You may have seen in photos the blue anthurium, a variety that arouses considerable interest. But does it really exist? Can we find a variety of this tropical species in blue? We will solve all your doubts about it.
This plant has become very popular and, although in Spain the most widespread version is red, the truth is that we can find it with flowers of different colors, and even in a curious bicolor format. Let's get to know her a little better.
Anthurium, one of the most popular indoor plants
This tropical plant native to Central and South America it is very popular for its glossy leaves and heart-shaped flowers. In its region of origin it can grow outdoors, but in somewhat colder climates we can enjoy it as an indoor plant.
We are going to review some of its most outstanding characteristics and care:
- Physical appearance. Its flowers are its most distinctive feature. In the center they have a brightly colored spadix that reminds us of a spike. This is surrounded by a heart-shaped brace that can be of different colors. Its leaves are large, arrow-shaped, and very shiny.
- Crop. To grow well indoors, you need a well-drained substrate that always maintains some moisture. These plants like warm environments and do well with indirect light. An excess of sunlight on its leaves can damage them.
- Varieties. In this article we are going to talk more in depth about the blue anthurium, but there are many varieties whose flower and leaf colors can be different from each other.
- Meaning. This is a plant with a lot of symbolism and is usually associated with love and passion when it has red flowers. On the contrary, the white variety symbolizes purity and innocence.
Anthurium in different colors
As we have discussed before, the most common varieties of anthurium known in Europe are red and white, but red is the most common of all. However, there are many more colors to choose from, but they are not always easy to find.
there are anthuriums garnets, pinks, and in different shades of red and white. The leaves also vary in their tone, some even combine two shades of green at the same time.
Is it possible to have a blue anthurium?
Now we are going to solve the big question. It is possible that searching the Internet you have come across a photo of a beautiful blue anthurium. And it is also likely that someone has told you that this variety does not exist. Is it then a fake of the many that are on the Net? The correct answer would be “yes and no”.
In general, we can state that blue anthuriums do not exist naturally. However, they are available artificially obtained, and we owe it to the Dutch, who you already know are experts in tulips and all kinds of flowers.
The blue anthurium is known as Princess Alexia Blue, and went "designed" by the Dutch company Rijnplant. Despite what is commonly believed, it is not a white anthurium whose leaves are dyed blue, the process is much more sophisticated and, if you get hold of a plant of this type, we can assure you that it will not fade with the passage of time.
What the Dutch company does is infiltrate blue dye into the roots of the anthurium when it is forming flower buds. This achieves that the final result is a blue flower. Although explained like this it seems very simple and something that we could do ourselves at home, the truth is that it is not. Obtaining a blue anthurium is a complicated process.
Rijnplant has done so well with this plant that it has put a yellow variety on the market, which is also not a natural color for the anthurium flower. Its about Princess Alexia Yellow.
Can the natural color of the flowers be changed?
The success of the Dutch company shows that it is, but we have already commented that it is a rather complicated process, which involves carrying out different tests until the perfect combination is found.
The color of the flowers of the plants is determined by natural pigments. The color of the flower that ends up sprouting depends both on those natural pigments that the plant itself has and on factors such as pH or the presence of metal ions.
They are precisely the alterations in pH those that have given rise to new varieties of color within the most common ornamental plants.
In the case of the anthurium, varieties with white and green flowers were chosen because they have the highest pH. It was with them that tests were carried out that ended up resulting in the variety of this blue houseplant that we all love.
How to care for a blue anthurium?
If you manage to get your hands on one, you'll be happy to know that the care it requires is no different from an anthurium in a natural shade:
- Location and light. Place the plant in a bright place that does not receive direct sunlight. Near an east or west facing window may be a good idea.
- Temperature and humidity Make sure that the plant is not exposed to drafts and that it remains at a stable temperature of between 18º and 24º C. If there is not much humidity in your house, place a tray with water near the plant so that it receives humidity, or spray its leaves with a little water periodically.
- Irrigation. Never leave the substrate soaked and try to water when you notice that the substrate is already dry to the touch.
- Substratum. Apply a well drained and light soil. You can try to make it yourself.
- mallet. The size of the pot should be slightly larger than the diameter of the plant. This is a variety that does well to be a little tight.
- Pruning. If there are wilted leaves or flowers, you can remove them by cutting them off with clean, sharp scissors.
Once the doubt has been resolved, the blue anthurium exists, but it is not a product of nature, but of a set of tests to obtain a more striking variety. Do you have this plant? We would like to know your experience with it.