If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful trailing plant, let me introduce you to the anthurium scandens – rare trailing houseplant variety. This gem is different from the common upright anthuriums and offers a stunning cascade of foliage.
It’s a fantastic choice for a hanging basket or high shelf. With its manageable care requirements, it’s a joy to grow for both new and experienced plant lovers.
Anthurium Scandens – Rare Trailing Houseplant Variety
This plant stands out in the anthurium family. While most anthuriums grow upwards, this one gracefully trails or climbs. Its long, slender stems can reach several feet, creating a beautiful green curtain.
The leaves are a lush, matte green and have a lovely leathery texture. You’ll notice the nodes along the stem are quite pronounced, which is where roots and new growth emerge.
What Makes It So Special?
Its rarity comes from its growth habit. Trailing anthuriums are less common in the general houseplant trade. It’s also a slower grower compared to some popular vines, which adds to its exclusive feel.
The flowers are subtle but charming. They are small, greenish spathes with a curled spadix. While not flashy, they add a delicate detail that true plant enthusiasts appreciate.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Getting the environment right is key to a healthy plant. This anthurium thrives in conditions that mimic its native tropical forest habitat.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is perfect. Think of light filtered through a canopy of trees.
- A north or east-facing window is often ideal.
- If using a south or west window, keep it several feet back or use a sheer curtain.
- Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, causing pale or brown patches.
- Too little light will result in very slow growth and leggy stems.
Temperature & Humidity
This plant prefers warmth and moisture in the air. It’s not a fan of dry, cold drafts.
- Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
- Avoid placing it near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows.
- Humidity above 50% is best. If your air is dry, try these methods:
- Use a humidifier nearby.
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (keep the pot above the water line).
- Group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
Planting and Potting Mix
The right soil is crucial for healthy roots. It needs a mix that holds some moisture but drains exceptionally well.
Aroid mix recipes work wonderfully. You can make your own by combining:
- 1 part high-quality potting soil
- 1 part orchid bark (for aeration)
- 1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
- A handful of horticultural charcoal (to keep the mix fresh)
Always choose a pot with drainage holes. Soggy soil is the quickest way to harm this plant. A hanging basket with a liner that drains works beautifully to showcase its trailing habit.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
Your watering routine will change with the seasons. The goal is consistently moist, not wet, soil.
How to Water Correctly
- Check the top inch of soil with your finger.
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water thoroughly.
- Water until it runs freely from the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
- In winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows.
Fertilizing for Growth
Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer). A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer is fine.
- Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the label.
- Apply it once a month when you water.
- Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is resting.
- Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so less is more.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular care keeps your plant looking its best. Pruning is simple and helps encourage bushier growth.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. You can trim back any stems that have become too long or look leggy. Cutting just above a leaf node will encourage new branches to form from that point.
Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. This removes dust and allows the plant to breathe and absorb light efficiently. It’s also a good chance to check for pests.
How to Propagate Your Plant
Sharing this rare plant with friends is rewarding. Propagation is straightforward through stem cuttings.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least two nodes (the little bumps where leaves emerge).
- Cut a 4-6 inch section just below a node.
- You can place the cutting in water or directly into a moist potting mix.
- For water: Place in a glass, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water weekly. Roots should appear in a few weeks.
- For soil: Plant the cutting in a small pot with moist mix, burying a node. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to increase humidity until you see new growth.
- Once roots are a few inches long (for water cuttings) or new growth is evident, pot it up into its own container.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and ensure the pot drains well. It could also be a natural process of older leaves dying back.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase moisture in the air and check your watering schedule. Sometimes mineral buildup from tap water can cause this; using filtered or rainwater can help.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests.
- Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Wipe leaves regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Appear as small, white, cottony masses. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Scale: Look like small, brown bumps on stems and leaves. Scrape them off gently and treat the plant as for mealybugs.
Early intervention is key for pest control. Isolate any affected plant to prevent spreading.
Styling and Display Ideas
This plant’s trailing nature makes it a fantastic design element. Let its vines be the star.
- Place it in a macramé hanger near a bright window.
- Set it on a high bookshelf or cabinet and let the stems cascade down.
- Train it to climb a small moss pole or piece of bark if you prefer an upward growth habit.
- Combine it in a large terrarium or glass cloche with other humidity-loving plants, ensuring there’s enough space for growth.
FAQ
Is the Anthurium scandens toxic to pets?
Yes, like other anthuriums, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
How fast does this trailing anthurium grow?
It’s considered a moderately slow grower, especially in lower light. With ideal conditions, you might see a few new leaves and several inches of growth per season.
Why are the leaves on my Anthurium scandens so small?
Small leaves can be a sign of insufficient light or a need for fertilizer. Try moving it to a brighter location (without direct sun) and ensure you’re feeding it lightly during the growing season.
Can I grow Anthurium scandens in water permanently?
While cuttings root well in water, long-term growth is generally better in soil. Grown solely in water, the plant may become deficient in nutrients over time and will not reach its full potential.
Where can I buy a true Anthurium scandens?
Check specialized online plant shops, rare plant auctions, or local plant swaps. Always buy from reputable sellers to ensure you get the correct species, as misidentification happens sometimes.
With its elegant trails and resilient nature, the anthurium scandens is a wonderful addition to any plant collection. Paying attention to its light, water, and humidity needs will keep it thriving for years to come. The satisfaction of nurturing a rarer plant like this one is truly special.