Are you tired of basic and ordinary plants, and craving for something staggering and artistic? If yes, then Anthurium Wendlingeri is something you need in your life. Native to the tropical forests of Costa Rica, this aroid comes with mesmerizing elongated, lush green leaves that give tropical and cool vibes to your space in every season.
This evergreen pendant epiphyte belongs to the Araceae family. It is super easy to care for and is capable to enhance the beauty of any place in a glimpse.
Already craving to bring these green babies into your home? Check out the article to learn important facts about Anthurium wendlingeri and know how to care for this adorable aroid.
Anthurium Wendlingeri Classification
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Genus: Anthurium
Species: A. wendlingeri
About:
Anthurium wendlingeri is a species of plant in the genus Anthurium. It is native to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. This rare epiphytic anthurium was first identified in early 1965 from a living plant found in Turrialba, Cartago Province, Costa Rica.
It’s a perennial plant with smooth green leaves and thick foliage which produces fruit and flowers. The natural habitats of this plant are lowland to Montane tropical tree branches usually below sea level of 800m and it thrives optimally in warm, humid places.
Common Name And Synonym
The most common name for this plant is Anthurium wendlingeri. Other names it goes by are Wendlingeri Plant. These aroids are often mistaken for Anthurium Pallidiflorum.
Features of Anthurium Wendlingeri
Stems and Foliage
This plant produces long, dark green elongated leaves with smooth texture. Usually, this aroid comes in 2 sizes – small and large.
The leaves of the small can grow about 24 inches in length, whereas the large version could grow 4 feet in optimal conditions.
In spite of the plant’s long, rippled green leaf blades, you might be surprised that this isn’t the plant’s most visually appealing feature. Yes, the most appealing feature of this plant is its strange yet beautiful inflorescence which grows if properly cared for.
With appropriate care, the spadix of Anthurium Wendlingeri can be as long as the leaves of this plant and form a mesmerizing corkscrew shape when matured.
When planted in a hanging basket, the dangling pendant leaves of this plant gives an awe-inspiring sight to cherish.
Height
This aroid can grow 12-24 inches in height. However, with an optimum supply of water and other needs, it can grow up to 36 inches or more.
Flowers
The flowers produced by this plant are generally small, inconspicuous, and have red/orange coloration. They appear on the spadix which is protected by a pink elongated bract known as spathe curled midway.
The flowers of Anthurium Wendlingeri are bisexual in nature, meaning each flower has both male and female reproductive organs. These flowers grow all year round if the plant is provided with proper care.
Evergreen and Durable
This plant is an evergreen perennial, meaning it will retain its leaves throughout the year. And if you provide optimum care, it can live for years and even decades.
Toxicity
All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. The sap of this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which could cause burning, swelling, and irritation in the throat and mouth.
If you have pets at home, make sure to keep them away from this plant as it can be fatal for them. Also, if you have small kids at home, keep this plant out of their reach.
If you suspect that your pet or kid has ingested any part of this plant, seek medical help immediately.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a dormant phase during winter. During this time, the plant grows very slowly and doesn’t need much water.
In fact, overwatering during winter could kill this plant. So, if you live in an area with cold winters, make sure to reduce watering during this time.
Maintenance
Anthurium Wendlingeri is a low-maintenance plant and doesn’t need much care. However, there are certain things you need to do to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
Anthurium Wendlingeri Care
Anthurium Wenglingeri plant is a great choice if you’re looking for low-maintenance and easy-to-care plants. While they don’t require much attention, there are some things that will help your mini jungle stay healthy with proper maintenance! Learn these few important tips on keeping this strap-leaved beauty alive for 5 more years (or longer!).
Watering Requirement
This plant needs to be watered moderately, 1-2 times a week minimum, especially during the growing season. During winter, water this plant only 2-3 times a month or it will suffer root rot. Remember, allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again. If you live in a hot and humid climate, make sure to mist this plant often to prevent the leaves from drying out.
Soil Requirement
Anthurium Wendlingeri grows best in light, porous, well-draining, nutrient-rich soils. You can use a regular potting mix or make your own by mixing a breathable mix of soil, peat moss, orchid bark, charcoal, perlite, and sphagnum moss for best results.
Lighting Requirement
This plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. If this plant is not provided with enough light, its leaves will start to turn yellow and eventually die.
If you live in a place where the sun is too harsh, then it’s best to grow this plant under filtered light or shade.
Humidity Requirement
Because these plants are neotropical natives, their humidity requirements are considerable. In spite of its modest light requirements, the Anthurium wendlingeri’s humidity requirements will be difficult to meet in most households.
Most anthuriums demand terrarium-like conditions as low humidity can cause crispy brown margins on leaves. To avoid this, keep your Anthurium wendlingeri in a humid atmosphere of at least 70% or more.
This means you either live in a zone that favors Anthurium wendlingeri or has a greenhouse. The plant thrives best in 70% plus relative humidity. If the air around your plant is too dry, make sure to mist it often or grow it in a humid room such as a bathroom.
Temperature Requirement
Being a native to tropical regions, This plant prefers warm temperatures and can’t tolerate cold weather. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves of this plant will start to turn brown and die.
Fertilizer Requirement
Anthurium Wendlingeri is a fast-growing plant and heavy feeder that needs to be fertilized regularly to maintain its growth. Use a high-quality, balanced fertilizer and apply it every 2 weeks during the growing season. During winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month or this plant will suffer from root burn.
Pruning Requirement
It doesn’t need to be pruned often as it’s a slow-growing plant. However, you may need to prune this plant occasionally to remove any dead or dying leaves.
To do this, simply cut the affected leaves at the base with a sharp knife or shears. Make sure to sterilize your tools before use to avoid spreading diseases.
Repotting Requirement
Anthurium Wendlingeri doesn’t need to be repotted often as it’s a slow-growing plant. However, you may need to repot this plant every 2-3 years to refresh the potting mix.
To do this, simply remove the plant from its current pot and replant it in a new pot that’s only slightly larger. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure to provide the plant with bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Placing Requirement
It is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. This plant does best in an indoor environment where it can be protected from cold weather. Ideal options are the bathroom, shaded outdoor spaces, greenhouse, or balcony with indirect light.
Anthurium Wendlingeri Propagation
Anthurium Wendlingeri can be propagated by division or stem cuttings.
To propagate by division, simply remove the offsets from the mother plant and pot them up in their own pots. Make sure to provide these offsets with bright, indirect light and high humidity.
To propagate by stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from the mother plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix.
Provide the cutting with bright, indirect light and high humidity. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Pests And Diseases
Anthurium Wendlingeri is a relatively resistant plant and doesn’t succumb to pests and diseases often. However, mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and thrips can be a problem for this plant.
To control these pests, you can either use insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the infestation is severe, it’s best to consult a professional.
Common diseases that affect this plant are root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot. These diseases are caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
To avoid these problems, make sure to water this plant only when the topsoil is dry and improve the drainage of your potting mix.
If you notice any of these problems, it’s best to consult a professional as they can be difficult to control.
Final Note
Anthurium Wendlingeri is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for beginners. This plant is easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention. With proper care, this plant will thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage for many years to come.
