Anthurium crystallinum, also known as the White Tail Anthurium, is a beautiful and exotic plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
This article will provide you with tips on how to grow and care for A. crystallinum so that you can enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Keep reading for more information!
Plant Facts
| Scientific name | Anthurium crystallinum |
| Common names | Crystal anthurium |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Houseplant |
| Height and Width | 30-60” tall, 15-20” wide |
| Origin | Central and South America (notably Panama) |
| Flower colors | None |
| Foliage color | Dark green with white veins |
| Sun Exposure | Direct sunlight |
| Soil Type & pH | Well-drained |
| Special features | Low maintenance, requires bright light |
How to Grow A. Crystallinum
The delicate anthurium plant, with its colorful blooms, is a popular choice for indoor gardening. A. crystallinum, in particular, is known for its striking silver leaves and easy care requirements.
This guide will teach you how to grow this beautiful tropical plant successfully.
Propagating anthurium crystallinum
While the A. crystallinum can be propagated by seed, or stem cuttings, it is more commonly propagated by division.
When division is chosen as the method of propagation, it is best to do so in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, simply carefully divide the root ball into two or three sections, making sure that each section has at least one leaf.
Once divided, replant the sections in pots filled with fresh potting mix. Water well and place in a bright, but not direct, location. With proper care, your A. crystallinum will soon bloom again.
Soil
While these plants can be grown in a variety of soil types, they prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The ideal potting soil for an A. crystallinum should be high in organic matter and low in nutrients. Perlite is an excellent example, although you can also use orchid bark, coconut coir, sphagnum moss, peat moss, pine bark, sand, or a similar well-draining soil that holds just the right amount of moisture.
This will help to prevent the leaves from yellowing and the flowers from wilting. The indoor plants also prefer a humid environment, so regular misting is necessary if the air is dry. With proper care, an A. crystallinum can provide years of beauty in the garden.
Pruning
To prune A. crystallinum, start by cutting away any dead or faded leaves. Then, trim back any long or leggy stems.
Next, cut away any crossed or rubbing branches. Finally, tidy up the edges of the plant by trimming away any stray leaves or stems. After you have finished pruning, your A. crystallinum should have a neat and compact shape.
Repotting and Transplanting
Repotting anthurium crystallinum needs to be done every one to two years. However, the Anthurium plant is a bit different; it can stay in the same pot for several years. When you do need to repot this plant, it’s best to do so in the spring. Transplanting an A. crystallinum is also best done in the spring. Follow these instructions and your plant will thrive.
First, choose a new pot that is only marginally larger than the current one; a pot that is too large will result in the plant becoming waterlogged and could cause it to rot.
Next, prepare the pot by adding drainage holes and filling it with a well-drained potting mix. You can then gently remove the plant from its current pot and loosen any roots that are tightly bound. Place the plant carefully in the new pot and fill in around it with more of the potting mix. Water well and place in a bright, but indirect light location.
Avoid direct sun at first, which can scorch the leaves. With a little TLC, your A. crystallinum will soon be thriving in its new home!
How to Care for Anthurium crystallinum
With the right combination of water and light, your glass anthurium can grow into a lush and vibrant centerpiece. Keep reading for anthurium crystallinum care tips!
Water
When watering your A. crystallinum, be sure to use filtered or distilled water. The plant does not like chlorine, so tap water should be avoided. Water the plant once every week, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings.
Be sure to empty any drainage tray after watering, as standing water can damage the plant’s roots. Prevent overwatering, especially for a plant grown in any amount of shade.
Sunlight
If you are growing this plant indoors, it is important to mimic its natural environment as much as possible. The plant should be placed in a spot that receives bright, direct light. In some cases, bright indirect light may also be acceptable. It thrives in high humidity and temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature and Humidity
In order to maintain its health and vigor, the A. crystallinum requires high humidity and temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal humidity level for this plant is between 65 and 75 percent. The plant should be placed in a room with good air circulation, too.
Fertilizer
anthuriums are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some specific attention when it comes to fertilizing. This article will provide an overview of how to fertilize an A. crystallinum.
Assuming that your anthurium is already potted in the proper soil mix for aroid plants, you will only need to fertilize every other month or so. During the growing season (spring and summer), use a balanced slow-release fertilizer such as 20-20-20 at ½ the recommended strength. Phosphorus, magnesium, and nitrogen are especially important for this plant.
A storebought fertilizer is perfectly fine for this plant, as are organic fertilizers. Just make sure you dilute them. If the package recommends mixing one tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water, then you would only use half a tablespoon per gallon.
Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant, taking care to avoid getting any on the leaves or stem. Be sure to water thoroughly after applying fertilizer, as anthuriums are sensitive to salts.
During the dormant season (fall and winter), you can reduce the frequency of fertilizing to avoid burning the plant and give it some time to rest.
Pest and diseases
A. crystallinum is susceptible to a few different types of pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can cause leaf discoloration and stunted growth.
Common diseases include root rot and fungal leaf spot. Both of these are a type of fungal infection that can be prevented by ensuring that the plant has good drainage and is not overwatered.
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause extensive damage to houseplants. They are often most active in the spring and summer months, when they can quickly reproduce and build up large populations.
Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out the sap, which can lead to stunted growth, deformed leaves, and reduced flowering. In severe cases, aphid infestations can even kill plants. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to treat and prevent aphids.
Regularly inspecting plants for early signs of infestation is a key part of aphid control. Once aphids are found, they can be removed by hand or with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to kill aphids on contact.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are one of the most common pests that can infest houseplants. These small, hard-bodied pests attach themselves to plant leaves and stems, where they feed on sap. This feeding can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to become stunted.
Scale insects can also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote the growth of sooty mold. Left unchecked, scale insects can seriously damage a houseplant. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of them.
One option is to carefully remove the scale insects by hand. Another is to treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, as these products can be harmful to plants if used improperly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, wingless insects that love to feast on the sap of houseplants. These pests can quickly multiply and overwhelm a plant, causing yellowing leaves, wilting, and even death.
Mealybugs are most often found in humid environments, such as bathrooms and greenhouses. However, they can also occur in drier areas if there is a build-up of dust on the leaves of a plant. Mealybugs can be treated with a number of different methods, including insecticidal soap, neem oil, and rubbing alcohol.
To prevent mealybugs from infesting your plants, it is important to keep your gardening area clean and free of debris. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests, and quarantine any new plants before adding them to your collection
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious problem for houseplants, as it can quickly kill the plant. The first step in preventing root rot is to make sure that the plant is well-watered.
The soil should be moist, but not soggy. If the soil is too dry, the roots will not be able to properly absorb water, and if it is too wet, the roots will start to rot. It is also important to make sure that the plant has good drainage.
If water cannot drain properly, it will pool around the roots and cause them to rot. If you think that your plant might have root rot, there are a few things you can do to try to save it. First, you can remove the affected roots and replant the plant in fresh soil. You can also try adding a fungicide to the soil.
Fungal Leaf Spot
Fungal leaf spot is a common problem for houseplants. The spots are usually circular and can be any color, including brown, black, gray, or yellow. They may also have a raised or sunken appearance. Leaf spot is usually caused by waterlogged soil, which allows fungi to take hold.
Once the fungus has infected the plant, it can spread quickly to other leaves. To prevent leaf spot, make sure to water your plants only when the soil is dry. If the plant is already infected, you can remove the affected leaves and dispose of them in the trash.
You should also disinfect your plant pots and tools to prevent the fungus from spreading. In addition, there are several fungicide products available that can help to treat leaf spot
Common Varieties and Cultivars
There are no varieties or cultivars of A. crystallinum since it is a cultivar itself. However, some other popular varieties of anthurium include:
- A. Andranaeum
- A. amnicola
- Anthurium clarinervium
- A. hookeri
- Anthurium magnificum
- A. pedatoradiatum
- A. coriaceum
FAQs
Is Anthurium crystallinum indoor or outdoor?
Anthurium crystallinum is typically grown indoors as a houseplant, although it can be placed outdoors in tropical or subtropical climates if conditions are suitable.
Is Anthurium crystallinum a climber?
No, Anthurium crystallinum is not a climber. It grows as a rosette-forming plant, with its large, velvety leaves emerging from a central point.
Why is my Anthurium crystallinum turning yellow?
Several factors could cause Anthurium crystallinum leaves to turn yellow, including overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, or pest infestations. Evaluate the plant’s growing conditions and adjust watering, light exposure, and care accordingly to address the issue.
Can anthurium survive without sunlight?
While Anthuriums prefer bright, indirect sunlight, they can survive in lower light conditions. However, prolonged lack of sunlight can result in weak growth, reduced flowering, and leaf yellowing. It’s essential to provide adequate light for healthy Anthurium growth.
Is Anthurium crystallinum rare?
Yes, Anthurium crystallinum is considered a rare plant in cultivation due to its specific habitat requirements and limited distribution in the wild. While it may not be as commonly found as other Anthurium species, it can be occasionally encountered in specialized nurseries or collections.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, Anthurium crystallinum is a beautiful and exotic plant that can be grown in the home garden or as a houseplant indoors.
With a little care and some basic knowledge, you can have your own thriving anthurium plant. Be sure to follow our tips for watering, fertilizing, and repotting to keep your anthurium looking its best.
We hope you enjoy growing this stunning tropical plant!
