Don’t throw it away! It makes many beautiful flowers bloom in the anthuriums

Anthuriums are a popular indoor plant for their lush foliage and beautiful heart-shaped flowers. If you find that your anthurium doesn’t produce as many flowers as before, don’t despair! There is a simple and natural way to encourage your plant to bloom again – and this means not throwing away a common element that many people consider as waste.

Secret tip: the spathe

The key to making your anthuriums bloom again is to keep the spathe, a often neglected part of the plant. The spathe, also known as the coloured leaf, surrounds the true flower of the anthurium. It is usually red, pink, white or green, and brings a bright touch of color to the plant.

  • Do not throw away the spathe once the flowers inside have faded. Carefully cut the stem carrying the spathe and place it in clean water in a vase.
  • Change the water every few days to avoid rot.
  • You will soon see roots forming at the base of the spathe. Leave it in water until the roots are sufficiently developed to be transplanted.

Transplantation and care

Once the roots are ready, plant the spathe in a light and well drained mixture of soil. Make sure that it receives an adequate amount of bright light, but avoid direct exposure to the sun for long periods of time, as this could burn the delicate leaves of the anthurium.

  • Water regularly, ensuring the soil is slightly moist but not wet. Stagnating water can cause root rot.
  • Feed your anthurium about every month with a balanced fertilizer for indoor plants, but reduce the frequency during winter when growth is slower.
  • The ideal temperature for most anthuriums is between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, so avoid too cold or too hot environments.

Patience and rewards

Taking care of your anthurium grown from spathe, you could be rewarded with an abundance of beautiful colorful flowers. Patience is essential as it can pass a few months before the plant blooms. However, once the new flowers begin to emerge, you will appreciate the beauty and vivacity they bring to your living space.

Do not underestimate the potential of your anthurium or throw away an apparently faded spath. With a little attention and care, this often neglected part can give rise to a flowering and flourishing plant. So, the next time you see a spathe on your anthurium, remember that it could be the key to making even more beautiful flowers bloom in your home.