How to Grow Anthurium in Lava Rock

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Things You'll Need

  • Lava rock

  • Floral wire

  • Clay tray or shallow decorative planter

  • Spray bottle

  • Balanced liquid fertilizer

There are more than 800 species of anthurium found in tropical and subtropical areas. They are native to areas stretching from Mexico to northern Argentina and Uruguay, as well as the West Indies. The plant has large glossy leaves and brilliantly colored, petal-like organs around the true flowers. The epiphytic species of anthuriums grow in tree crotches or crevasses in tropical forests. These types of anthuriums are often sold while attached to a piece of lava rock as part of the presentation.

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Step 1

Remove the anthurium from its nursery pot and gently brush the soil from the roots. Place the lava rock in the tray or pot and lay the plant on it in the position you would like it to grow. You can carefully push roots into rock's crevasses to hold it in place, or tie it loosely with some floral wire. Remove the wire when the plant begins to root into the lava rock.

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Step 2

Pour an inch of water into the tray or pot and let the lava rock soak it up like a sponge. This will water the plant's roots. Put water in the spray bottle and mist the plant daily to provide humidity. Apply an inch of water daily to the pot, or as much as the rock will soak up in a few hours. Pour out any extra water, as it will attract gnats and can cause the roots to rot.

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Step 3

Place the anthurium in a semi-shady location or in indirect light. The room must be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4

Fertilize the plant with a dilution of balanced liquid fertilizer every other week. Mix the fertilizer according to the package directions and stop fertilizing from December through February.

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