Anthurium is highly valued for its waxy, heart-shaped blooms of bright red, salmon, pink, or white. Although it is nearly always grown as an indoor plant, gardeners in the warm climates of USDA zones 10 through 12 can grow anthurium plants outdoors. In spite of its exotic appearance, anthurium is surprisingly low maintenance. However, cutting back an anthurium is necessary from time to time to keep the plant happy and healthy. Pruning can be done any time of year. Wondering how to prune anthurium? Read on to learn more.
Anthurium Trimming Tips
Anthurium trimming should be done regularly to keep the plant upright and balanced. Allowing older growth to remain on the plant may cause the stem to bend and may result in stunted growth. Here are some tips for healthy anthurium pruning:
Take a close look at your anthurium plant, then begin pruning from the top down. Remove any discolored or dead leaves. Cut wilted or dead blossoms down to the base of the stem. You can also remove wayward leaves to improve the appearance of the plant but leave at least three to five in place. If possible, remove older leaves first.
Remove suckers from the base of anthurium; otherwise, they will draw energy from the plant, thus reducing flower size. Trim the suckers when they are small; trimming large suckers may damage the base of the plant.
Use good quality cutting tools, as dull blades can tear and crush stems, thus making the plant more susceptible to disease and pests. To prevent bacterial infection, wipe cutting tools between each cut, using rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution.
Note: Anthurium contains chemicals that are toxic to people and pets. Wear gloves to protect your hands when trimming anthurium; the sap can cause minor skin irritations.
Anthurium is highly valued for its waxy, heart-shaped blooms of bright red, salmon, pink, or white. Although it is nearly always grown as an indoor plant, gardeners in the warm climates of USDA zones 10 through 12 can grow anthurium plants outdoors. In spite of its exotic appearance, anthurium is surprisingly low maintenance. However, cutting back an anthurium is necessary from time to time to keep the plant happy and healthy. Pruning can be done any time of year. Wondering how to prune anthurium? Read on to learn more.
Anthurium Trimming Tips
Anthurium trimming should be done regularly to keep the plant upright and balanced. Allowing older growth to remain on the plant may cause the stem to bend and may result in stunted growth. Here are some tips for healthy anthurium pruning:
Take a close look at your anthurium plant, then begin pruning from the top down. Remove any discolored or dead leaves. Cut wilted or dead blossoms down to the base of the stem. You can also remove wayward leaves to improve the appearance of the plant but leave at least three to five in place. If possible, remove older leaves first.
Remove suckers from the base of anthurium; otherwise, they will draw energy from the plant, thus reducing flower size. Trim the suckers when they are small; trimming large suckers may damage the base of the plant.
Use good quality cutting tools, as dull blades can tear and crush stems, thus making the plant more susceptible to disease and pests. To prevent bacterial infection, wipe cutting tools between each cut, using rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution.
Note: Anthurium contains chemicals that are toxic to people and pets. Wear gloves to protect your hands when trimming anthurium; the sap can cause minor skin irritations.