The sweetheart flower owes its name to the large, heart-shaped leaves. Here's how to properly care for the tropical beauty.

The shape of the leaves gives the sweetheart flower its name

Anthuriums are known for their decorative foliage and bracts. Anthurium clarinervium also has strikingly patterned leaves that are an eye-catcher in any room. Are you wondering which location is suitable for the sweetheart flower and how to properly care for it? Find the answers here.

Anthurium clarinervium: flower, properties and origin

The Sweetheart Flower (Anthurium clarinervium) is a species in the genus Anthurium(Anthurium) in the aroid family (Araceae ) heard. In its homeland of Mexico, it grows as an epiphyte, i.e. as an epiphytic plant on trees or other plants - without contact with the ground. However, the plant is by no means parasitic, but the place in the treetops only allows the sweetheart flower to enjoy more light. However, this also requires high humidity and frequent rainfall in order to provide them with sufficient water. Thanks to its leaves, which gave the sweetheart flower its name, Anthurium clarinervium has become a popular houseplant. Its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and dark green with a distinctive white pattern. On the other hand, when Anthurium clarinervium develops a flower, it is quite inconspicuous.

The white pattern on the leaves is typical of Anthurium clarinnervium

Planting Anthurium clarinervium: location, soil and procedure

The epiphytic way of life of the tropical sweetheart flower also provides information about its location preferences in our homes. Anthurium clarinervium likes it bright, but should not stand in direct sunlight. High humidity and warm temperatures between 20 and 25 °C are also important. During the dormant period in winter, the temperature can be lower, but should not drop below 15°C. In order to get close to their way of life in the treetops, a particularly permeable substrate should be used, through which a lotair can reach the roots. Orchid soil made from coarse pine bark, for example, is particularly suitable here. In addition, the pot should definitely have a drainage hole.

Tip: You can also make your own orchid substrate from high-quality materials: To do this, mix pine bark in a ratio of 1:1 with a finer filling material such as sphagnum moss or coconut fibers and add add some nutrient-rich potting soil such as our Plantura organic universal soil to create a nutrient store.

The sweetheart flower should be in a bright place

Care for Anthurium clarinervium

Once you have found a suitable location, all you have to do is follow a few Anthurium clarinervium care instructions.

  • Watering: In order for Anthurium clarinervium to thrive, it should be watered regularly and the humidity kept at a high level. The sweetheart flower does not like waterlogging, but should be kept evenly moist. As soon as the substrate dries on the surface, it can be watered again. It is best to use room-warm rainwater for watering. In summer, Anthurium clarinervium needs more water than in winter, due to the higher temperatures.
  • Humidity: Since the sweetheart flower is a tropical plant that lives in the water-saturated mist of the jungle, it needs high humidity above all. To increase this, you can spray Anthurium clarinervium regularly with low-lime water or place a bowl of water near the plant or on the heater. If the air is too dry, the leaves of the sweetheart flower may develop brown tips.
  • Fertilizer: To support the growth of Anthurium clarinervium, you can fertilize the plant at regular intervals during the growing season. For example, our primarily organic Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer is suitable for this, which provides nutrients for further growth and also promotes root growth through microorganisms and can improve phosphate absorption. A fertilization about every two months is sufficient for the sweetheart flower.
  • Repotting: Every two to three years, sweetheart flowers do well if they are repotted. Young plants should even be repotted annually. In addition to more space in a larger pot, the fresh substrate also gives you essential nutrients again, because even the best onesUnfortunately, houseplant fertilizers never contain all the essential trace nutrients. It is best to repot in spring, when the growing season begins, and use fresh substrate.
  • Foliar care: In order to enable unhindered photosynthesis, the large leaves of Anthurium clarinervium should be regularly dusted. It is best to use a soft, damp cloth that does not damage the surface of the leaf.
  • Pruning: Old, brown leaves that sap energy from the plant can be cut off at the bottom with a sharp knife. Otherwise Anthurium clarinervium requires no pruning.
The young leaves of the sweetheart flower are usually reddish before later developing their green color

Propagating Anthurium clarinervium

In order to propagate Anthurium clarinervium, the individual stems of the plant are divided. The division is best done during repotting in spring. The root ball is then simply carefully separated into two or more parts, each part having sufficiently strong roots and leaves. Then both parts are placed in separate pots.

Is the sweetheart flower poisonous?

Like its relatives, Anthurium clarinervium is slightly poisonous, so care should be taken when handling the sweetheart flower. To be on the safe side, gloves are advisable when repotting and propagating. There are many other Anthurium species that are suitable for keeping as houseplants. We will give you a brief overview and some care tips.

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Houseplants