houseplant
reckon of growing anthurium crystallinum but are n’t quite certain where to start up ? This lovely houseplant is a morsel more rare compared to other more mainstream plant , but it ’s quite beautiful , and can be a wonderful addition to an indoor garden . In this article , gardening and houseplant expert Madison Moulton walks through how to engraft , originate , and care for anthurium crystallinum !
Contents
The large heart - shaped leave ofMonsterasandPhilodendronsare what make them such pop , decorative houseplants . But sometimes , houseplant collectionsneed something to spice up the plain greenery . Anthurium crystallinum , with its oval , white - veined leaves , does exactly this .
This striking plant deserve a limited place in every houseplant collection as it adds a brainy splashing of conflict . It ’s also gentle to like for , having very interchangeable motive to other houseplant and make it an easy addition . While this plant is relatively rare , once you observe one and nobble it up , it ’s worth it .
If you are lucky enough to add up across this beautiful houseplant , it ’s important to provide them with right maintenance . With this mere scout , you ’ll have everything you take toplant , rise , and care for the beautifulAnthurium crystallinum .
Anthurium Crystallinum Plant Overview
What Is It?
Anthurium crystallinumgoes by a few names , but it ’s most commonly know as theCrystal Anthuriumor the Strap Flower . This tropical beauty belongs to theAnthuriumgenus , which fall under the very largeAraceaeor Arum flora family . Many popular plants fall under the Arum umbrella , including Monsteras , Philodendrons , andPeace Lilies .
While it shares many characteristics with its cousins , Anthurium crystallinumis quite unequalled . Its pump - shaped leaves are large and have coppery - red undersides . add together to its beauty are the bloodless veins stretched across the leaf .
This industrial plant hails fromtropical environmentsand thrives in similar conditions . In its rude environment , it is known to rise structure to avoid competition and attain for the brightness .
While this plant has slight but striking differences from other houseplant withinAraceae , it does share one inauspicious trait . Anthurium crystallinumcontainscalcium oxalate crystals , which makes ittoxic to humans and pets .
If leaves or other part of the plant are take in , the crystals cause mouth and bowel irritation . These rough , invisible crystals can also cause skin pique . So , it ’s honest to handle this plant with care and keep them away from singular niggling hands and manus .
TheAnthuriumgenus hails fromSouth and Central America , thriving most prominently in Ecuador and Colombia . They were discovered in 1876 by the French Botanist , Eduard Andre , who also chance on Bromeliads , Orchids , and Calla Lilies . He also introduced all these marvellous plant to the rest of Europe .
Anthuriums are also quite emblematic – signifying long last friendship and love , bringing destiny to any kinship .
Adding to its significance is itsair purify qualities . In the 1980s , NASA set out to discover which works well purge the air and filter out harmful toxins . anthurium actually topNASA ’s list , ridding the line around it from formaldehyde , ammonia , xylol , and toluene . They ’re also fuck to secrete substances that clear out viruses and mold .
Very little is known specifically about the rarefied Crystal Anthurium , other than that they were mostly cultivated in Europe after their discovery . However , they offer the same air cleanup benefits as the rest of the genus .
Like the rest of theAnthuriumgenus , the Crystal Anthurium is aboriginal to South and Central America . It ’s readily come up in rainforests from Panama to Peru . Anthurium crystallinumtends tostick close to trees , where they can blithely climb them to reach better , brighter light .
Thanks to these tropical habitats , Anthurium crystallinumthrives in similar conditions . They thirst heat and high levels of humidness , along with plenty of dappled Inner Light – all of which is quite similar to indoor environments , make them wonderful houseplants . Depending on where you live , you may add this plant life to your outdoor plant collection too .
The fundamental characteristics of the Crystal Anthurium are what make it so special . It has definitive , heart - mold leaves that can raise to about18 inches . This bold size of the leafage is enough to set this plant apart and turn heads .
Most Crystal Anthurium leaves are velvety and deep , olive green . Sometimes , they take on a mysterious maroon . The undersurface of leave are also worth noting with their coppery hues .
But , what pass water theAnthurium crystallinumso spectacular is thecolor along the master veins of the leaves . This can either be pale green , or a brilliant silvery - white , creating a stark , center - get dividing line .
What makes this plant even more exceptional is that its leaves change coming into court as they get on . While all leaf tend to have their copper - red underside throughout , young folio also start out with a reddish chromaticity . Each silvery leaf is also unique – adding even more allure to this already alluring plant life .
interchangeable to other industrial plant that belong to theAraceaefamily , this plant also flowers . It does n’t bloom often , especially indoors , but when it does , the blooms are quite mundane . They resemble very skinny , stringy Peace Lilly flush , and compass from chocolate-brown to empurple . In the veracious condition , the Crystal Anthurium can bloom throughout the year , but as it is comparatively rarefied , it ’s far more hearty to focus on the leafage .
Where To Buy One
You may find it difficult to come acrossAnthurium crystallinumat local nursery . These plant life arequite rarefied , and because of this , can be on the expensive side . However , if you do come across one in a garden center , nobble it up chop-chop . verify to thoroughly inspect the plant before cart it home , as you do n’t want any problems spoiling this worthwhile investment .
You ’ll more likely to find this works online . There are severalonline nurseriesto choose from , but you may even determine your perfect flora on Etsy or Amazon . Smaller , younger plant tend to be more low-cost online , however , it ’s best to opt for big plants . While they can be more expensive , they ’re better established and are more likely to survive after the focus of merchant vessels .
If you ’re lucky enough to have a kind friend or neighbour who already owns this must - have plant , you could always propagate it . The Crystal Anthurium is amongst the well-heeled works to propagate , allow for you to add it to your collection for gratis .
Planting
YourAnthurium crystallinumis normally content with the weed it fall in . However , you could replant it in a pretty one that suits your base ’s fashion too .
How to Grow
Despite its rarity , Anthurium crystallinumis highly easy to grow and care for . It enjoyssimilar precondition to most leafy houseplants . It fly high in indoor status that pair the affectionateness and humidity of its native surround .
This leafy beauty isalso low maintenance , often only needing to be pruned for aesthetic purposes . This industrial plant is truly perfect for father collectors and experienced plant parent alike .
Light
These large leafy Anthuriums favor plenty ofbright , indirect Inner Light , similar to the mottled light of hobo camp . Like other leafy houseplants , the Crystal Anthurium can not handle unmediated light . The velvety , white - veined leaf are quite raw and prone to burn .
When out of doors , Anthurium crystallinumgrows well under the condom of large tree , where they can receive a full 24-hour interval of shaded visible light .
The dear stain for this leafy plant is near aneast - facing window , or a spot that produce plenty of sunup sun and circumscribed afternoon sun . If your desired spot only receives direct rays throughout the day , you may place a sheer curtain over the room ’s windowpane . Sheer drapery keep a space bright while filter out the harsh ray .
instead , if your space does n’t meet the easy requirements of this striking plant , you may always grow it under grow lights .
You ’ll know when your flora is receiving the untimely amount of visible radiation . It tends to droop and white-livered when there is too short light , while the leaf tend to embrown and show signaling of sun scorch when it receive too much direct light .
Water
Due to its tropical roots , the Crystal Anthuriumadores moist soil . However , it should never sit down in soggy , water supply - logged stain , as it encourage stress and the proliferation of diseases .
The right watering method are exceedingly important to the overall wellness of theAnthurium crystallinum . You’ll know you arewatering wrongif the leaves yellow and you see house of root rot . On the other hand , you ’ll notice the leave get to brown and curl at the edge if you ’re underwatering your tail-flower .
The correct watering method are fortuitously easy to learn . The right time to water isas before long as the top stratum ( 1 - 2 inches ) of land has dried . prove this by but poking the soil with your finger . If it ’s still moist , do n’t water . If it ’s dry , it ’s time to quench your plant ’s thirstiness .
Avoid water yourAnthurium crystallinum , along with the rest of your houseplants , on a hard-and-fast agenda . The circumstance around your plants change daily , affecting how quickly the soil dry out . Not water your houseplants properly willimpact their lifespan , so it ’s authoritative to get it right .
How you water your plants is just as important . When you do weewee , do so slowly and deeply . You should also deflect water the leaves , pore on the base of the plant .
Soil
Anthurium crystallinum , like most houseplant , needsspecialized soilto flourish indoors . This soil mix contains just the right material to assist drain the soil , while keep it moist , airy , and light .
you could discover thesehouseplant soil mixesonline or at your local baby’s room or garden center . They have the right ratios for your Anthurium and most other houseplants . you may even find mixes with a bit of fertilizer , which collapse your plants a sizable ontogenesis boost .
Depending on your circumstances , it ’s often easier and far cheaper tomake your own soil commixture , especially if you are a houseplant freak with tons of them around your rest home . It also allows you to tailor the territory to your plant ’s specific needs and the environment in your home .
This flora flourish in a mix with a combining of pot soil , perlite , and peat moss or coconut coir . Both coconut coir and peat moss hold on to plentifulness of water while still maintaining their light and airy potpourri . Perlite – small-scale bloodless Rock of volcanic glass – increases the spaces between soil mote , improving drainage and exposing the source to oxygen .
The best ratio for your DIY potting mix is 2:1:1 . merge two part of potting soil , and one part perlite , and one part coconut meat oil or peat moss . reckon on your plant ’s need , add more or less of each material .
Temperature and Humidity
Crystal Anthuriums hail from the Torrid Zone , so they expand in warm , humid , jungle - comparable surround . Theydon’t tolerate the coldas well as other houseplants and should be kept forth from cool drafts . Due to theirlove of humidity , Anthurium crystallinumwill struggle in wry circumstance .
Luckily , well-fixed indoor conditions are similar to their natural hobo camp environments , grow best in temperatures above 65F. The sodding reach for yourAnthurium crystallinumis anywhere between75F and 85F.
Crystal Anthuriums are a bit fussier about the levels of humidity in their quick surround Most houseplant will tolerate humidity level at 50 % , but this plant is a little more demanding . It postulate humidity levels ataround 70 % or higherto flourish .
While there are several peak and trick to improve humidity stage in your home and around your flora , they ’re often not sufficient to meet the 70 % requirement . The near manner to meet the penury of yourAnthurium crystallinumis to add together a humidifier to your space . Humidifiers will duplicate this industrial plant ’s natural environment , and give you more control .
Fertilizing
Anthurium crystallinumis a comparatively slow grower . However , it still requiresfertilizer to grow best . This striking houseplant , like its full cousin , require a dash of supererogatory nutrients during its growing time of year – spring and summertime .
These peculiar nutrients are separated into three categories – macronutrients , micronutrient , and secondary food . Nitrogen , Lucifer , and potassium make up the macronutrients , the biggest class . However , micronutrient like atomic number 5 , and lower-ranking nutrients like calcium , are just as essential to the overall wellness of your plants .
The best way to add these important nutrients to your industrial plant is by using abalanced houseplant fertiliser . These are often diluted and water system - soluble . You add them to your soil by mixing them into your watering can and cautiously watering your plants .
Unfortunately , fluent fertilizers wash away over time when you irrigate your works , mean you ’ll have to fertilise more often . This increases the chances of over - fertilizing your plant , which can lead to several issues . ho-hum - release fertilizersare a great option . As the name suggests , these loose the necessary nutrient over prison term .
Avoid putting too much plant food in your grime as it can burn the root . It ’s better to under fertilizethan overdo it . Read the instructionson your fertilizer cautiously before apply .
Maintenance
Despite what its rarity and beauty may suggest , this plant is n’t considereda high maintenance plant . It involve little stir to keep it boom in your home . To keep your plant looking as spritely as the day you purchase it , you ’ll only need to implement a few basic care praxis .
As the Crystal Anthurium is a relatively dull grower , even pruning is n’t necessary . If you make out any dying or discolored leave , it ’s always a good approximation to prune them away . This keeps the plant wait skilful and encourage new growth . It also prevents the plant life from expending energy on these dying folio , allowing it to focalise on novel growth and goodly foliage .
Remember , this plantistoxic , and while it ’s most dangerous when indigested , it can cause pelt irritation . When pruning , do so with attention and a distich of trustworthy boxing glove . Always use a sharp , white distich of shear , too , and cut just above the folio lymph node .
Houseplantscollect detritus and debrislike any other open in your plate . big leaves , like those of theAnthurium crystallinum , lean to gather the most . While seemingly harmless , the layer of dust prevent photosynthesis and transpiration , affect the overall health of the plant .
Every so often , gently wipe down the striking leave-taking of your Crystal Anthurium with a white , damp material . This also prevent the leafage looking shiny .
Propagation
you’re able to diffuse anAnthurium crystallinuma few way – through root part , from ejaculate , and by stalk cut . Propagating from semen is the trickiest , mainly because you ca n’t be sure whether your industrial plant will bloom . Your good bet is to choose forroot naval division and stem cuttings . No matter which method you choose , wear gloves to prevent skin annoyance triggered by the toxic part of the plant .
ascendant division is an well-to-do process , but it can be very mussy . It ’s also good to only opt for this methodwhen you ’re planning on repottingyour Crystal Anthurium , or else you guide the risk of shocking your plant .
When yourAnthurium crystallinumhas outgrown its pot , or it ’s time for a soil refresh , you may make one plant two by simply dividing them at their roots .
Gently remove your works from its pot and remove as much land as you’re able to . Next , untangle the root and look out for natural points of division . Carefully deplume the plant apartat these peak .
Plant the two pieces in their new commode keep up the directions under the Planting segment . insure you utilise the correct soil mix and water well . Keep a close eye on them for any signs of transplantation shock .
extension by stem cuttings is perhaps the easiest method acting of add plant broth to your collection . It also come with a few benefits – you’re able to diffuse multiple times , take multiple cuttings at a metre and you specify the risk of shocking the plant when done correctly .
All you require for this method is a healthy , impregnable stem and a sharp , white knife . Healthy stem have the best results , producing stiff unexampled flora . When cut the stem , cut just below the leaf node – the detail where a leaf meet the main stem .
Crystal Anthurium cutting thrive whenrooted in soil . Dip the cut end into some rooting endocrine before institute to encourage root increment . Ensure you ’re using the correct soil mixture too . A mix of vermiculite , perlite , and coconut coir is best as it enfeeble well and offers very little resistance to new ascendent outgrowth .
Place your cuttings in a tender , humid place for optimum root growth . After the roots have grown anywhere from 1 - 2 inches , the thinning are ready for their habitation . Use the right-hand size pot and soil mix for your new babe plant .
Repotting
The beautifulAnthurium crystallinumis a relatively slow cultivator and does n’t mind being root word bind . Despite this , you should opt to repot your Crystal Anthurium once itstarts showing signs of stunted ontogeny or the roots begin pound out the pot ’s drain hole . Repotting your works is also the good opportunity to refresh the grime .
To repot your works , follow the same instructions as for planting above , select a slightly bigger pot . A pot that is one to two sizing up is always best , as an too large pot holds on to too much water supply , which encourages root bunk .
You may acknowledge a few common symptoms of transplant shock , like wilting and the yellowing of farewell . Your plant life should come back to normal after a brief alteration point .
To limit the chance of impact , don’t bring out the roots to the air for too long and water well immediately after repot . assay to limit changes to the conditions , like different conditions and soil , and stave off disturbing the source too much .
Common Problems
Despite its slowly - go nature , this Anthurium is not without its problems . However , with the right maintenance , this plant life is sure to bounce back and extend expand . Take a look at these issues to identify the root grounds and stop it at the source .
The job that most houseplant parents face up , no matter the plant , is yellow leaf . There are several reason why the beautiful leaves of yourAnthurium crystallinumare changing this sickly shade . However , the main causal agency is usuallyoverwatering .
While this tropic beauty enjoy moisture and high levels of humidity , it hates soggy or water - logged soil . Yellowing leaves are often the first sign of overwatering and a symptom of root putrefaction . Luckily , this is an easy fix – get the soil dry out before water your plant again . However , if you ’ve got a severe pillowcase of source decompose on your hands , you may need to repot your plant .
Overwatering is n’t the only affair that causes yellowing leaves , however . Insufficient humidity levelscan also cause this discolouration . They grow well in areas with humidity levels over 70 % .
There are several ways to insure your industrial plant gets the humidity it lust , like placing it in the most humid room in the home – the toilet . or else , if you do n’t want to hide your Crystal Anthurium , indue in a humidifier . As remark , this twist is one of the most effective in increasing the humidness around your plants .
The causes do n’t stop there , unluckily . Yellowing leave-taking can also be a effect of anutrient imbalance . While root rot can cause this , so can a flesh of salt in the soil . If your plantis yellow near the edges and developing strange xanthous - clean spots , its salt burn . Repot your flora and adjust your fertilizing routine .
embrown leaves are just as coarse as yellowing leaves when it comes to houseplants . Often , it ’s due to insufficient water , but there are several other causes too .
When yourAnthurium crystallinumisunderwatered , the farewell start to curl along the edges and brown at the bakshis . They also lose their plangency and become a little crispy . While theyhate soggy soil , you ca n’t let it go without piss for too long . Adjust your watering routine to the tips given above and see your Crystal Anthurium flourish .
If underwatering is n’t the campaign , then it could besunburn . Being a tropical flora , they uprise best in mottled sunlight . achieve this effect is easy indoors – simply localize your plant near an east or south - face window .
However , if you only have west - face up windows , flow a unmixed drapery in front of them . gauzy curtains sink in the coarse sun rays while proceed your room promising , allowing your flora to get all the collateral sunshine it needs .
Final Thoughts
TheAnthurium crystallinumis without a doubt a must - have rare flora for every industrial plant parent . If you are wait for a houseplant that will steal a picayune attention from yourphilodendron pinkish princess , or yourbegonia maculata , this houseplant is the staring pick . Itseasy - goingandlow - maintenance nature , along with its beauty , make the slightly hefty price rag well worth it .
