The Anthurium Vittarifolium stems from the tropical rainforests of South America. It is particularly widespread in Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and Peru. This epiphyte likes to grow either on the surface of thin layered soil or in cavities between tree branches. This species has a stunning cascading structure with long thin leaves and an eye-catching deep green color.
Anthurium Vittarifolium is an exceptional plant owing to its appealing appearance and is a must-have addition to your garden. If you are an exotic plant fanatic and are interested to find out more about this extraordinary species, read on for a detailed guide.
Anthurium Vittarifolium Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Anthurium
History
Little is known about this exotic plant except for its origin and its growth requirements. This special plant is a unique plant that can be grown indoors. This unusual variety originates from the tropical rainforests of South America. It is also commonly known as the Hawaiian Heart and Flamingo Flower.
Genus Anthurium
The genus Anthurium is a sizable genus of flowering plants. It includes around 1000 identified species to date, making it the largest genus of the arum family. It is native to stretches of northern Argentina and northern Mexico. Some species are also widespread in parts of the Caribbean.
Features of the Anthurium Vittarifolium Plant
Structure
This species is an epiphyte that typically occurs with a short stem and long strap-like leaves. The foliage of this exotic houseplant is thin and long with a rich green color.
The plant blooms non-fragrant flowers, but its impressive look makes it the perfect choice for your indoor collection of hanging plants.
Size
The Anthurium Vittarifolium thrives well in rainforest-like climatic conditions and grows into a beautiful mature plant. The fully grown plant is approximately 7.9 ft tall and can achieve a width of 4 inches.
Leaves
The leaves of this epiphytic plant are its most stunning feature. They have typically clustered altogether at the base of the stem. The leaves have a cascading form and are an exquisite green color imparting a velvet glow to the plant.
They are narrow and strappy and have incredible growth potential. This feature makes it a great choice to be planted in hanging baskets. The plant can give your interior a refreshing tropical vibe due to its stunning foliage.
Flowers
The genus Anthurium consists of a variety of flowering plants. Anthurium Vittarifolium variegated also blooms with pinkish-hued spathe and spadix.
The flowers of this species serve the purpose of propagation. If you do not plan to propagate your plant, it is advised to remove the flowers to encourage more rapid growth.
Toxicity
All varieties of the genus Anthurium, including the Anthurium Vittarifolium, are rendered toxic for both humans and animals. Every component of the plant is considered poisonous and should be handled with extreme precaution while repotting or propagation.
Since the plant is not pet-safe, you should keep it out of your pet’s reach. Common toxicity symptoms include discomfort in and around the mouth.
Moreover, you are also likely to experience pain in your tongue and throat if you come in contact with this plant. You must keep the plant at a safe distance from toddlers and young kids.
Dormancy
The plant goes into an inactive stage during the cold winter months. During this time it does not require much to survive as it is in its rest phase. It is best to keep watering and fertilizing at bay throughout the dormant period.
Anthurium Vittarifolium Care
This species is an easy-to-grow plant variety with an exquisitely stunning appearance. The plant hails from the tropical rainforests of South America and is a jungle plant. With a few easy techniques, you can be an expert in growing and caring for your leafy companion.
Quick Care Guide
Water: Once every three days
Light: Bright indirect sunlight
Humidity: Moderate to high
Temperature: 16 to 24 degrees celsius
Fertilizer: Monthly during the growing season
Place Requirements
The anthurium vittarifolium plant is a sunlight and humidity-loving variety, therefore, it is best to plant it where it gets plenty of these. Since this plant has a cascading appearance, the best choice is to plant it in hanging baskets. This way, not only will your plant get plenty of space to grow but also add a regal touch to your home.
Water Requirements
Native to the tropical rainforest environment, this plant has a high water requirement. Watering it once every three days ensures its optimal growth and keeps your plant in good health. In hotter climates watering frequency can be increased up to twice in three days.
The Anthurium Vittarifolium is poorly tolerant to dry conditions. Its leaves begin to burn, starting at the tip, in case of water scarcity. Moisture is your plant’s best friend, but be wary not to over-water your leafy friend either.
A good way to develop a watering schedule is to water the plant only when the topsoil is dry. Signs of excessive watering can be abrupt yellowing of the leaves and decaying of the roots.
Important Instructions
It is important to space out consecutive watering sessions to maintain your plant’s growth. Always lightly water the plant instead of a heavy soaking all at once. It is necessary to let the excess water drain out through the drainage hole of the plant pot. Therefore, ensure that it is free from debris that might block the water flow.
Sunlight Requirements
The plant loves bright, diffused sunlight, but not direct exposure to the sun. To keep your plant directly in front of a south-facing window might be a bad idea. Direct and intense sunlight can cause the plant’s leaves and flowers to burn and die.
Partial shade is best suited to this variety for flourishing and attaining its maximum size. Make sure that you do not deprive the plant of all-natural light. In this case, the flower ceases to bloom and hence cannot be propagated. To resume flower growth you can simply place your plant in 75 to 80 % shade.
When planted as a houseplant, provide it with ample sunlight, but not so much that it costs you your plant’s health. An open area indoors, 5 to 8 feet from a window, is the best option to fulfill your plant’s light requirements.
Temperature Requirements
This species of the genus Anthurium flourishes best within a temperature range of 16 to 24 degrees celsius. Generally, the plant can bear daytime temperatures of up to 32 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures range between 21 to 24 degrees.
Higher temperatures can cause your plant to lose its stunning rich green color. Also, the foliage and flowers shrivel up and dry in hotter conditions.
On the other hand, cold climatic conditions can potentially kill this delicate plant. The Anthurium Vittarifolium is temperature-sensitive, hence keeping it away from heating vents and drafts.
Soil Requirements
The plant loves well-aerated and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Regular watering is a key feature in caring for this plant, hence the soil must be able to retain water.
The growth medium should be able to provide essential nutrients and support to the plant. Anchoring the roots and keeping the stem from toppling over is a significant feature of a good growth substrate.
Humidity Requirements
Of all the things the vittarifolium holds dear, humidity is perhaps on top of the list. Owing to its natural habitat, this plant loves moist and humid conditions for growth.
Keeping the plant in dry conditions will result in dwarfed growth. There are a variety of ways to increase moisture around the vittarifolium. Misting the leaves at frequent intervals and using a humidifier are good ideas.
Anthurium Vittarifolium Fertilizer Requirements
This native tropical rainforest variety needs fertilizer only during the growing season. The roots of these striking plants are prone to fertilizer burns if uncoated quick-release variants are used.
A safe alternative is the slow time-release variety of fertilizer which has similar benefits for the plant without any adverse effects.
Powdered organic preparations also pose a threat to the sensitive roots of the species. Therefore, liquid fertilizers that can be applied as foliar applications are a suitable option for this plant. These can also be incorporated into the irrigation water of the plant.
Pruning Requirements
The vittarifolium requires pruning when it gets too overcrowded with foliage. Always start trimming your plant from top to bottom and use sterilized gardening tools. Target the burnt, wilted, and yellowing leaves and be wary not to harm the healthy leaves in the process.
Remove any dead flowers that might still be attached to the plant. If you plan to propagate this stellar species then remove the seeds from the flowers before getting rid of them.
Repotting Requirements
When your plant outgrows its original pot you may have to repot it. The plant will give you signs by itself when it is time to change the pot.
It is common to notice bulging at the sides of the pot as a result of mature root growth. Loss of vigor in the plant might also be a sign to repot your plant companion.
Repotting the plant early in the year helps it develop a strong root system. Repotting also has the benefit of increased growth and better health of the plant. A pro-tip for repotting your plant is to use the same or a similar growth medium as before.
Growth Zones
The recommended growth zone for this variety is the USDA growth zone 11.
Propagation Anthurium Vittarifolium
There are numerous ways to propagate this royal variety at your home. The easiest and most rewarding among them all is the cutting method. Simply cut a sizable portion of the strap-like leaf of your plant and regrow it in a pot.
You get two benefits by following this simple method of propagation. Firstly, you get a duplicate of the vittarifolium. Secondly, the original plant sends out multiple shoots from where it is cut, hence speeding up its growth.
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Summary
The Anthurium Vittarifolium is an exquisite member of the genus Anthurium. Hailing from the tropical rainforests its cascading outlook can give your home an exotic jungle-like look. It is a houseplant lover’s favorite investment as it is an easy-to-grow plant.
