Anthurium andraeanum

Japanese name: アンスリウム
Scientific name: Anthurium andraeanum

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial that grows attached to trees and similar hosts.
The stem is erect with short internodes.
Leaves are simple and alternate, long heart-shaped, 20–40 cm long and 15–20 cm wide, and glossy.
The leaf stalk is longer than the blade, hard and sturdy.
From the leaf axils in the upper part of the stem, a flower stalk longer than the leaf stalk stands upright, bearing a spadix 6–8 cm long densely set with bisexual 4-petaled flowers.
The spathe is heart-shaped, 10–15 cm long, spreads open and does not enclose the spadix.
The tepals are thickened and surround the pistil, and the 4 stamens are opposite the tepals.
The spathe has a distinctive gloss and is usually vermilion red, but depending on the cultivar it is colored orange, pink, white and so on, making it highly ornamental.

[History]
It was introduced to Japan around the middle of the Meiji period.

[Cultivation]
It prefers heat and humidity, with an optimum growth temperature of around 25 °C.
Because it is an epiphyte, well-drained media such as sphagnum moss, pumice and kanuma soil are suitable.
Partial shade indoors is suitable, and strong sunlight scorches the leaves.
When the air is dry, it is good to mist the plant or the leaves with water.
Propagate by cuttings or division.
Pests include scale insects, spider mites, aphids and slugs.

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