The anthurium is native to Colombia and was first introduced to Trinidad and Tobago in 1915 by Eugene Andre.

 Our tropical conditions are ideal for the cultivation of anthuriums and locally it is one of the most commonly grown of the cut flowers. It has traditionally been a backyard garden crop, but recent interest in the commercialization of anthuriums to supply local florists ad for the export market has resulted in renewed emphasis as a major "cut flower".

 Anthuriums produce flowers throughout the year and an average of six to eight flowers per plant per year.

 PROPAGATION

 Three methods are available:

 Vegetative

 The most common method of multiplying plants is by conventional vegetative propagation, done by two methods:

1. The top of a tall plant is cut off with sufficient roots and planted.
2. Mature plants give off rhizomes, which produce aerial shoots near the mother plant. These shoots can be cut and planted.

 Seed

 Propagation of the hybrid types is sometimes done by seed, which should be sown one cm deep in fine organic material such as peat or coconut fibre bast. The seeds germinate within two to eight weeks and plants that are propagated from seed take 12 to 18 months to flower after planting.

 Tissue Culture

 Plants can also be propagated by tissue culture. The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, propagates anthuriums by this method. The Plant Quarantine Department of the Ministry of Food Production allows only tissue cultured propagated anthurium plants to be imported into Trinidad and Tobago. This is in order to keep out diseased planting material from entering the country.

 When planting, it is best to not mix varieties, as taller types will smother shorter types. Anthuriums grow on a wide range of soil types ranging from sandy loams to heavy clays.

 However they grow best in a highly organic soil with good water retention capability and good drainage. A well-drained soil is important to prevent rotting of stems and roots.

 Anthuriums require shade for proper growth and for good quality flowers. Too much sunlight causes bleaching of the flowers and yellowing, while too much shade slows down growth and flowering.

 Synthetic shade cloth supported by galvanized pipes and wire is recommended providing uniform shade, reduces insect damage and keeps plants clean from pests and debris.

 They should be planted in raised beds of 1.3 to 2 metres wide and 20 cm deep. The plants should not be planted more than 5 cm deep, as deep planting results in rotting of stems and roots. Some plants may need to be staked after planting for support.

 Plants require mulching immediately after planting, as roots are shallow growing and spread out on the soil surface. One layer of coconut husks, semi-rotted wood, or sugar cane baggasse may be used. The plant roots grow into the mulch and spread.

 FERTILISATION

 Organic fertilizers such as cow or chicken manure are recommended for planting. Inorganic fertilizers should be applied one month after planting. Dry fertilizer applications may result in scorching of the roots, fertilizers should therefore be applied at drip circle and watered in or applied in solution at monthly intervals.

 Alternatively, soluble fertilizers such as Phostrogen or Peter's Special can be used bi-monthly. Application rates are usually 15g per plant for granular applications and 2g per litre of water for solutions.

 IRRIGATION

Overhead irrigation is recommended.

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