The Barletta floral plant, also known as the Barletta anthurium, is a gorgeous indoor plant that can add an elegant, tropical vibe to any space. With its heart-shaped leaves and bright red, pink, or white spathes, it’s easy to see why this plant is so popular among indoor gardeners. However, growing and caring for a Barletta floral plant can be tricky, especially for beginners. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide tips and tricks for growing a lush, healthy Barletta floral plant indoors.
Choosing the Right Location
The first step to growing a thriving Barletta floral plant is choosing the perfect spot indoors These tropical plants need bright, indirect sunlight to flourish. Direct sun will scorch their leaves Place your Barletta plant near an east or west facing window where it will get 4-6 hours of gentle sunlight daily. You can also supplement with a grow light if needed. Avoid drafty areas as these plants prefer steady temperatures between 65-80°F.
Use the Proper Soil Mix
Barletta floral plants need a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. I recommend using a combination of peat moss perlite orchid bark and compost. The peat moss helps retain moisture while the perlite and orchid bark provide drainage. Add some worm castings or compost for nutrients. Always use pots with drainage holes and place pebbles in the bottom to improve drainage.
Water Thoroughly Then Allow Soil to Dry
Figuring out the right watering schedule is crucial for a healthy Barletta plant. These tropical plants prefer moist (but not soggy) soil. I recommend watering thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Then allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. This usually means watering once a week. Always use room temperature filtered or distilled water since tap water may contain chemicals that can damage the leaves.
Increase Humidity
Barletta floral plants thrive in humidity levels between 50-70%. In dry indoor air, the tips of leaves can turn brown. Increase humidity by misting the plant daily, using a pebble tray, or investing in a humidifier. Just be sure not to get the leaves themselves wet to prevent disease.
Fertilize Regularly
Feeding your Barletta floral plant is vital for lush growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks in the spring and summer. I recommend fertilizers like Fox Farm or Miracle-Gro. Stop feeding in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune for Growth
Pruning your Barletta encourages full, healthy growth. Using clean shears, remove any dead or dying leaves and stems. Pruning also keeps your plant tidy and shaped. You can cut back overgrown stems to promote a fuller appearance. Remove faded or dying blooms to encourage new flowers.
Watch For Pests
Like many tropical plants, Barlettas are prone to pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale. Check the undersides of leaves and stems regularly for any bugs or sticky residue. Treat infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also wipe leaves down with a damp cloth to remove pests. Isolate infected plants to prevent spreading.
Consider Propagation
If you want more Barletta floral plants, propagation is easy from stem cuttings. Cut a stem with 2-3 leaves and place it in water or damp soil. Keep it warm and humid until roots form after 4-6 weeks. Then transplant into a pot with well-draining soil. Propagation allows you to create beautiful pots of Barletta plants to brighten up your indoor space.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even if you follow all the right care tips, problems can pop up. Here are some common issues and fixes:
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Leaf tips turning brown – Increase humidity
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Few or no blooms – Provide more sunlight and fertilizer
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Yellow, drooping leaves – Usually a sign of overwatering, allow soil to dry out more
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Mushy stems/root rot – Check for drainage issues and water less frequently
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Pale leaves – Fertilize more or move to a brighter location
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Dry, shriveled leaves – Water more frequently, increase humidity
Displaying Your Barletta Floral Plant
Once your Barletta plant is happy and healthy, it’s time to show it off! These dramatic plants look amazing in hanging baskets, on plant stands, or atop shelves where the gorgeous leaves and flowers can steal the show. Place your Barletta in an area where you’ll see it everyday so you can enjoy watching the spathes unfurl reveal the unique flowers.
Enjoy Your Gorgeous Indoor Barletta Floral Plant!
Bringing the tropics indoors is easy with the Barletta floral plant! Follow this indoor growing guide for lush, vibrant plants with gorgeous blooms. With the right care, your Barletta will thrive indoors, adding beauty and elegance to your living space for years to come. Don’t be intimidated by this exotic plant – just provide bright indirect light, humid conditions, regular watering and fertilizing, and your Barletta will reward you with stunning flowers and foliage.
Introduction: Anthurium: Care & Growing Tips for This Beautiful Blooming Houseplant
I first saw a picture of an anthurium in a magazine when I was in my teens (many moons ago way before the internet took over our lives!) and had never seen anything like it before. A few years later, when living in New York City, I walked into a bank and there was a huge flower arrangement full of them. I touched one of the waxy blooms and was in floral heaven. Now the plants are sold in the houseplant trade but they can be a bit tricky to grow indoors.
They grow outdoors in places with high humidity and mild winters like Hawaii, Florida, and in the tropical rainforests of South America and the Caribbean. There are many species and varieties of Anthuriums and these care tips apply to them all. The one I’ve seen commonly sold as a houseplant is the Anthurium andraeanum. That’s the one I have.
If you’re growing your anthurium as temporary color (the flowers last about 6 weeks), like some people do orchids and bromeliads, then you can skip this. They won’t be tricky to keep alive for a couple of months.
Step 1: Anthurium Care As Indoor Houseplants
I prefer to keep them as long-lasting houseplants because I love the foliage as much as the flowers. Here’s what I’ve learned about growing them over the past 20 years.
Growth Rate
Anthuriums are slow to moderate growers. If the conditions are to their liking, they’ll grow faster. When light levels are too low, the growth rate will be slow to none. It’s almost summer as I’m writing this & mine is putting out a lot of new growth at the base.
Uses
Smaller ones (4″ pot size) are often used in dish gardens. The most common use for anthuriums is as a blooming tabletop plant.
Close Relatives
I’m adding these in for fun because I also have them growing in my home. They’re in the same plant family as the anthurium & are popular houseplants: pothos, monstera (care post coming on this plant soon), arrowhead plant & peace lily. Another common name for the anthurium besides Flamingo Flower is Red Peace Lily.
4 tips to keep your plants healthy!
FAQ
How to care for a Barletta plant?