Introduction
As popular indoor plants, Anthuriums (aka Flamingo Flowers) are also increasingly popular as houseplants. Their large, tropical leaves and vivid colors make them stand out in any room. Unfortunately, Anthuriums are susceptible to pests and diseases if they’re not cared for properly. As with any plant, Anthuriums can become sick or infested if their environment isn’t right. Check out our Anthurium pest and disease guide for how to identify problems and what to do.
Pests
Anthuriums are beautiful flowering plants that are well worth growing in your garden. Unfortunately, they can be prone to pest infestations which can seriously damage the plant if left untreated.
Anthurium Mealybug
Anthurium mealybugs are common pests that can cause a lot of damage to your plants. These small, white, sap-sucking bugs can quickly overrun an anthurium plant, leading to wilting, leaf drop and even death. Mealybugs are easiest to spot when they are in the juvenile stage, as they look like small, white balls of cotton. However, they can be difficult to get rid of once they become established. The best way to deal with mealybugs is to catch them early and remove them by hand. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may also be effective, but always read the label to make sure the product is safe for use on anthuriums.
Anthurium Thrips
Anthurium thrips are tiny, thin insects that suck the sap from the leaves of anthurium plants. This leaves behind small, whitish spots on the leaves. In large numbers, thrips can cause the leaves to turn yellow and die. They can also spread diseases from plant to plant. The best way to deal with thrips is to inspect your plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat them with an appropriate insecticide.
Anthurium Scale
Anthurium scale is a tiny, brownish-black beetle that feeds on the sap of anthuriums. You’ll usually find them clustered on the undersides of leaves or on the stems of the plant. They can cause leaves to yellow and drop, and eventually the plant will die if the infestation is left untreated. To get rid of anthurium scale, you’ll need to use a systemic insecticide. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter, as these chemicals can be harmful to both you and your plant.
Anthurium Duskywing
Anthurium Duskywing is a small butterfly that is black with a number of white spots. It lays its eggs on the underside of the leaves of the Anthurium plant. The caterpillars that hatch from the eggs eat the leaves of the plant, making them difficult to grow. To deal with this pest, you can try to find and remove the eggs before they hatch, or use a pesticide to kill the caterpillars.
Anthurium Nematodes
Anthurium nematodes are tiny parasites that can cause serious damage to your plants. They’re most commonly found in soil that’s too wet or has a high level of organic matter. If you suspect you have an infestation, take a few steps to get rid of them: remove any infected plants, destroy any soil or plant debris, and treat the soil with a nematode-killing agent. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions, as these treatments can be harmful to other plants.
Anthurium Beetles
Anthurium beetles are small black bugs that suck sap from the leaves of anthurium plants. This can cause the leaves to yellow, wilt and eventually fall off. While unsightly, the biggest concern with anthurium beetles is that they can spread disease from plant to plant. If you have an anthurium plant that is being attacked by beetles, you can treat them by spraying the plant with a forceful stream of water to knock them off, or by using an insecticidal soap.
Anthurium Rodents
Rodents can cause a lot of damage to your anthurium plants. They’ll eat the leaves, flowers, and even the stems. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other pests and diseases. If you think you have a rodent problem, the best thing to do is take action quickly.
Diseases
These common plant diseases can affect the shape and color of your anthuriums. If you notice some of these symptoms on your plant, take action early to prevent further damage and more advanced treatment later.
Anthurium leaf spot
Anthurium leaf spot is a common disease that affects anthurium leaves. The leaves will develop small, dark spots that will grow in size and number over time. The spots will eventually turn yellow and the leaf will die. To treat this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Anthurium rhizome rot
Anthurium rhizome rot is a fungal disease that affects the rhizomes (underground stems) of the anthurium plant. This can cause the plant to rot, wither and die. The fungus that causes this disease is usually introduced to the plant through contaminated soil or water. There are a few ways to treat anthurium rhizome rot: you can remove the infected rhizomes and treat the wound with a fungicide, or you can treat the entire plant with a fungicide. Make sure to clean your tools and equipment thoroughly after handling an infected plant, to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Anthurium downy mildew
Anthurium downy mildew is a type of fungal disease that can quickly affect your anthurium plants. The first symptom of downy mildew is a yellowing of the leaves, which will eventually lead to the leaflets folding inwards. The fungus can also cause a white, powdery growth on the leaves. If left untreated, downy mildew can quickly kill your anthurium plants. To prevent downy mildew, keep your plants in a well-ventilated area and avoid overcrowding. Make sure to water your plants regularly and remove any dead leaves. If you suspect that your plants have downy mildew, treat them with a fungicide as soon as possible.
Anthurium blight
Anthurium blight is a fungal disease that causes stunted growth, chlorosis (leaf yellowing), and wilting. The leaves will also start to curl, and the fungus will produce black spores. To treat anthurium blight, you’ll need to remove any infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Make sure to read the instructions carefully, as improper fungicide use can cause more harm than good.
Anthurium wilt
Anthurium wilt is a disease that affects the leaves of the plant. The leaves will turn yellow and wilt, eventually becoming brown and crispy. The stem may also turn black and die. There is no cure for anthurium wilt, so the best way to treat it is to remove the infected plant and destroy it. Be sure to disinfect your tools and hands afterwards, as the disease is highly contagious.
Conclusion
Anthurium pests and disease can be a daunting prospect for anyone looking to grow these popular tropical plants, but with the right knowledge you’ll easily be able to identify any potential problems before they even begin. Whether you are an experienced gardener or this is your first attempt at growing anthuriums, it’s important that you know what pest control methods work best in your situation.