Anthurium Planting Media and Spacing
Media
Anthuriums grow best in a well aeriated medium with
good water retention and good drainage. A good medium needs
to be able to anchor the roots and stem so that the plant
will not topple over as it grows larger, yet provide sufficient
moisture, nutrients, and aeration to the plant. Organic matter
(ie., wood shavings, bagasse, tree fern, taro peel, macadamia
nut shells, coffee parchment), volcanic cinder, or an artifical
medium (ie., rockwool, polyfenol foam) can serve as a good
medium to anchor roots for plant growth and flower production.
Volcanic cinder is presently the most utilized medium
among commercial growers because of its availability and relativily
low cost. Many growers also utilize a cinder/organic media
mix for moisture retention. Growers remulch as plant height
increases to provide anchorage for adventitous roots.
Spacing
The most common bed planting distance is 1 X 1 foot
plantings providing approximately 25,000 plants per acre.
Dense plantings decrease air circulation and hinder chemical
spray penetration; leaf pruning and sparaying schedules must
be rigidly followed to keep disease and insect damage at a
minimum. An anthurium plant may be pruned to a minimum of
four leaves without any adverse effect on flower production
and quality. Anthuriums can also be grown in containers such
as plastic pots or bags. For 8" plastic pots, approximately
40,000 to 45,000 plants pre acre can be cultivated.
Planting distances varies with the vigor of the cultivar,
amount of shade, and the planting rotation plan. Saran cloth
houses can accommadate denser planting than that of plants
grown under tree ferns. Hard covered houses can accommadate
higher densities because of improved disease control.
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