The Anthurium plants can flap its glossy heart-shaped foliage and vibrant flowers even when propgated via seeds, but getting your hand on Anthurium seeds is a big task.
Follow along to have an in-depth understanding from seed extraction to germinating into a new plant.
Table of Contents Show
Overview of Anthurium Seeds
Anthurium seeds are extracted from colorful berries that develop 6-7 months after pollination.
Each berry on the spadix contains 1-2 seeds, which may differ in color based on the variety cultivated.
The table below has detailed information about the seeds.
| Factors | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Color | Red-orange, yellow or brown |
| Size | 2-3 mm |
| Weight | About 0.003g |
| Berry shape | Depressed globose or 5-8 mm apiculate obovate |
| Number of Seeds | Two seeds per berry (one seed per locule) |
| Harvesting | When one-third to two-third of the flowers on the spadix open fully |
| Germination Time | 15-17 days |
Do Anthurium Grow from Seeds?
Propagating Anthuriums through seeds is not a very popular method, for it requires more effort and patience.
Although Flamingo’s plant seed collection is a tedious job, the seeds are not viable over a longer period.
You need to start the germination process soon after harvesting seeds.
Further, only by fulfilling the care requirements could this process produce blooms in 2 to 4 years after pollination, which is why, gardeners gravitate towards more assuring methods of populating their Anthurium, i.e., via cuttings and root division.
Anthurium Seeds for Sale
Seeds of many Anthurium varieties may not be readily available in the market, especially the exotic ones.
However, here are some sites to look for seeds online.
| Sites | Delivery |
|---|---|
| eBay | More than 12 business days |
| Green seed garden | 2-3 business days |
| Amazon | 5-8 business days |
| Etsy | 3-7 business days |
Harvesting Anthurium Seeds
Similar to many plants, seeds in Anthurium produce after pollination.
Anthurium bears perfect flowers year-round, once every 3 months. But, the flower is protogynous, stigma matures before the anther.
This enables plants in the wild to have intriguing hybrids by cross-pollination but discourages self-pollination.
After pollination, the berry first appears as a greenish-yellow, pea-like structure which eventually turns brown after 6 months.
Eventually, the berries ruptures, releasing the seeds covered in a soft, jelly-like substance.
Soak the berry, then squeeze the pulp to extract the seeds swirling the liquid to help wash off the pulp.
Pulp on the seed can lead to infections, for which you can use a sieve to rinse the seed thoroughly.
Further, dry the clean seeds on white paper or a paper towel. Now it’s ready for a sow in your garden.
You can store the seeds in a ziplock bag and keep them in a cool, dark, or dry place for future use.
How to Grow Anthuriums from Seeds?
You need the materials below to grow an entire Anthurium plant from seeds.
| Materials Required | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fresh Seeds | To sowing and germinate saplings |
| Potting Mix | Acts as the base for germination while maintaining moisture |
| Humidity Dome | To maintain ideal humidity for germination |
| Seedling Starter | To better germinate seeds upto seedling stage |
| Heating Pad | To maintain ideal temperature to support germination |
| Plastic Bag | To mix the potting mix without messing the floor. |
Step 1: Get the Seeds Ready
- Take the required amount of viable seeds.
- Soak the seeds in warm water with hydrogen peroxide for a few hours to soften the seed coat before planting them.
- If the seeds are fresh, you need not soak them in water.
Step 2: Seed Germination
- Fill the disinfected germination tray with well-aerated potting mixes or create your own, incorporating an equal ratio of peat, perlite, and bark.
- Lightly press the seed an inch into the substrate.
- Mist the seedling tray and cover it with a clear plastic bag to mimic a greenhouse that maintains the high humidity required for germination.
- After the seeds sprout in 1 to 2 weeks, remove the plastic cover.
Further, light is the crucial factor at this point.
Insufficient light result in small, spindy stalk and small leaves.
If you need visual help, you can check out this!
Step 3: Care for Anthurium Seeds During Germination
Germination of seed requires proper light, humidity, and temperature condition.
- Place the germination tray over a heating mat to maintain the warmth.
- Ensure the temperature is at least 70°F to facilitate quick germination.
- Use a spray bottle to moisten the germinating medium. Make sure not to drench the soil, as it may suffocate the seed.
- Get a humidifier when the plastic cover fails to sustain the required humidity (at least 60%).
You may transplant the seedlings after letting the roots strengthen and 2-3 three true leaves appear.
Tips to Care for Anthurium Seedlings After Propagation
For your propagated anthurium to grow to its fullest, adhere to the following list of basic care requirements.
| Care Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | 1. Provide 6 to 7 hours of indirect sunlight. 2. You can also use LED lights (about 10-12 hours). |
| Temperature | Maintain between 65-85 °F. |
| Watering | Water every 3 to 4 days in summer and thrice a month in winter. |
| Humidity | Above 60% of the relative humidity. |
| Soil | 1. Choose porous, well drained aerated soil 2. Maintain soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 |
| Fertilization | 1. Mix 7 to 10% of organic fertilizer ( vermiculture, bonemeal, manure, chicken litter) for young anthuriums. 2. Increase the amount of phosphorus during blooming period. |
| Pruning | 1. Trim wilted or dead blossoms down to the base of the stem. 2. Use a good quality of tools as it prevent from bacterial infection and pests. |
| Repotting | Repot in 2-3 years. |
Wrapping up…
Growing Anthurium through seeds can be an adventurous journey, as dry seed equals to dead seed. So make sure you seed gets regular airing.
Once you germinate and provide optimum condition, nothing will stop you from going into a mini jungle of Anthuriums.
