Anthurium veitchii - Care

Anthurium veitchii – Care

Growing Medium Setup

Premium Coco coir 60/40 blend offers significant advantages for growing Anthurium veitchii. As coco coir is an inert medium with minimal nutrients, it enables accurate nutrient management while ensuring optimal water retention, aeration, and drainage.

For optimal results, create a chunky, well-draining mix using:

·         Coco coir Pith (60%) provides moisture retention

·         Coco Coir Chips (40%) improve drainage and aeration

Watering habits: use more bark for quicker drainage if you overwater, or incorporate more coco coir to retain moisture if you water less frequently

Fertilisation with Growth Technologies Foliage Focus

Growth Technologies Foliage Focus is particularly ideal for Anthurium veitchii grown in coco coir. This comprehensive liquid fertiliser provides all 12 essential minerals, including calcium, is pH-buffered, and is specially designed for foliage plants.

Application Rates

·         Coco Coir mix: 3-5ml per litre of water

Fertilising Schedule

·         Apply with each watering for the best results.

·         Monthly flushing with plain water to prevent mineral salt buildup

·         Gradually increase Foliage Focus strength as the plant matures

Because coco coir needs immediate nutrient supply, the chelated trace elements in Foliage Focus allow for easy root absorption.

Watering Requirements

Anthurium veitchii needs regular moisture but should not be waterlogged. In coco coir:

·         Water when the top 1-2 inches of the growing medium feels dry

·         Maintain slightly moist but not wet conditions

·         Summer: Water every 5-7 days or as needed, subject to conditions

·         Winter: Reduce frequency to every 7-10 days

Observe the plant for indicators: drooping leaves suggest underwatering, whereas yellow leaves and soft stems point to overwatering.

Environmental Conditions

Light Requirements

Provide bright, indirect light equivalent to 5,382 lux to 10,764 lux. 

Anthurium veitchii needs:

·         Ideally 8-12 hours of bright indirect light daily

·         East-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning sun

·         Supplement with grow lights if required during shorter winter days

·         Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the distinctive corrugated leaves

Humidity

Maintain 60-80% relative humidity for optimal growth:

·         Minimum acceptable: 50-60%

·         If required, use a humidifier for consistent humidity

·         Group plants together to increase local humidity

·         Mist emerging leaves to prevent tearing of new foliage during unfurling

Temperature

Keep temperatures between 18-27°C:

·         Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes

·         Night temperature should not drop below 15°C

·         Maintain consistent temperatures year-round

·         Growth Expectations and Maintenance

Anthurium veitchii is a slow-growing epiphyte that produces new leaves every 2-3 months. Its unique corrugated texture becomes more prominent as it matures.

Key Care Tips:

·         Never help leaves unfurl - let them develop naturally to prevent leaf damage

·         If grown indoors, clean leaves monthly with a damp cloth to remove dust

·         Remove damaged or yellowing leaves promptly

·         Regularly check, including the underside (Abaxial) for pests and diseases

·         Check for good drainage during watering

·         Repot when root-bound using clean, fresh coco coir mix

Monthly Maintenance:

·         Flush Coco coir medium with clean water to prevent salt buildup

·         Check for pests and diseases

·         Monitor root health through clear containers if practical

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Brown leaf tips: Often indicates low humidity or inconsistent watering
Slow growth: Usually due to insufficient light or low humidity
Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage
Small leaves: Typically results from inadequate light or nutrients

By following these care instructions, your Anthurium veitchii will flourish in coco coir with Growth Technologies Foliage Focus, growing into a stunning specimen with the large, corrugated leaves that earn this plant the title of the "King of Anthuriums".

Read more about Anthurium veitchii in our upcoming Araceae Magazine Spring 2025 Edition.