Check out this Anthurium Wendlingeri: Growing and Care Guide and find essential tips for the successful growth of this rare plant.
If you want to add a unique plant with distinct-looking foliage, give a look at this Anthurium Wendlingeri: Growing and Care Guide and bring tropical vibes to your home.
Common Names: Velvet Leaf, Pendent Panamanian Prize, Wendlingeri plant
Botanical Name: Anthurium Wendlingeri
USDA Zones: 11 and higher
Anthurium Wendlingeri Plant Profile
The Anthurium wendlingeri is an exceptional and uncommon houseplant known for its distinctive features. Its elongated leaves gracefully cascade down, while its spadix blooms form captivating corkscrew curls that elegantly twist and hang downward.
After two decades of its discovery, this rare epiphytic anthurium species finally found its way into cultivation and has swiftly gained popularity, adorning countless homes around the world.
Anthurium wendlingeri, are known for their slow to moderate growth rate. With proper care, these plants produce new foliage approximately every 8-10 weeks.
The pendant-shaped leaves of the Anthurium wendlingeri are elongated and possess a dark coloration, along with a velvety texture. When exposed to sunlight, the leaves emit a shimmering, glittery effect.
As the leaves mature, they flatten out, giving them a long and flat appearance. In their early stages, the leaves exhibit a slight arch along the edges. Notably, the pendant foliage of this plant showcases creases on its surface.
In their natural habitat, Anthurium wendlingeri leaves can grow up to an impressive length of 5.5 feet (1.5 m) with a spread of 5 inches (12.7 cm). However, when grown indoors, you can expect the leaves to reach a length of around 3.9 feet (1.2 m).
An interesting characteristic of this plant is its unusual inflorescence. The purplish-green colored spathe, accompanied by a grayish-white spadix, remains vibrant for an extended period compared to other Anthurium varieties. Additionally, the peduncles of the Anthurium wendlingeri can reach a length of 15 inches (40 cm). Occasionally, these Anthuriums also produce red-colored fruits.
Tip: If you desire to propagate new Anthurium wendlingeri plants, you can harvest seeds from their fruits and use them for propagation purposes.
Propagating Anthurium Wendlingeri
You can grow new Anthurium wendlingeri plants in three ways: through three different methods, including sexual and two asexual approaches. The best time to do this is during the spring when the plant is growing the most.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Anthurium wendlingeri, being aroids, have nodes that allow them to be propagated through stem cuttings. Here’s a simple guide to follow:
- Select a healthy stem with an adequate number of nodes.
- Use a sharp tool, such as a knife or pruner, to make a clean cut just below the nodes.
- Allow the cut end of the stem to dry and form a callous. This helps protect against pests and diseases.
- Alternatively, you can enhance the growth process by dipping the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone.
Note: Taking cuttings of Anthurium wendlingeri during its dormant season is generally less successful in terms of root formation. Additionally, this approach may result in the loss of valuable leaves.
Propagation by Rootball Division
To prepare for propagation, it’s important to give the plant a good watering the day before. This helps strengthen the root system and loosens the soil for easier handling.
- When you’re ready, carefully uproot the plant. Remove the soil clinging to the rootball, and slowly untangle the roots.
- Using a sharp knife, divide the offsets into separate sections. Make sure that each section has at least two leaves and some roots intact.
- Transfer these divided sections into larger pots filled with a high-quality potting mix that drains well and is rich in nutrients.
- Find a bright spot for the newly propagated plants and maintain a humid environment.
- Regularly check and water the plants, keeping the growing medium consistently moist.
Note: Anthurium wendlingeri using seeds is quite challenging and time-consuming. It’s a process that experienced growers usually attempt. Harvesting seeds from Anthurium wendlingeri can be difficult and requires special care.
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Selecting the Right Propagation Medium
This plant can be grown in both soil and water.
Soil Propagation
- Prepare a clean pot with 2-3 drainage holes and line the bottom with a layer of pebbles.
- Fill the pot halfway with potting mix, and create a hole in the center for inserting the cuttings or offsets.
- Carefully place the cuttings or offsets into the hole, ensuring they are positioned securely.
- Add more potting mix until it reaches the rim, covering the cuttings completely.
- Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is adequately moistened but not overly saturated.
- Place the pot in a brightly lit area, providing the plant with sufficient light for growth.
- Monitor the moisture levels in the soil and water as needed to keep it consistently damp, but avoid waterlogging.
- Over the course of 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should begin to develop roots, indicating successful propagation.
Water Propagation
When propagating Anthurium wendlingeri in water, it’s important to exercise caution to prevent root rot. Follow these steps for successful water propagation:
Select a transparent, clean jar and fill it with tepid water. Transparency allows you to monitor root development.
- Take a cutting of the Anthurium wendlingeri stem and place it in the jar, ensuring that both the roots and nodes are submerged in the water.
- Periodically change the water every 3-4 days.
- Keep the jar in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. Adequate light is essential for root growth.
- Monitor the water level to ensure that the roots remain submerged. Add water as needed to maintain the appropriate level.
- After approximately four weeks, you should start seeing root development from the cuttings.
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Anthurium Wendlingeri: Growing and Care Guide
Light
To ensure the proper growth of your Anthurium wendlingeri, it’s crucial to protect it from harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures. Follow these guidelines:
Avoid exposing the plant to direct, intense sunlight as it can lead to scorching, pale yellowing of leaves and brown tips.
Choose a location with an eastern-facing window or a patio that provides enough shade. Placing the plant about a foot away from a southern-facing window can also work well.
If your room lacks natural light, consider installing LED lights to provide adequate artificial lighting for the plant’s growth.
Soil
Anthurium wendlingeri thrives in a loose and breathable soil mix consisting of peat moss, orchid bark, charcoal, perlite, and sphagnum moss. This mixture can be packed into a hanging basket, making it easier to manage and reducing the risk of root rot. Additionally, chunky organic materials like shredded fern fiber or coconut coir can also be suitable alternatives.
Tip: Make a light and porous soil mix by blending pine bark, rice husk, vermiculite, dried grass, and charcoal.
Water
When watering Anthurium wendlingeri, ensure to check the soil 2 inches deep to avoid overwatering and excessive moisture.
Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, characterized by mushy roots and a fishy odor.
On the other hand, underwatering and low humidity have more severe consequences. Avoiding these conditions is crucial.
Underwatered the plant causes dry and crispy foliage.
Temperature
Anthurium wendlingeri thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate lows as cold as 40°F (4°C). However, it is advisable to avoid intentionally exposing your Anthurium to temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
The optimal environment for an Anthurium is within the range of 65°F to 70°F (18-21°C).
Humidity
Anthurium wendlingeri, native to the neotropics, requires high humidity. Maintaining humidity above 70% is crucial to prevent crispy brown edges on the leaves. A greenhouse or a bathroom with regular misting can help meet these humid conditions.
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Anthurium wendlingeri Care
Fertilizer
Anthurium wendlingeri is a heavy feeder when well-planted. It will be best to use a slow-release fertilizer in the soil mix from the beginning.
Start with a lighter application rather than an excessive amount, as you will continue to provide regular liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis.
To prevent root damage, dilute the liquid fertilizer by half and apply it to the soil after watering.
Underfed plants will produce small-sized new leaves. Each new leaf should be equal to or larger than the previous one in size.
If you observe slow and stunted growth, consider increasing the frequency or quantity of fertilizer to provide adequate nutrition.
Pruning
Anthurium wendlingeri differs from other Anthuriums in that it does not require extensive pruning.
Pruning can be done selectively to control the size of the plant or to remove any dead or damaged parts caused by pests or diseases.
Note: Prune Anthurium wendlingeri after fall ends, as new growth appears in spring. Avoid pruning more than 20% at once.
Potting & Repotting
To save time on repotting, opt for a terracotta pot for Anthurium wendlingeri.
The recommended pot size is 5-8 inches, or slightly larger than the diameter of the root ball. Terracotta pots provide proper drainage, help regulate temperature, and offer a longer duration before repotting is necessary.
While Wendlingeri does not require frequent repotting, it dislikes being rootbound. Consider repotting every two to three years if you notice roots protruding from the drainage holes, foliage discoloration, or stunted growth.
During the first few weeks after repotting, your Anthurium wendlingeri may exhibit signs of stress, appearing weak and limp. To promote faster recovery, provide bright indirect light and water the plant thoroughly.
Pests and Diseases
Anthurium wendlingeri is susceptible to pest infestations due to its high humidity requirements.
- Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scales, which can cause curling, the presence of cottony substances under leaves, stippling, yellowing, and webbing on the foliage.
- To address infestations, affected areas should be pruned off using sterilized pruners, and prevention can be achieved by spraying the Anthurium with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Unfavorable growing conditions can also lead to various fungal and bacterial infections, such as Root Rot, Black Nose, Leaf Spot, and Bacterial Blight.
- Symptoms include foul odors, mold growth on the soil surface, and brown patches along leaf edges.
- When signs of infection are noticed, affected plants should be separated from others, and damaged parts trimmed off and discarded properly.
Tip: To promote healthy growth of Anthurium wendlingeri, copper-rich fungicides or mancozeb can be used once every three months.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Is Anthurium Wendlingeri Rare?
Anthurium wendlingeri is a distinctive and rare variety among Anthuriums, known for its twisted corkscrew blooms that create an unusual and eye-catching appearance.
2. Is Anthurium wendlingeri safe for children and pets?
According to the ASPCA, Anthurium wendlingeri, like all Anthurium varieties, is toxic to humans and pets.