The language of plants is capable of saying many things without words. There are flowers that send messages of forgiveness or remorse, others that are synonymous with true friendship, some convey a longing for abundance or good luck, and varieties that symbolize love, in any of its forms. But, what if we want a plant with superpowers that encases many meanings at once?
When we want to talk about love, red roses are always the easy option. The obvious. The predictable. And do we want a love that is easy, obvious and predictable? Well, no. So, in addition to the Pink Princess philodendron, one of our favorite varieties, we come across the exuberant anthurium, which, in addition to being the flower of love, according to Feng Shui attracts abundance, good fortune and positive energy to the home. A five-in-one plant because, beyond all this, it is beautiful.
Exotic, very hardy and laden with symbolism, the anthurium is one of my favorite plants because in it, nothing is what it seems: it is much more. And although what makes this plant famous are its bright red flowers with a striking heart shape, in reality, these are not flowers but colored spathes, the bracts that surround the inflorescence. That said, whatever it is, the contrast it creates with its leaves of an intensely green hue and its yellow spadix makes it irresistible.
The meaning of the anthurium, according to Feng Shui
And this, from a purely aesthetic point of view, because if we consider its meaning, our passion for the anthurium grows. Originating from the tropical regions of Central and South America, it typically develops as an epiphytic plant (that is, on other plants or trees but not parasitic) in countries where the climate is warm and humid to better capture the filtered light of the jungle, which makes it a born survivor. But it is Feng Shui where it takes on a very positive and powerful meaning.
The anthurium is mainly associated with the energy of love, passion and healthy relationships. For its open shape and its intense red color, it is considered an activator of Chi related to the heart. Additionally, according to this oriental philosophy, it also helps balance dense or stagnant energies within the home, it is considered a magnet for good luck and harmony, and due to its vibrant colors and perennial nature, it is associated with professional success, prosperity and recognition.
When it comes to choosing its location, Feng Shui indicates that it is ideal for areas linked to the fire element, such as the south of the home; and it is believed that placing this plant in common spaces promotes communication and emotional warmth. In the living room or dining room it promotes family harmony, and in offices or workspaces it is used to stimulate creativity and enthusiasm. That said, although it is considered a plant of love, we should avoid it in the bedroom, as its activating energy can be too intense.
Care of the anthurium: light, temperature and watering
The flowering of the anthurium can last several weeks and it can bloom several times a year if we give our plant the necessary care. The good news? Although its appearance may make us think it is very delicate, it is actually a low-maintenance plant that is grateful if certain basic conditions are respected.
The first thing to know is that it needs abundant light, but always indirect, since direct sun can burn its leaves. Ideally, place it near a well-lit window with a curtain and keep it in rooms with warm temperatures, between 18 and 28 degrees, without abrupt changes and protected from cold drafts that could weaken it.
Watering is one of the most important aspects of anthurium care, as it requires a slightly moist, but never waterlogged substrate, since excess water rots its roots. It is recommended to water when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. It also appreciates high humidity to mimic its natural environment, so it is useful to mist its leaves.
As with orchids, in the case of the anthurium the substrate should be light and with good drainage (a mix of peat, bark and perlite works very well) and it is important to fertilize it every two or three weeks during the growing season. Finally, the use of liquid fertilizers formulated for flowering plants helps to maintain its vitality, as well as removing wilted leaves and flowers to stimulate new blooms.
