Anthurium Propagation: How to Multiply Flamingo Lily
November 1, 2024
Anthuriums, known as Flamingo Flowers, are gorgeous houseplants with vibrant, heart-shaped spathes in hundreds of colors. They’re a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. So, if you’re one of them, you’re, maybe, wondering how to expand your Flamingo Lily collection. Anthurium propagation is easy and it can be done using simple methods - from cuttings and by division.
Freshly propagated Anthuriums can enhance your home decor and make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Growing new plants using cuttings or by dividing a mature Flaming Lily plant is also a joyful experience, adding more color to your indoor tropical jungle.
Keep reading to learn how to propagate Anthurium and take your gardening skills to the next level!
About Anthurium Plants
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) is a popular flowering plant native to the Americas. You may know the plant by its common name, Flamingo Flower or Flamingo Lily; the plant’s unique shape and spadix resemble the beautiful bird. You’ll find these exotic beauties in various colors, from the popular Red Flamingo Flower through the pristine White and Pink Anthuriums to the rare beauties like the Livium and Black Anthuriums.
Besides their striking appearance, these plants are appreciated for their air-purifying properties. They create a pleasant indoor environment by absorbing toxic substances from the air and improving indoor humidity.
Anthuriums are low-maintenance plants with minimal care requirements. So, even if you’re new to indoor gardening, you can make this plant thrive by placing it in a location with indirect light, and high humidity, and by watering it weekly.
These air-purifying plants represent hospitality and happiness in Feng Shui. That’s why they are an excellent choice for homes and offices and are thoughtful gifts.
However, you should remember that they are toxic if ingested. So, you must keep them out of the reach of your curious pets, who tend to nibble on plants.
Propagating Anthurium: Tools and Supplies
To propagate Anthurium, you should first gather the right tools and supplies. Here’s what you need for quick, easy, and mess-free Anthurium andraeanum propagation:
- Sharp knife or pruning shears
- Clean planters with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting mix
- Rooting hormone
- Water at room temperature
- Rubbing alcohol or bleach solution
Remember to sanitize your cutting tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use for Flamingo Lily propagation. It helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures your Anthurium plants are healthy.
When to Propagate Anthuriums
The ideal time for Flamingo Flower propagation is spring. It’s the plant’s active growing season with perfect weather conditions. Summer, especially the early months, can also be a good time if you’re mindful of the temperature.
Its growth slows down in fall, and the plant enters dormancy in winter. So, it’s best to avoid propagation during these seasons.
How to Propagate Anthurium Successfully
There are two popular Anthurium propagation methods: by division, and from cuttings in soil or water. Of course, you can try to grow new anthuriums from seed but this propagation technique is not always successful.
Both are simple methods, and even novice gardeners can use them to expand their Flamingo Lily collection. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps with care.
Propagate Anthurium by Division
How can you divide an Anthurium plant to create multiple Flamingo Flower babies? You need a large, mature, well-established plant. This will make propagating Anthurium easy and give you healthy little plants.
When to Divide an Anthurium?
The best time to divide Anthurium is spring and early summer. This is when the plant is healthy and actively growing and can produce new leaves. Avoid dividing the plant during the dormant period in winter or fall, as it is less resilient to stress.
Root division is recommended to maintain the health of a plant that has outgrown its pot. It’s a great alternative to repotting your Anthurium into a bigger pot. You can recognize such a plant if the roots come out of the drainage holes or show above the soil surface. Wilting foliage or water moving quickly through the pot is also a sign of overcrowding and depleted soil.
How Do You Divide and Multiply Anthuriums?
Dividing the roots is a simple and effective way to propagate Anthurium with a high success rate. Here are the steps to do it:
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot. Loosen the soil to avoid damaging the roots.
- Clean and loosen the root system. Gently separate the roots if they are tightly packed. Dip them in water to wash away excess soil.
- Identify the natural division points in the root system or offshoots.
- Divide the roots by gently pulling or cutting the large plant into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system. Try to obtain 2-3 sections.
- Repot each section into a separate pot with a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Water the newly potted divisions properly and maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Make sure not to overwater the young plants to prevent root rot or fungal infections.
How to Grow Anthurium From Cuttings
Can you grow Anthurium from a cutting like many other plants? Yes, Flamingo plant propagation from cutting is another effective method that even beginners can try. All you need is a healthy stem cutting, and you can root it in water or soil.
How to Take Cuttings From Anthuriums
To know how to grow Anthurium from cuttings, you should first learn to cut the stem correctly. Select a healthy, leafy stem of about 6”-8” length. Pick a stem with the spadix, i.e., the club-shaped structure in the center of the leaves or spathes, also called the eye.
Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to make a precise 45-degree cut. It should be just below a node, i.e., the point where the leaf attaches to the stem.
Don’t cut through the stem, as the injury will prevent successful propagation. You can dip the cut end into rooting hormone to boost root growth.
Propagating Anthuriums in Soil
You can plant your Flamingo Flower cuttings directly in the soil for successful Anthurium plant propagation. Here are the steps to do it:
- Prepare the potting mix. Use a loose, well-draining mix. A blend of half sand and half peat moss is a great option.
- Plant the cuttings by inserting them upright into the moistened potting mix. Make sure that at least one node is buried.
- Maintain moisture and humidity. Water the soil without letting it become soggy. Cover with plastic for a humid environment.
- Aim for a warm environment with temperatures and medium/bright but indirect sunlight.
- Monitor for a few weeks to check for new root growth.
- Transplant the rooted cuttings into a larger pot with fresh potting mix once the cuttings have healthy root systems.
Propagating Anthuriums in Water
Propagating Anthurium in water is a common practice. But can Anthurium root in water? Absolutely! And it can be a visually engaging process as you observe the root development. Here are the steps to do it right:
- Fill a clean glass or jar with fresh water.
- Submerge your Anthurium cuttings in the water. Put the cut end in the water and ensure that at least one node is submerged. But all the leaves should be above the water line.
- Place the container with the cutting in a bright location away from direct light.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to avoid the growth of bacteria or fungi.
- Monitor the development of roots that will appear in a few weeks.
- Transplant the rooted cuttings into pots with well-draining soil once the roots are 1”-2”.
How to Care for an Anthurium After Propagation
Once you have successfully propagated your Anthurium, the new plants need attention and care.
Here are a few things to remember regarding Flamingo Flower care:
- Light and placement: Place the young plants in a spot with bright light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching the young leaves. An east-facing window can be great.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the topmost layer of the medium feels dry to the touch.
- Humidity: Anthuriums thrive in a humid environment. You can try misting them regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range is 70°F-85°F. Avoid exposing the baby plants to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
- Fertilization: Newly propagated plants don't require fertilization, as the fresh potting mix has sufficient nutrients. Feeding them when they are very small may burn their delicate roots. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once the young Anthuriums have established and increased in size.
- Air circulation: Ensure that the young Anthuriums are in a spot with good air circulation. It will help prevent fungal diseases.
Flamingo Lily Propagation: FAQs
Q: How long does it take for Anthurium to root?
A: The time required for Anthurium cuttings to root may vary. Typically, it takes about 4-8 weeks. Roots usually develop faster in water vs. soil.
Q: Can I use sphagnum moss for Anthurium?
A: Yes, you can use sphagnum moss to root or grow Anthuriums as an alternative to using a potting mix. Sphagnum moss ensures moisture, humidity, and air around the roots for successful and quick propagation.
Q: Can I use orchid potting mix for Anthuriums?
A: Yes, you can use an orchid potting mix for Anthurium seedlings. Such a blend is formulated to provide proper aeration and ensure moisture retention for the roots without getting soggy.
Q: How do you propagate Anthurium from seeds?
A: To propagate Anthurium from seeds, sow fresh seeds on the surface of a nutrient-rich soil mix. Place the tray in a spot with bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within 2 to 7 days. Note that the plant may need up to 4 years to produce spathes.
Conclusion
Once you master how to propagate an Anthurium, you can have little Flamingo Flowers in no time. You can give a freshly grown plant to someone special or increase your collection.
Grow Flamingo Lilies of different colors together for a colorful display. Or, you can pair them with tropical plants like the Peace Lily, Pineapple Plant, and Peacock Plant and create a vibrant green corner that will become an instant conversation starter among your guests.
