Plant Care Basics

How to Grow and Care for Anthurium Arrow

Learn to successfully grow the Anthurium Arrow. This guide provides key insights into its care, ensuring its distinct, velvety foliage thrives.

The Anthurium Arrow is distinguished by its elongated, triangular leaves that resemble an arrowhead. These leaves have a deep, velvety green appearance and grow from long stems to create a clustered, architectural look. Unlike many Anthurium varieties known for colorful spathes, this hybrid is cultivated for its decorative foliage. As an epiphyte that grows on other trees in nature, it may also produce white, aerial roots above the soil.

Anthurium Arrow Care

Light

The Anthurium Arrow flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight, which mimics the dappled light of a tropical jungle canopy. Placing it near a window with filtered light is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause discoloration. While the plant can adapt to lower light, its growth may become slower and the foliage might dull over time.

Soil

Anthuriums thrive in a chunky, well-draining, soilless potting medium, often called an aroid mix. This type of mix provides the root aeration necessary to prevent waterlogging and root rot. You can create your own mix using components that ensure water drains effectively while retaining enough moisture. These include:

  • Orchid bark
  • Perlite
  • Coco chips or coir
  • Charcoal

Water

The soil should be kept consistently moist but never soggy. Water the plant thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Continue watering until it flows from the pot’s drainage holes, but do not allow the pot to sit in standing water. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical native, the Anthurium Arrow appreciates warm and humid conditions. It performs best in temperatures from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and should be protected from drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C). High humidity is beneficial, with levels around 60% or higher being ideal. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the plant in a bathroom, or use a humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, the Anthurium Arrow benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every four to six weeks. Some growers prefer a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage development. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter, as the plant’s growth slows. Continuing to fertilize during this dormant period can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil.

Propagating Anthurium Arrow

An Anthurium Arrow can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.

Stem Cuttings

Select a healthy stem with at least one leaf and make a clean cut below a node, which is a small bump where new roots will form. Place the cutting in water, sphagnum moss, or a perlite mix to encourage root development. Once new roots appear within a few weeks, plant the cutting in a suitable potting mix.

Division

Division is best performed when repotting. After removing the plant from its pot, gently tease the root ball apart into smaller sections. Each new section should have its own healthy roots and at least one point of growth. Pot these new divisions individually into a fresh potting mix.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering. If you notice them, check the soil moisture and allow the top layer to dry out more between waterings. This ensures the roots are not sitting in overly saturated soil, which can deprive them of oxygen. Brown, crispy leaf tips indicate a lack of humidity or inconsistent watering; increasing ambient moisture can help.

Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can also affect the plant. Regularly inspect the leaves, and if pests are found, manage them by wiping the leaves or using neem oil or an insecticidal soap.

Repotting Anthurium Arrow

Repot your Anthurium Arrow every two to three years during the spring or summer growing season. Signs that a new pot is needed include roots growing from the drainage holes, slowed growth, or the soil becoming overly compacted.

When you repot, choose a new container that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one. A pot that is too large can hold excess moisture and increase the risk of root rot. Gently remove the plant, loosen the root ball, and place it in the new container with a fresh potting mix, watering lightly to help it settle.

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