Anthurium black beauty plant is a small, succulent stem found in the wild and cultivated throughout tropical areas of Central America. It’s common to find this dazzling flower in places like Costa Rica, Brazil, and the Caribbean Islands because it thrives under warmer temperatures and medium humidity levels. However, some cultivators wonder if their plants are happy with too much or too little humidity during their growing process since they have been finding that high-humidity levels can become a weed problem. If you are starting with growing your own Anthurium black beauty plant, learn how to take good care of it properly by considering the following factors:
Sunlight
The anthurium black beauty plant is a tropical plant, so it needs to be in an area that can get high sunlight and low light. If you have a room in your house that is only in the shade, this will work for the plant. When there is no direct sunlight, make sure you water it well and ensure the soil is moist. Keep in mind that the leaves will turn brown when it does not get enough light. Also, direct sunlight can make the dark foliage of this plant lose its color, leading to sunburn when left for extended periods.
To get the plant in the most appropriate positions, you should look for several places on your plants where they can face different windows in your house. The best locations for this plant are normally near the north or east-facing window since they provide the light requirements that the Anthurium black beauty plant needs. You should avoid placing your plant in a dim or dark location since it needs light for photosynthesis.
Watering
The two most common watering techniques follow the day-night pattern. It is best to water anthurium plants with a light spray before sunrise and later when the soil is dry, usually between 7 pm and 9 pm. More water should only be added until it drips from the bottom of the pot and not past that point. Make sure to allow them to dry out overnight in between watering sessions so that there is no chance for root rot or over-watering.
When watering the plant, you need to focus on the roots themselves. Use your finger feel for dampness in the soil at least 2 inches deep and water when this level has been reached. The same process is used when using water crystals to water your anthurium black beauty plants. When using this method, you want to ensure that you are not giving them too much or too little water, as over-watering and under-watering each has their problems.
Pruning
The black beauty is a stunning and vigorous plant that can grow quite large. It may require pruning several times a year, sometimes reducing its height and branching out to maintain the tree’s shape. Here are some steps to properly prune this live houseplant with ease!
Ensure that the soil is damp before you start working on the plant (never water a dry root ball).
Grab the root ball in one hand, then gently pinch off any small branches with your other hand.
Using a cutting tool, cut the outermost growth first. For the inside of the plant, cut the bottommost growth first. You do not have to worry about anything except keeping it neat.
For each future pruning session, make sure to separate new growth from older growth (new branches). When pruning anthurium black beauty plants for the first time, it is best not to remove all of the upper leaves; remove a few too crowded and dry.
After pruning, wash the snipped stems with a mild liquid soap.
Use scissors a few times during the season to keep the plant neat. It is best to prune at various times for better results (at different stages of growth). With this live houseplant, you will see new growth where you cut off old and new growth where there was no old growth before. This is called rejuvenation.
Never prune back to the main stem. That might contribute to the death of the plant.
Humidity
The optimal humidity of an anthurium is between 50% to 70%. Humidity levels lower than this can cause disease and death of the plant. High humidity kills the plant, and too low a humidity barely makes it through winter. The flower itself also likes a higher humidity level as it will not stay open without it. On average, you should keep your plants at a relatively high moisture level when they need to be watered or during periods where they are more exposed to drying winds.
Using a digital hygrometer can help you measure your home’s humidity and adjust it when necessary. When the air is too dry, your plant’s leaves will start to become crispy and dry. They will eventually become brittle and crumble when one touches them. Luckily you can invest in a humidifier or mist the plant.
What USDA climate zones does the anthurium black beauty grow in?
Anthurium plants are susceptible to a wide range of environmental conditions, but with the right climate, they will thrive. However, research indicates that this plant enjoys warm to moderate climate conditions. Due to that reasons, the ideal region of this plant is the USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11:
The Subtropical Desert Climate Zone (ZONE 9). You can expect less than 100 inches of rainfall a year in this area and temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you will need to provide your anthurium plant with plenty of shade. That climate can be found along the western slopes of mountains and in valleys between mountains.
The Mediterranean Climate Zone (ZONE 10). You can expect to have more than 100 inches of rainfall a year in this area, with temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This climate can occur between major mountain ranges and west of any major bodies of water.
The Tropical Rainforest Climate Zone (ZONE 11). That can be found in the southeast, Southwest, and parts of the Midwest. It is also sometimes called the West Indian Climate Zone or the Mexican Cultural Temperature Zones. You can expect to have 125 inches or more of rainfall a year and temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in this area. That is the most rain you will ever experience.
To pinpoint which climate zone your anthurium plant will be able to grow in, start by first determining your climate zone. It is important to note that climate zones are not an exact science, but they help provide an idea of what conditions you will need to grow anthurium plants outside. However, if you live in the zones above, you can keep your plant outdoors in the ground or a pot. Most importantly, you need to grow it as a houseplant while offering outdoor vacation when the weather becomes warm, especially during summer and spring. Remember to take your plant inside when the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertaliser
When growing anthuriums, it is important to provide them with the right fertilizer for their needs. That is why experts recommend using a balanced fertilizer like 20-4-10 when fertilizing. It offers the perfect balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) your plants need to grow healthy and strong. However, this plant does not need a lot of fertilizer, meaning you should avoid overfeeding it. It is recommended to apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month in the summer and spring seasons. Ensure you dilute the fertilizer by 50% and only fertilize when the potting soil is moist. Applying highly concentrated fertilizer can burn the plant roots.
There is no need to apply fertilizer in winter or fall reason. However, if you prefer to apply some fertilizer, you can use a slow-release one.
Soil type
The best place to start with growing your anthurium black beauty plant is with the soil. You will want a potting mix that helps provide nutrients for the soil and keep the roots moist. The scientific term for this type of potting soil is a “soil-less potting mix.” In general, you should avoid buying a ready-made container of potting soil because it may contain toxic chemicals that could harm your plant. You can use whatever you have in your garden if that is what you are comfortable with; be sure to remove any old leaves and other debris from around the base of the plant before planting it or transplanting it into its final location. The most critical aspect is to ensure you have a mixture of soil and organic matter that provides good drainage and doesn’t contain any pesticides or chemicals.
Propagation
Anthurium black beauty is a delicate plant that requires the appropriate propagation techniques for successful growth. The following are some best practices to keep in mind if you’re constantly propagating anthuriums:
When you find healthy roots, avoid disturbing their cells or tissue. Gently loosen any soil around the plant roots and use your fingers to gently lift them before using the root ball as leverage to tug it out gently. Avoid pulling on leaves or buds if possible, as this may damage them; instead, tug on the base where they join the stem. Plants may need a little help to come out of the pot, such as using a blunt spade to dig around their roots gently; if you stick the end of the spade in the soil, you can use its metal portion to apply a grip and remove them.
For propagation, cut off flower clusters 6 inches long or higher. Leave them on the plant until you remove them without breaking or disfiguring the leaves. Cut one cluster at a time using sharp pruning shears. Don’t cut into surrounding leaves; snip only buds at the base of each cluster. To remove the plant from the pot, prune off about two inches of potting soil and gently pull it out.
Anthurium black beauty: Final thoughts
Anthuriums are tropical plants that need to be grown indoors because they can’t grow outside in temperate zones during the winter months. They are not frosted tolerant either, so if you live in a climate with cold winters, your anthuriums should be brought inside for this period, or you will risk killing them if you don’t provide supplemental light and heat as protection from freezing temperatures.