Looking for a rare and exotic specimen for your indoor garden? This Anthurium moodeanum care guide will help you grow one!
Native to the tropics of South America and Mexico, Anthurium moodeanum is widely loved for its bold foliage, intricate venation, and easy care requirements. Learn everything about growing this fantastic plant and flaunt your houseplant collection with pride!
- Botanical Name: Anthurium moodeanum Croat
- Attains a height of 2-3 feet indoors
- Loves bright, indirect sunlight
- Thrives in a temperature range of 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C)
- Toxic to humans and pets
Learn about Growing Anthurium regale Indoors here
What is Anthurium moodeanum?
A member of the Araceae family, Anthurium moodeanum is an epiphytic perennial featuring large, velvety leaves that emerge as exotic burgundy red color, gradually fading to a dark olive green shade on maturity. Each leaf features a prominent central vein, surrounded by an intricate network of smaller veins, creating an eye-catching pattern.
With a moderate height of 2-3 feet and large foliage, the plant makes for a bold addition to living rooms and plant shelves. Additionally, the plant’s epiphytic nature allows it to grow on various surfaces, such as moss poles, trellises, or even mounted on a piece of wood or bark, upgrading the aesthetics of the room.
Is Anthurium moodeanum Rare?
Yes, Anthurium moodeanum is considered rare in the world of indoor plants. Its natural habitat is restricted to specific regions in Colombia and Ecuador, and it is not as widespread as other Anthurium species. Due to its rarity, this beautiful plant can be challenging to find in local nurseries, and collectors often seek them out from specialized online retailers.
Anthurium Moodeanum vs. Red Beauty
Anthurium moodeanum is often confused with Anthurium ‘Red Beauty’ due to its striking foliage and similar growth habit. However, there are certain differences between the two.
The former has large, elongated foliage with a glossy texture that grows up to 1-2 feet in length. In contrast, Anthurium ‘Red Beauty’ has heart-shaped leaves that are smaller and less lobed.
The Moodeanum Anthurium inflorescence with a greenish-white spathe and a yellowish spadix. Whereas its competitor’s inflorescence consists of a vibrant red spathe and a yellow spadix. Also, the leaves are more vibrant than the moodeadum cultivar.
Anthurium moodeanum is rarer than Red Beauty, making it a more sought-after plant among collectors.
Ideal Pot Size
When growing Anthurium moodeanum indoors, the ideal pot size is determined by the plant’s size and root system. Generally, a pot 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball is sufficient. This allows the roots to spread and grow without becoming root-bound while also ensuring proper drainage.
Get a 4-6 inches pot with 2-3 holes at the bottom for a young plant which you may upgrade to a one-size bigger container once the roots start coming out of the drainage holes.
Anthurium Moodeanum Propagation
Propagating Anthurium moodeanum via root cuttings is easy. Get a healthy, mature parent plant, a sharp, sterile knife, a pot with drainage holes, and a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for epiphytic plants.
- Select a healthy, vigorous stem with at least two leaves and an aerial root.
- Cut a 4-6 inches long stem at a 45-degree angle.
- Place the stem in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, to callous over for 24-48 hours.
- Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone, brushing off the excess.
- Fill the pot with the prepared potting mix and plant the cutting into it, ensuring that the aerial root is fully buried.
- Water the medium thoroughly and place it in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight.
You’ll notice new growth in a couple of weeks. You may hold back on watering at this point and provide the baby plant with a favorable growing condition to help it thrive.
Anturium Moodeanum Care
Light
Native to the tropics, Anthurium moodeanum thrives in bright, indirect light. Do remember that too much direct sunlight will scorch its beautiful leaves, while insufficient light may result in slow growth and pale foliage.
To maintain a balance, place the plant near a north or east-facing window where it can enjoy a few hours of bright morning sunlight without suffering in the intense afternoon sun. If natural light is insufficient, keep LED or fluorescent grow lights handy to meet the plant’s light requirements.
Soil
With epiphytic roots, Anthurium moodeanum requires a well-draining, loose, and airy potting mix to grow. A suitable mix can be a combination of equal parts of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coconut coir. The orchid bark provides the necessary aeration, while perlite improves drainage, and peat moss or coconut coir retains some moisture.
Alternatively, you can use a high-quality, commercial potting mix designed for epiphytes or aroids, ensuring proper drainage and aeration for the plant.
Water
The plant prefers evenly moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering. To ensure sufficient moisture, follow a weekly deep watering session i.e., saturate the medium until excess water drains out. Repeat the process when the top two inches of the medium feel dry to the touch.
This will ensure the roots get enough moisture without pooling excess water at the bottom.
Temperature and Humidity
Anthurium moodeanum prefers a warm, humid environment, similar to its native tropical rainforest habitat. The ideal temperature ranges between 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can stress the plant, so keep it away from drafty windows or doors during the cooler months. Also, keep heat lamps or indoor greenhouses handy if the temperature falls below the minimum point.
Maintain a humidity level of around 70-80% to keep the plant healthy and thriving. Consider placing it on a pebble tray, using a humidifier, or regularly misting the plant with tepid water to boost air moisture.
Grouping your the plant with other humidity-loving plants can also help maintain the desired humidity levels.
Fertilizers
Feed your Anthurium moodeanum with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth and foliage. Use a 20-20-20 NPK blend or a specific formulation designed for aroids, diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Refrain from fertilizing the plant during its dormancy in the winter months, as that can lead to root burn.
Major Troubleshooting Tips
Growing Anthurium moodeanum indoors can be a rewarding experience, but you may encounter certain issues. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Yellowing Leaves: Majorly a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Let the top two inches dry out in between waterings.
- Browning Leaf Tips or Edges: A result of low humidity or excessive fertilizer application. Boost the humidity around the plant and reduce the fertilizer application, ensuring you’re diluting it to half-strength.
- Leggy Growth or Pale Leaves: Insufficient light may cause your Anthurium moodeanum to grow leggy or produce pale leaves. Move the plant to a brighter location with filtered or indirect light.
- Pests: Inspect regularly for signs of infestation, and treat promptly using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent pest issues.
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and use a well-draining, airy potting mix. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from the pot, trim away any affected roots, and repot in fresh soil.
- Curling Leaves: Indicates underwatering or low humidity. Check the moisture level of the potting mix, and water the plant thoroughly if the top 1-2 inches are dry. Increase humidity levels by using a pebble tray or humidifier or misting the plant regularly.
Where to Buy Anthurium moodeanum
Acquiring an Anthurium moodeanum can be challenging due to its rarity; however, you may check with your local nurseries or garden centers, who may occasionally carry Anthurium moodeanum for Sale or source it for you. Attend plant swaps or join local plant enthusiast groups, where you can connect with fellow collectors who may have rare specimens available.
Websites like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace may have individual sellers offering the plant, but always check the seller’s reviews and reputation before purchasing. Additionally, there are dedicated online nurseries specializing in aroids, which may occasionally have the plant in stock.
