level for survival. Furthermore, 70% air moisture will be an excellent way to help the foliage look lush and healthy.
On dry days, you can mist your plant with lukewarm water and a spray bottle. Just make sure the plant is in a well-ventilated place to avoid sogginess. Secondly, you can use a pebble-water tray under the pot or simply introduce a humidifier in the surroundings.
Fertilizer Requirement
Scheduled doses of good quality fertilizer show positive effects on the growth rate and health of the plant. It is crucial to discuss the importance of suitable and low concentrations of fertilizer. It is always better to use mild, preferably half of the dose stated on the package.
Over-fertilization is notoriously harmful to the plant. It can not only scorch out the foliage but can also kill the plant. Experts recommend using mild concentration once a month or every third month in spring and summer only.
In cold weather, the nutritional requirements of the plant are at a minimum. So, make sure you stop fertilizing right near the end of the summer.
Pot Requirements
A medium sized pot with drainage holes at the base is what you need for indoor or patio plantation. Alternatively, they will grow equally good outdoors in the ground of your lawn or yard.
Repotting Requirements
Anthuriums don’t mind staying root bound they enjoy it. So, don’t hassle for repotting before about three years or unless the plant looks prominently bigger for the pot.
Anthurium esmeraldense Propagation
The popular methods of making some new Anthuriums include stem cuttings and plant division. The ideal time for this is the pleasantly warm days between mid-spring and mid-summer.
Propagation by Plant division:
You can simply take out the plant and divide it into two to three parts along with the roots.
Method:
- Loose the soil around the mother plant and take it out gently.
- Now divide the plant body into two to three parts. Make sure you divide the roots equally and carefully without damaging them.
- Now, plant all the parts in your desired pots or places with well-draining soil.
Propagation by Stem-cuttings:
This is a comparatively easier method. However, a single stem takes a little longer to develop into an independent plant.
Method:
- Take a sterilized knife and cut a few stems with healthy leaves.
- Dip the lower ends in growth hormone if you have the product available. Howbeit, you can skip it in case you don’t have the product in hand.
- Now, plant the cuttings in suitable soil. These will start rooting after three to four weeks which will be followed by baby shoots protruding out.
Initial Care:
Initially planted plants or cuttings need a little extra care from you. Just splash the soil with spray, without drenching the soil. This will be helpful as you don’t want to wash away the newly planted week plantlets.
After about five to six weeks, you can finally follow the Anthurium esmeraldense Care, as mentioned in the previous section.
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Summary
Anthurium esmeraldense is an evergreen plant, native to the rainforests of Ecuador. This medium-sized peep can get about a few feet long with a similar width. It makes a nice choice for both indoor and outdoor plantations.
The plant body is formed of numerous long stalk-like stems with deep-green, elephant-ear-shaped leaves. This easy-to-care peep needs dappled sun, slightly moist soil, and good humidity to stay healthy.
Just like the other members of the genus, Esmeraldense is toxic for us and animals. So, make sure kids and pets don’t ingest or mingle with the plant. Also, prefer using gloves before handling and opt for emergency medical aid in case of emergency and ingestion.
