Lucy Fry| Fort Smith Times Record
Have you ever stopped to admire the beautiful houseplant on the round table in the lobby of the downtown Fort Smith Public Library (except during these winter months)? It is always in bloom and its leaves are always glossy.
Its name is Anthurium and is often called the world's longest blooming plant. Each heart-shaped flower spike can last up to eight weeks.
The largest genus of the Arum family, Anthuriumandraeanum is commonly known as Tail Flower (the Greek word for tail flower), Flamingo Flower, Painter's Palette or Laceleaf.Some of the 1,000 species are grown primarily for their brightly colored flower spathes (the waxy, modified leaf flaring out of the base of a fleshy spike); others for their magnificent foliage.
Spathe colors are mostly red or shades of red and pink.
Although a little pricier than most houseplants, Anthuriums make wonderful gifts and some of us have enjoyed them for years because they are a perfect fit for centerpieces and tabletops. They bloom year 'round and thrive in many locations.
Since the blooms are long-lasting and retain their beauty in bouquets, they are also popular as cut flowers and are often used in bridal bouquets or other wedding arrangements.
With open, heart-shaped flowers, it's not surprising thatthe Anthurium is known for inspiring happiness and symbolizinghospitality. It also has an interesting history. According to Greek legend, flowers of Anthurium were Cupid's arrows, used by the god of love to make people fall in love. Hence, it is a very popular gift on Valentine's Day. It is also considered a lucky plant that brings good luck in a relationship.
Another reason to grow Anthurium is that it is on NASA's clean air list as one of the best houseplants for removing airborne formaldehyde, ammonia and other harmful chemicals inside your home or office.
But, as remarkable as this plant is, be aware it is also toxic and should be kept out of the reach of curious children or pets.
Anthuriums are easy to grow, requiring little care other than water and occasional fertilizing. Growing tips include:
• Light should be bright but not direct sunlight. Although they can tolerate less light, they will produce fewer blooms. If leaves turn yellowish, they are getting too much sunlight. If new flowers stay green, they are getting too little light.
• Temperature should be above 60 degrees — preferably about 70 degrees — and protected from cold drafty air. These are the reasons Anthurium is not greeting you in the library now. However, Neumeier's Nursery, which provides flowers for the lobby, promises Anthurium will return once the temperatures warm up. They thrive this time of year in our homes and offices — away from airy drafts — and can be found in garden centers.
• Fertilizer should be applied spring and summer, or more often if you want plants to bloom more. Just follow fertilizer directions on how much to use.
• Water when soil feels dry to touch, but do not allow roots to stand in water. Anthuriums have big, fleshy roots that rot easily in waterlogged soil. One suggestion is to water with six ice cubes weekly. If you prefer this method, some gardeners suggest letting the ice cubes melt and then pour water onto soil since most plants dislike chilly water. If tips of leaves turn brown, they are getting either too much or too little water.
• Pruning dead flowers and old leaves will encourage the plant to produce new flowers.
During January, we gardeners savor bits of hope wherever we find it, such as in the blooms on the helleborus, winter jasmine, and sweet olive. But unexpected hope is available this weekend when folks in Fort Smith and Van Buren have an opportunity to see a special Vatican Collection of 150 Sacred Relics of the Saints as well as a portion of the veil of Our Lady and one of the largest remaining pieces of the True Cross in the world — some dating back 2,000 years.
The display will be at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Van Buren Friday at 6 p.m. and at Immaculate Conception Church at the head of Garrison Avenue Saturday at 1 p.m.
Among the treasures will be relics of St. Francis of Assisi, who in the form of concrete statuary graces many of our gardens. We gardeners generally claim St. Francis as patron saint of the garden, which is not exactly correct. Most statues feature the gentle monk holding birds or an animal because he is the patron of the garden's birds and animals and of the environment.
St. Francis has had a place in the Fry garden almost as long as I have. He was our first "garden" purchase. Although he once "lost" his head (it was reattached), he has witnessed many garden successes and mistakes through the years.
While not included in the Vatican display, you may be interested to know there is a patron saint of gardens that most of us have never heard of. He is St. Fiacre, listed as patron of herb and vegetable gardens and of men who like to garden. And he is merely one of numerous saints associated with gardening, according to Perennial Harmony of Garden and Landscape website. A short list of garden patrons includes St. Elizabeth of Hungary (rose gardens), St. Adelard (gardeners), St. George (farmers), St. Phocas (flower and ornamental gardening), St. Urban (vineyards and grape growers).
Next week, the topic will be: African violets — winter blues antidote.
Lucy Fry of Fort Smith is a level 4 Master Gardener and writes the area Master Gardener newsletter. Her column, Gardening for the Record, runs weekly in the Times Record. Send questions to GardeningForTheRecord@gmail.com.
