Anthurium Forgetii Care – The Complete Care Guide

Generally, anthuriums are a group of celebrated ornamental houseplants known for their beautiful flowers. 

But, there are a couple of varieties that are grown particularly for their beautiful foliage. And, one such variety is anthurium forgetii.

And, if you are a fan of foliage plants, then you will love anthurium forgetii’s lush green leaves.

To make things easier for you, I will be sharing everything you need to know so that you can make anthurium forgetii thrive in your indoor garden.

Here are the topic that I’ll be covering in this article.

• What is Anthurium Forgetii?
• Anthurium Forgetii Varieties
• Anthurium Forgetii Care
• Best Place To Grow Anthurium Forgetii
• Pruning Anthurium Forgetii
• Anthurium Forgetii Propagation
• Anthurium Forgetii Toxicity
• Common Problems Of Anthurium Forgetii
• Lot’s more.

Let’s get started.

What is Anthurium Forgetii?

Anthurium Forgetii is a plant species that belongs to the Araceae family and the Anthurium genus. It is a terrestrial and epiphytic type of plant native to Columbia and Ecuador. 

The plant’s size is relatively small, and green leaves are shaped like droplets of water and white veining. However, the Royal Botanic Royal Kew’s service International Plant Names Index (IPNI) does not recognize the name as a valid species. 

Anthurium forgetii’s natural habitat comes under herb and forb and is deer and rabbit resistant. All parts of anthurium forgetii contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. 

The plant thrives when the conditions are replicated as anthurium types are usually found in tree branches, moss, or leaf litter. Compared to other anthurium family members, many find this plant species ‘fussy’.

The anthurium forgetii comes in two types – silver-white strips and in dark form. Both of the plants are some of the coolest houseplants that one can keep to decore the room. These plants are, however, hard to find.

These anthurium varieties have rare distinctive foliage. The plant also grows well in greenhouse and sun house with the warm temperature and good humidity, such as in appropriate sized terrarium and vivarium.

Anthurium Forgetii Varieties

There are two types of Anthurium forgetii – Anthurium forgetii silver-white strips and dark form anthurium forgetii. The first variety – silver-white strips are a hybrid plant of anthurium forgetii and anthurium crystallinum, whereas dark form is the anthurium forgetii’s version.

Anthurium Forgetii Silver White Strips

Anthurium forgetii white stripes is a cross plant between anthurium crystallinum and anthurium forgetii. The leaves of this hybrid version of the anthurium forgetii plant have a silver lining or stripes. 

The anthurium forgetii silver-white strips is a rare plant but, if found, can add gloom to your collection. Also, this form of anthurium forgetii is fussy, so following a strict care routine is essential.

These strips are scattered everywhere around the leaves. The leaves of this plant are green velvety. The lack of sinus gives it a unique look compared to regular anthuriums. This type of anthurium forgetii has unique and compact foliage.

The silver-white strips of Anthurium forgetii can grow symmetrically as well if kept rotating every few weeks and given an equal amount of care especially light. The plant’s flowers bloom in almost every color. 

Dark Form Anthurium Forgetii

The simple dark form of anthurium forgetii is a little different from anthurium forgetii silver-white strips. In this, the plant does not have silver lining or strips. This plant is not a hybrid version of any other plant but rather its own.

This plant has circular-shaped velvet leaves with darker pigmentation in its leaves. The leaves of this plant may vary from lance-shaped, oval-shaped, to heart-shaped. The dark form of the anthurium forgetii has classic central sinus. 

The stem of this form of anthurium forgetii is aromatic when crushed or broken, and flowers are unscented. The flowers of the dark form of anthurium forgetii come in different 13 shades.

Anthurium Forgetii Care

Anthurium forgetii requires a moderate level of care. It requires a mix of orchid bark, perlite, and vermiculite compost with average temperature and high humidity. 

In the case of light, anthurium forgetii needs moderate to bright indirect sunlight and watering it once the soil becomes dry, making it perfect for a houseplant. 

Soil Requirements

A well-drained soil works best for maintaining a healthy Anthurium forgetii. The plant blooms well when provided moist soil but not wet soil as it may become prone to root rot. 

Due to this, it is also not recommended to use the ready-made soil that is used for almost types of indoor plants. This type of soil may become very dense for the plant and increases the possibility of the plant not surviving. 

Thus, it is recommended to use a mix of orchid bark, perlite, and vermiculite compost under humidity levels of 60-70%. It is also considered good if your pot has a good drainage hole, it will help keep the soil aerated. 

However, it would also need repotting if it needs it or requires more space over the forthcoming growing months.

Light: 

Anthurium forgetti grow best in medium to bright indirect sunlight and does not require any direct sunlight as it may scorch and burn the leaves. A room with west and south-facing window is preferred good to place your Anthurium forgetii though your plant can perform well in all four directions.

Anthurium forgetii should not receive direct sunlight, so it is advised to keep an eye on the plant leaves and change the plant’s place if required. Look for the brown spots or bleached appearance of the leaves; this will indicate that your plant is receiving too much light.

Temperature & Humidity

An ideal temperature to keep Anthurium forgetii growing is 18 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius (64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It is asked not to let the mget too cold at night, preferably less than 10 degrees Celsius. 

It is strictly said to keep your plant away from air conditioners, heaters, drafts, fireplaces, strong fans, etc. As far as humidity is concerned, 60-70% humidity is best for Anthurium forgetii as it blooms best if given high humidity. 

Places like the bathroom and kitchen or places like where your other houseplants are placed would be exceptionally suitable. This will ensure your plant gets enough humidity to grow at its best.

Another method to provide the humidity would be to place a humidifier around your anthurium forgetii or using the humidity tray. To use the humidity tray, you should fill the tray with pebbles and water and place the plant’s pot on top.

Make sure the roots and soil of the pot don’t touch the water. In some time, the water in the tray might get evaporated, giving your anthurium forgetii an excellent humidity to bloom healthy leaves. Toss off the water when you see the water getting low and follow the same process again.

Watering

Anthurium forgetti requires average to low water needs. It is ideal to check the plant to water weekly and only water it if the top 25% of the soil is dry. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. 

If you feel the top two inches of the soil are dry or damp, it’s time to water. Another method to ensure this is using a moisture meter; this gives the pixel-perfect picture of the pot and soil and also alerts you about the drainage issues. 

As it is possible that your soil may not be aerated well, it makes the few inches of the soil feel dry, but the root ball is still soaked. Thus, some experts recommend using a moisture meter. 

You can check by inserting the sensor in the soil halfway between the base of the plant, side of the pot, and halfway down to the pot. If the meter reads around four, then the plant should be watered. 

It is advised to check the plant twice a week in summer if the temperature is warmer. It is recommended to choose a proper pot size that is just a little larger than your Anthurium forgetii’s root ball. This will avoid overwatering issues, and your plant won’t hold water it cannot handle.

Fertilizer

Anthurium forgetti will require a sufficient amount of attention when it comes to fertilizing. It is advised to use a well diluted high nitrogen fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.

Do not use fertilizer during the winter and fall as this is the period of their dormancy.

Best Place To Grow Anthurium Forgetii

As anthurium forgetii plant belongs to tropical rainforests in Columbia, the best place to grow anthurium forgetii is USDA Hardiness Zones from 9-11. 

An ideal place to grow the plant is indoors in either kitchen or bathrooms. This is because the humidity levels here are highest compared to other spaces in the house. 

Though sunlight plays an important role, it is suggested to place the anthurium forgetii pot where it receives medium to bright indirect sunlight. 

You can place your plant near an east-facing window or a west or south-facing window. For this, you can choose a windowsill facing these directions; this will help your plant grow by its full potential. 

You should also consider placing it at a place where it receives the required temperature to grow, which is 18 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius (64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Pruning Anthurium Forgetii

The plant doesn’t grow tall and wide, so pruning is only required when you want to remove the dead flowers or leaves. Removing dead flowers and leaves will ensure your anthurium forgetii has enough space to grow healthy.

You might also want to prune it often to maintain its appearance and make room for new growth. Make sure you use sterilized scissors and sheers to avoid infecting your plant. 

You can prune the plant regularly for dead flowers and leaves or occasionally. However, in the dormant stage, it’s best to prune the plant, ultimately making it ready for another growing season.

Your young anthurium forgetii should be pruned after two years of its growth. 

Anthurium Forgetii Propagation

There are three ways you can propagate your Anthurium forgetii – air layering, cutting, and separation. To propagate through the separation method, below steps should be followed:

1. Choose spring season to propagate your anthurium forgetii.
2. Unpot the plant and brush away the soil stuck on the roots.
3. Use a sharp and clean knife to untangle and cut the roots.
4. Untangle or cut the roots until you have two or more smaller plants.
5. Out of which, select one of them for propagation. It is suggested to select that plant with at least two leaves attached.
6. Dig into the prepared soil pot and place the selected roots at least two inches deep and firmly close it again with soil.
7. Pot up each new plant and care for it like a mature plant. 
8. Avoid fertilizing it for a month or two to let the roots grow to their full potential.

Another method, cutting, is an easy method. It can be processed by following the below steps: 

1. Find a part of the plant that is comparatively healthy and young.
2. Find a node that is a little bump on a stem opposite from a leaf.
3. Cut just below the node. This way, you can have a section that includes a leaf and a node.
4. Fill a glass of water and place the section you just cut in step 3 without submerging the leaves. 
5. Keep the glass in bright sunlight. 
6. Refill the water once it gets low and change it once a week. This will help keep the cuttings healthy.
7. Within a week, the roots will start to form.
8. Plant the cutting in soil when the roots formed are an inch or two long. Dig into the soil and put the roots at least two inches deep, and close it with the soil again.
9. Take care of anthurium forgetii like a mature plant.
10. Avoid fertilizing it for a month or two to help roots grow thoroughly and with full potential.

Lastly, follow the below steps to propagate with the air layer method: 

1. Find a healthy and growing section of the plant that has a shallow cut next to the node.
2. Make a shallow cut next to the node with a sharp and clean knife. Ensure you keep the plant disinfected. This will increase its growth.
3. Wrap the cut in damp sphagnum moss.
4. Wrap the wad of moss in a plastic wrap and secure it with a string or a rubber hand.
5. Keep the moss damp but not soggy.
6. The roots will start to form within three to four weeks.
7. Cut the section off along the roots attached to the potting soil once the roots are an inch or two.
8. Dig into the well-prepared pot of soil and place it at least two inches deep and again close it with the soil. 
9. Take care of your anthurium forgetii.

Thus, following the above-mentioned methods can make the process of propagation of your anthurium forgetii easier. 

Anthurium Forgetii Toxicity

Anthurium forgetii is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Due to the presence of calcium oxalates crystals, the anthurium forgetii can lead to breathing difficulty, swelling of the mouth, burning sensation, swallowing difficulty, irritation in the mouth, and oral blisters. 

Even touching the sap that oozes out from the lant can sometimes itch, burn and irritate the skin. It can also lead to vomiting, drooling, and decreased appetite in your pets. Thus, it is strictly recommended to keep pets and children away from the plant. 

In case you face any of such toxicity, you can use painkillers, cold medicines, and licorice. Though, it is always good to see your medical practitioner if any of such toxicity becomes fatal. 

Common Problems Of Anthurium Forgetii

One of the most common problems associated with Anthurium forgetii is the browning or crisping of the leaves. The cause of this problem is insufficient humidity and underwatering. You may need a humidifier for this plant to grow successfully. 

You may also need to give the plant sufficient water. You can stick your finger upto two inches deep and ensure if the soil is dry and water it every week.

Another problem is the yellowing or browning of leaves; this indicates that your anthurium forgetii is getting too much light than it is needed. To correct this, simply place your plant somewhere it receives only medium to bright indirect sunlight. 

Your anthurium forgetii might get attacked by pests like mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, scales and thrips during summer when there is warmer temperature and high 

humidity. 

The cause of this is the summer season. As the temperature becomes warmer, the humidity increases, and it attracts pests. To avoid this, you can use neem oil sprays, horticulture soap, insecticides such as pyrethrin, dimethoate and malathion.

During summers, you may also see fungal and bacterial diseases like root rot, black nose disease, bacterial wilt, etc. This usually happens because of underwatering, not using well-drained soil mixes, and exposure to insufficient light. 

This can be corrected by using products that contain mancozeb, copper, or bacillus subtilis or applying fungicides containing phosphorus acid for the treatment, like Prostar or thiophanate methyl. 

Your plant can also show signs of drooping where your plants bends downwards. This happens when your plant receives sudden shock by the process of repotting, under-watering or if kept in cool temperature.

This can be corrected by giving the plant the correct room temperature between 18 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius (64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It can also be corrected by giving the plant right amount of sunlight.

Wrapping Up

Anthurium Forgetii is an easy-to-grow plant but requires a moderate or high strict care. 

The pruning and propagation of the plant are some aspects that can define the growing potential. 

However, it should be noted that this plant also carries toxic elements. 

Sources

To back up the information we provide in our articles, the Plantials team only uses high-quality sources published in peer-reviewed university or scientific research journals.

1. A New Anthurium From Panama, Missouri Botanical Garden.
2. Breeding Anthuriums In Hawaii, Book By Haruyuki Kamemoto, Adelheid R. Kuehnle.
3. Premilinary Study On Morphological Characteristics Of Araceae Species Using Phenetic Approach, Gading Journal Of Science & Technology.