Mastering Indoor Care for Aroids: An In-Depth Guide
Anthurium warocqueanum is a member species within Cardiolonchium—the so-called “velvet-leaved” anthuriums.
You may have heard of Monstera Borsiginia albo variegata. Borsigiana is a hetertypic synonum of deliciosa. Deliciosa is the only accepted name.
Monstera obliqua. The native range of this species is Trinidad to Central & S. Tropical America. It is a climber and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.
Monstera epipremnoides. Accepted species since 1905, this species has no accepted heterotypical synonyms. "Esqueleto" is not an accepted species name.
Mastering Indoor Care for Aroids: An In-Depth Guide
The Aroid family, including popular favorites like the Philodendron, Monstera, and Peace Lily, make fantastic indoor companions due to their lush, vibrant foliage, and captivating forms. These tropical natives, however, have unique care requirements that make them different from the average houseplant.
Understanding Light Requirements
Natural Light: Light is a crucial factor in the health and growth of Aroids. These plants prefer bright, indirect light. They love spots near north or east-facing windows. If you only have south or west-facing windows, keep your Aroids a few feet away to protect them from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves, leading to yellow or brown burn spots.
Artificial Light: For indoor plant enthusiasts without the benefit of suitable natural light, artificial lights, specifically grow lights, are a game-changer. A great product to consider is the GE BR30 Full Spectrum LED Grow Light, which offers a balance of cool and warm light mimicking the natural solar spectrum. Alternatively, the GooingTop LED Grow Light, with its adjustable gooseneck and light intensity can cater to your Aroids’ needs at different growth stages.
The Science of Watering and Fertilizing
Watering: Aroids, like most tropical plants, are adapted to a cycle of heavy rainfall followed by a drying period. Mimicking this cycle, you should allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before watering thoroughly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a condition where the plant’s roots become waterlogged, depriving them of oxygen, and allowing harmful fungi to take over.
Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring to early fall), Aroids require fertilization every 2-4 weeks. Using a balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food, provides them with essential nutrients like nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall plant health. Remember to follow the recommended dosage on your fertilizer’s package as over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts that can burn the plant’s roots.
The Importance of Humidity
Being native to tropical rainforests, Aroids thrive in a humid environment. Indoor heating and cooling systems often create dry conditions that can lead to brown leaf tips in Aroids. Misting, placing your plant on a tray of water and pebbles, or using a room humidifier can help increase humidity levels. A well-regarded humidifier model is the WOAEDMBY, which offers precise control over humidity settings and a 6-liter capacity (which for me, is one of the key features of a good plant humidifier).
The Perfect Soil and Potting
Aroids naturally grow in loose, well-draining forest soil rich in organic matter. Replicating these conditions, use a soil mix consisting of peat moss (which retains moisture), perlite (for aeration), and vermiculite (which retains water and nutrients). Some enthusiasts also add orchid bark to improve aeration and mimic the plant’s natural environment.
When it comes to repotting, it’s essential to pick the right pot size. While you may be tempted to give your Aroid plenty of room to grow, these plants prefer being slightly root-bound. This preference likely evolved because loose soil in a large pot can stay damp for too long, leading to root rot. Therefore, when repotting, choose a pot that’s only a couple of inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Propagating Aroids Through Air Layering
Air-layering is a propagation method that encourages a stem to grow roots while it’s still attached to the parent plant, thereby ensuring it continues to receive water and nutrients during the rooting process. This method is especially useful for large Aroids or those with tough, woody stems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to air layering:
Additionally, I would check this air-layering device from Tanzfrosch out, as it’s a total god-send for air layering.
How to Ensure Long-Term Aroid Care
In the long run, consistency is the key to keeping your Aroids healthy. They thrive on stable conditions, so try to avoid changing their environment too often.
Location and Environment: Find a suitable location for your Aroid and aim to keep it there. Regularly moving your plant around can cause stress, leading to leaf drop or slowed growth. Similarly, sudden changes in temperature or humidity can also lead to plant stress. Try to keep your Aroids away from drafts, air vents, and radiators.
Cleaning: Dust can accumulate on your Aroid’s leaves, blocking light and reducing photosynthesis. Regularly wipe the leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth to keep them clean. This will not only make your plant look better but also keep it healthier.
Pest Control: Regularly inspect your Aroids for common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. If you detect any, isolate the infected plant to prevent the pests from spreading and treat it with an appropriate pesticide or insecticidal soap.
Pruning: Pruning is an essential part of long-term Aroid care. Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain your plant’s appearance and health. You can also trim back excessively long vines to control your plant’s size. Pruning encourages bushier growth and keeps your Aroid looking its best.
Conclusion
Aroids, with their stunning foliage and dynamic growth habits, can add a touch of tropical charm to any indoor space. While they have unique care requirements compared to more common houseplants, understanding their needs can result in a thriving indoor jungle. By providing the right light, optimal watering and fertilizing routine, appropriate humidity, and well-draining soil, your Aroids can grow healthy and happy for many years to come.
So, why wait? Embrace the joy of Aroid care and let your indoor gardening journey take root and flourish.
As always...
I encourage you to research as much as possible about your plants and their habitat.
While the study of plants has been taking place since the time of the early Greeks, it hasn't really been a scientific study for much more than 300 years (that's fairly young in terms of branches of science). A lot has happened in those 300 years and much of the history is not only available to read online in print via scans in public domain, but actually quite fascinating!
Thanks for reading!
Much love 💚
Korbin