A. Dussii (which is what I bought this plant as), and A. Guildingii are old name’s for A. Balaoanum. Here in Australia, it os often still referred to as A. Dussii.
First published in 1898 by Adolf Engler
Anthurium Balaoanum, a climbing anthurium with large thin but leathery leaves.
One of the easier Anthuriums to grow, this plant grows fast and big.
In its natural habitat, A. Balaoanum grows to 30m tall. Indoors it is likely to grow to around 2m.
A versatile anthurium for growing indoors. It can tolerate lower humidity than the ideal. Its large leaf allows it to succeed in indoor light conditions.
Origin:
Equador
Terrestrial or Epiphytic:
Epiphytic.
Light:
Bright indirect light. It can cope with small amounts of direct sun, providing its not harsh midday sunlight. But best grown in indirect sunlight.
Water:
Allow top inch of soil to dry between watering. Water thoroughly, with the water draining through and not becoming waterlogged. This will lead to yellow leaves, root rot and an unhealthy plant.
Temperature:
Temperatures between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius (70 to 90F) are optimal. They will not tolerate frost, so in colder climates will need heating.
Humidity:
Prefers above 70% but will tolerate lower.
Soil:
Grows best in a lighter, airy soil. An Aroid Mix is best. Heavier soils will hold water and make the plant prone to root rot.
I give my Anthuriums extra charcoal in the soil mix. This was recommended to me by an experienced grower.
As with my suggestion for watering, aim for the soil to allow water to drain quickly away to avoid waterlogging issues. Should yellowing of the leaves occur, its best to check the soil further down. If its thick and muddy, its best to repot with a better draining and aroid specific soil.
Fertiliser:
Weakly, Weekly! Small amounts on a weekly basis. I use a combo of slow release fertiliser and a plant food/seaweed liquid feed at quarter strength on a weekly basis. Back off in colder months when the plant is not growing.
Propagation:
By seed, cutting or air layering.
Pests and Disease:
Like most Aroids, A. Balaoanum is susceptible to attack by mealybugs, aphids, thrips, scale and spider mites. They are generally disease free, but prone to conditions like fungal and bacterial infection.
My Balaoanum suffered from a fungal infection due to a lack of airflow in my new greenhouse. I hadnt installed the fans or vents at that point. A basic fungal spray and gentle airflow of the fan had it under control quickly. The infection appeared as small yellow spotting on the leaf.
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Thanks for reading and happy growing. Xx
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