Looking for a plant that is both beautiful and low maintenance? Look no further than anthurium balaoanum. This evergreen aroid is native to the Equador and is perfect for those who want to add a touch of beauty to their home without having to put in a lot of work.
Balaoanum is known for its thin giant leaves, vibrant color, and leathery texture making it a great choice for adding color to any space. And because it is an evergreen, you won’t have to worry about it losing its leaves in the winter.
But like any other plant, anthurium also needs proper care to grow and flourish. Read this guide to know everything about this interesting aroid – from origin to care, we got you all covered.
Anthurium Balaoanum Classification
Phylum – Tracheophyta
Family – Araceae
Genus – Anthurium
About:
Native to Ecuador, anthurium balaoanum is a species of evergreen aroid that is known for its beautiful giant leaves. The plant can reach up to an outstanding height of 30m when grown outside as an epiphyte, and 2m as an indoor plant. The thin leaves of this perennial are leathery and have a vibrant dark or light green color.
Anthurium balaoanum is also considered the ‘most confusing plant’ to sell on the internet. One of the main reasons for the suspicion is that some gardeners claim that the Anthurium dolichostachyum from Ecuador used to be the same plant.
According to Dr. Croat, an aroid botanist from the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, the Anthurium guildingii is a common name for the plant. They’re still confused, though, because they’re comparing leaves from two different tropical plants.
Common Name And Synonym
Anthurium Balaoanum; formerly Anthurium Dussii and Anthurium Guildingii, is the new scientific name for this plant. It is also known as Balaonum or Anthurium Balao.
Habitat
This plant grows in the wild on trees and rocks in the tropical rainforests of Ecuador at an altitude of 1000-2000 m.
Ideal Climate
It is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. These plants are native to Ecuador which has a tropical climate with average temperatures between 18-28 degrees Celsius.
The plant will also need high humidity levels of around 60-70%. If the air is too dry, the leaves of the plant will start to curl and drop off.
Features of the Anthurium Balaoanum Plant
Foliage
The stem of the anthurium balaoanum is very thin and fleshy with internodes that are close together. The leaves grow out of the stem in a spiral pattern and can be up to 90cm long and 30cm wide.
The upper surface of the leaf is smooth and glossy while the underside is covered in small scales. Regardless of the time of year, their leaves are smooth and thin, with a bright green hue that never fades. However, you may need to handle these plants with care, since their foliage is as thin as tissue paper.
Also, the leaves of this rare aroid have a leathery texture and are heart-shaped with a pointed tip and serrated margins.
Flowers
Like most the Anthuriums, Balaoanum also doesn’t produce showy flowers. The only inflorescence they have is scathes or spadix in bright colors.
Height
The average height of an anthurium balaoanum is between 60-90cm. However, they can grow up to a height of 30m in the wild.
Evergreen and Durable
It is an evergreen aroid that can live for several years with the right care. These plants are also quite durable and can withstand some neglect.
However, they will not tolerate being overwatered or being in waterlogged soil for too long. If the plant’s roots are sitting in water, they will start to rot and the plant will eventually die.
Toxicity
The plant is considered to be poisonous if ingested. The sap from the plant can cause skin irritation so it is important to wash your hands after handling. If you have pets, it is best to keep them away from this plant.
Dormancy
Anthurium balaoanum doesn’t have a resting or dormancy period and can be grown all year round. However, it is essential to note that the plant will need less water during the winter months.
Maintenance
Anthurium balaoanum is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much to thrive. These plants are quite tough and can withstand some neglect.
However, they will need to be watered regularly during the growing season and fertilized every month or two. It is also important to keep an eye on the soil to make sure it doesn’t dry out completely.
Anthurium Balaoanum Care
Anthurium Balaoanum is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking a low-maintenance plant. Keep in mind that anthuriums don’t need a lot of attention, but they do have some requirements if you want to keep them healthy and happy.
This rare aroid can last another five years if you follow these simple care instructions.
Quick Care Guide:
| Water | Light, only when the soil looks dry |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Humidity | High Humidity, 60-70% ideally |
| Fertilizer | General Houseplant fertilizer (only during spring and summer) |
| Repotting | Larger ceramic pot to plant (every 2- 3 years) |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining soil and high in organic matter
Slightly acidic |
| Grooming & Pruning | During fall and spring |
| Placing | A humid, warm place with indirect sunlight |
| Temperature requirement | 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit |
Water Requirement
Do you know the best part about the anthurium balaoanum plant? You only need to water them if the soil looks dry. This may sound simple and convenient, but it is rather complex.
You can tell if the soil around an anthurium is dry by feeling it with your finger, which is, by the way, the only method to check if your plant needs water.
To check, you need to insert your entire finger deep into the soil. If your finger comes out dry, it’s the right time to water your plant.
Fertilizer Requirement
Like most houseplants, anthuriums benefit from being fertilized regularly. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks in a month.
You can also use slow-release pellets if you want to make things easier on yourself. However, it is important to ensure that your fertilizer does not have a high nitrogen content.
Light Requirement
Anthuriums prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. If you live in a particularly sunny climate, you may need to provide some protection from the harsh afternoon sun or the leaves will begin to wither. You can do this by placing your plant in a spot that receives filtered light or by hanging a sheer curtain over the window.
Temperature Requirement
Anthuriums are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves of the plant will begin to turn brown and drop off.
Soil Requirement
Anthuriums prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. You can either purchase a potting mix specifically designed for anthuriums or make your own by mixing peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts.
It is important to note that anthuriums cannot tolerate sitting in waterlogged soil for too long. If the roots of the plant are sitting in water, they will start to rot and the plant will eventually die.
Pruning Requirement
Anthuriums benefit from being pruned regularly to encourage new growth. You can prune your plant anytime during the growing season.
To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length using a sharp pair of shears. Be sure to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
Humidity Requirement
Anthuriums thrive in humid environments but can also tolerate drier conditions. If you live in a particularly dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Placing Requirement
Anthurium balaoanum is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any room. When choosing a spot for your plant, be sure to pick a place that receives bright, indirect light. These plants also prefer warm temperatures so avoid placing them in drafty areas or near air vents.
Repotting Requirement
Anthuriums should be repotted every two to three years. The best time to do this is in the spring. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. After repotting, water your plant well and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Anthurium Balaoanum Propagation
Anthurium balaoanum can be propagated by division or by seed. However, it is important to note that anthuriums grown from seed can take several years to bloom.
If you want to propagate by division, the best time to do it is in the spring. Simply divide the root ball into two or three sections and replant in a well-draining potting mix.
Pests And Diseases
Anthurium balaoanum is a fairly resistant plant but there are a few pests and diseases that can affect them. Some of the most common problems include root rot, spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
If you notice any of these problems, it is important to take action immediately. The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to keep your plant healthy and stress-free.
Summary
Anthurium balaoanum makes an excellent houseplant and can also be used in terrariums or as a part of a larger tropical planting.
These plants are relatively easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any home. So if you are looking for a green friend to adorn your living spaces with, Anthurium balaoanum is a perfect choice for you.
