Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated: Anthurium Plant

Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated - Anthurium is a plant genus that has more than 1000 varieties. Therefore, the total number of Anthurium genus are greater than the Genus of Philodendron, Syngonium, and so forth. Thus, in the Araceae family, this genus is said to have the most variety.

Image: Anthurium Yellow Hookeri Leaves

The native habitat of Anthurium is in the America Continent, precisely in the southern part of America. In this area, this plant is found a lot because it belongs to the tropical area. It is known that the area is traversed by the equator so it belongs the tropical climate area.

In that area, there are many tropical rain forests which are the natural habitat of this plant. Tropical forests have temperature of 20-30oC with a fairly high rainfall. The humidity of this area is fairly high as well.

In their natural habitat, this plant can grow rapidly. Many factors may cause this. Starting from the temperature, light, and humidity which help this plant a lot to grow so fertile and able to grow large.

Above all, this plant gives an exotic and fresh impression to its enthusiasts. From various angles, this plant is able to turn their gazes to look at them.

Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated: What is Variegation?

Have you ever seen plants which are generally green, yellow, red, black, but have other colors or other unusual patterns? Like the color of plants which are generally green, it also has a white or yellow color. In this case, it can be said that the plant has a cell abnormality called Variegated.

The word Variegation in English, came from the Latin variegatus which means consisting of a variety of several colors. Variegated itself means color variation in a single plant, or other parts of the plant which has color difference from its original color.

Image: Variegated Anthurium Hookeri Aurea

Variegated can be expressed as part of a plant that has mottles or spots that are different from its original condition. Generally, the colors of variegation are yellow and white. There is also a quite beautiful color to bring up color gradations.

The appearance of variegation in plants is quite rare. Variegation in plants from what we understand occurs naturally. However human intervention may cause ariegation .

Naturally, plants with variegation genetic are rarely found. It can reach a 1:1,000,000 chance of encountering it in the wild by its natural process.
The process of variegation in plants is due to genetic changes or mutation from chlorophyl cells of the plant. Mutation that causes variegation is the partial change of the gene (color gene) in the plant growth point cells. Then, those cells divide and multiply. On the other hand, normal or healthy cells also grow. Both types of cells grow together to form organs such as leaves, in that condition the leaves are called variegated leave.

Its growth plants with variegation genetic, they have two possible growths. The first possibility, the nature of the variegated cells that is strong, where they are able to blend with normal cells (green). If this happens, the variegated
cells will consistently come out in every part of the leaf that grows.

The second possibility is weak cells. This often happens in plants that previously had variegated then reverted to green (grows normally). When these variegated cells are weak and unable to compete with normal cells in absorbing nutrients and essence, they will grow normally again. If that happens, eventually the cells cannot grow and then die.

After you understand what variegation is and its process, next you will find out the advantages and disadvantages of variegated
plants.

Disadvantages and advantages of Variegated Plants

When talking about variegated plants, we have to also know about its disadvantages and advantages. The followings are disadvantages and advantages of variegated plants.

a. Disadvantages of Variegated Plants
As you may have already known that variegated plants have less chlorophyl cells than normal plants (green, full of chlorophyl). Chlorophyl is the green substance in plants (especially in leaves) which is the most important element in photosynthesis. That way, it becomes less efficient in the process of photosynthesis. Likewise for other leaf colors such as yellow, purple, black, or red.

Image: Scorched leaf

Naturally when variegated leaf lacks of sunlight and nutrients, it will return as green in its next leaves. This is due to the leaf that will repair its green cells to absorb energy and more nutrients and essence.

Aside from that, there are also variegated plants able to have strong or dominant cells known as albino. Albino leaves will burn due to intense heat. The leaves will burn and become scorched. Therefore, taking care of this plant must be really careful to keep the leaves well-maintained.

b. Advantages of Variegated Plants
In addition to the disadvantages of variegated plants, there are also the advantages. Without a doubt you may assume that the patterns or its price is very advantageous. But apart from that there are other things you need to know about its advantages.

In their natural habitat beside animals and humans, plants also need to protect themselves. The self-defense system of the plants is quite diverse. The ability of camouflage causes variegated plants to avoid a danger. They get away from animals eating the leaves. Escaping from the natural selection causes variegated plants to naturally survive in their natural habitat.

With their pattern and camouflage, that is their way to avoid from leaf-eating animals. The majority of animals and insects avoid flashy colors such as red, white, yellow, and pink. This is the nature of animals to avoid hazardous substances from leaves with such colors.

Various Colors of Variegation

Variegated cells are actually a color disorder, but behind that, there is an aesthetic value and beauty in their presence. From a color point of view, it will create a mix of colors that make it more unique.

The colors are:
White variegation
Yellow variegation
Pink variegation

After discussing about what variegation is, its disadvantages and advantages, and its color variety, next we will focus on one type of plant. This plant is quite unique with a quite rare variegation color. In the next sub chapter, there will be more discussion about pink variegated plant. In the following sub chapter, we will also understand more about that plant and many more things.

Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated

One of many plants that has charming pattern is Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated. This plant has many uniqueness from several point of views. It is also a plant that can be said to be rarely found in the market.

Image: Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated

This plant has a beautiful pink variegation. The color spreads by certain patterns on the leaves. This color is also almost completely evenly spreading on every part of the leaf. However, it depends on the pattern of the variegation.

There are several patterns of variegation on this plant. There are stripes, albino, and marbles. Each of these three patterns is unique.

The leaves of this plants can grow to big size. The characteristics of the leaves are wide and elongated. The size of the leaves of this plant when growing up can reach an average of 40 cm wide and 80 cm long. Therefore, this plant can be categorized as plant with large leaves. In addition, the edge of the leave is wavy.

Besides that, this plant has uniqueness in the veins and rib of the leaves. On the veins of the leaves, it grows symmetrically to form a horizontal line that leads to the lower corner. For the veins of the leaves, it stands out and looks quite firm with a color that is darker than the leaves.

For the root characteristic, as it grows, it will pile up and get taller and wider. The roots of this plant are also quite large. That way, it will cover the lower rhizome.

Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated is also relatively not too high. From the lowest rhizome to the top of the shoot, at the age of the young plant, it only reaches an average height of around 20-30 cm.

The Beauty of Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated

Actually, variegated plants trend has been around for a long time, but the trend still exists today. Especially in certain types, particularly Anthurium. This trend is still loved by many plant parents. This is because of the beauty of the mixed color of the plants that have variegation.

Indeed, all plants that have variegated leaves look beautiful, especially with rarely found variegation pattern. One of the examples is pink variegation.
One of the plants that has pink variegation is Anthurium Hookeri. Basically, the physical characteristic of this plant has wider leaves, then combined with pink color. The results will be very harmonious and you as a plant lover would much prefer to see it. Not to mention the various variegation pattern in this plant. It will look more beautiful.

 

Image: Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated

There are some variegation patterns that have respective advantages that add the beauty of this plant. Such as stripes variegation, it has the color of half green and half pink. It looks beautiful, doesn’t it? when the plant has the pattern like a half moon.

Besides that, there is an albino pattern, it has pink color on the entirety leaf. That way, the entire leaf will be pink without green. Like the beauty of a full moon, it has flashy impression.

There is also a marble variegation pattern. This pattern is much sought after by the ornamental plant lovers. it has a pink variegation pattern like splashes that are evenly distributed all over the leaf surface. There is marble pattern that are thick and thin therefore they are mixed together on a leaf.

How to Take Care of Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated

When you start to like plants and collect them, you will try your best to keep the plants in their most beautiful and fresh performance. That way, you have to understand how to take care of plants properly. Actually, when you start to occupy yourself by taking care of plants, your spiritual soul will also practice patience and diligence.

When you provide maximum care for your plants, the plants will give you a return by the charm of their beauty. This beauty arises from the sturdy performance of the leaves and stems of the plant, the color of the leaves, or the pattern.

When discussing about treatment, this includes starting from the watering intensity up to giving insecticide and fungicide. For Anthuriums, they have quite “tricky” treatment. This is due to the variegated cells will affect the treatment level as well. Apart from that, there are many tricks and ways to take care of this plant. The followings will discuss one by one about how to take care of Anthuriums.

A. Watering Intensity
Actually, it sounds trivial when hearing the words watering plant, hence not few people who underestimate the intensity of watering plants. Sometimes there are people who water it however they like, even sometimes forgot to water them at all.

You have to know that plants need mineral for photosynthesis process. This mineral can be obtained from various source, one of which is from water that we pour down to it. Water contains mineral which is needed by the plants for its life sustainability.

Mineral needs for plants are different. In this plant’s case, the mineral needed is not much. Especially during certain season, watering is done only once in 5-6 days.

The followings are the watering intensity of Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated or other Anthurium plants in general based on the season for you who live in subtropical area:
• Winter:  6-7 days
• Spring:  4-5 days
• Summer:  3-4 days
• Autumn:  4-5 days

By taking this into account, your plants will stay fresh and meet its mineral needs. Apart from that, the plant performance particularly on its leaves, it will be stand strong and wide.

In tropical area, the mineral need will be higher. This is due to the environmental factor of the area. Furthermore, the temperature difference between tropical and subtropical areas is significantly different in particular season.

The followings are the watering intensity that can be done if living in tropical area:
• Dry season: Watering is done every 3-4 days
• Rainy season: Watering is done every 5-6 days
By knowing the watering intensity, your desire and wish of this plant is done by one stage. Why can I say one stage? Because there are more stages to take care of your plant. In the following discussion, the media used will be discussed.

B. Growing Media
After knowing the watering intensity difference, now you need to know about the suitable media selection for this plant, along with the presentation.
Before selecting media, you must know first the plant characteristic. For this plant, it prefers an axis media, a little damp, and good air circulation.
Therefore, for the suitable media of this plant will be described in the following table:

Image: Anthurium Hookeri Pink Tricolor

Planting media element name Image Basic function
Hydroton

• Maintain porosity
• Good air circulation

Perlite
• Maintain porosity
• Good air circulation
• Light
• Store minerals a little

Rough sands
• Maintain porosity
• Good air circulation

Cocopeat
• Maintain the humidity of the growing media
• Absorb and keep the minerals of the plant

Humus dry leaves
• As a natural fertilizer

Fern
• Maintain porosity
• Good air circulation
• Filtration
• Medium for the roots to stick

From the explanation of the table, you know the media used, what the media is like, and the basic function. From various planting media, each one has complementary function. That way the various kinds of media is related with one another.

The following is the mixing percentage to get an appropriate concoction for the plant:
• Fern 30%
• Rough sands 25%
• Hydroton 15%
• Perlite 10%
• Cocopeat 10%
• Humus dry leaves 10%

With such a compound percentage, the porosity level, air circulation, and humidity are good.

You have learned about the second stage of the second treatment. Now you no longer have to worry about what media is suitable for this plant. After this you will enter the next stage for plant care, namely providing nutrition.

C. Providing nutrition
Apart from watering the plant, next is selecting the suitable media and its compound percentage, in the matter of plant treatment, you have to learn about the nutrient provision as well.

Plants need nutrients to live, especially for photosynthesis. Plant nutrition greatly determines the growth of the plant itself. That way the need for plant nutrients has to be fulfilled evenly.

When you provide these plant nutrients to the maximum, this plant will not experience disturbances in the growth of leaves, roots and stems.

Basically, all plants need nutrients in the form of:
• Kalium (K)
• Phosphor (P)
• Nitrogen (N)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Sulphur (S)

Plants that have been fulfilled their nutritional needs will grow normally. There are no leaf defects such as chlorosis, or other things.

That way, this plant also requires additional nutrients in addition to the natural nutrients obtained from the dry leaf humus. Nutria given to plants can be in the form of liquid nutrients, or solid nutrients.

Liquid nutrition can be given to plants once a week only. Its use is by mixing it into water and then when it is evenly mixed, water it on the plants. Its application can be scheduled during watering.

This liquid nutrient has the advantage of being quickly absorbed into the growing media. That way when these nutrients are easily absorbed, they will quickly be absorbed by plant roots too. Then, these nutrients will be quickly processed by plants into energy.

Different from liquid nutrient, solid nutrient needs more time to dissolve therefore give it to the plant once in 3-4 months. Solid nutrient is shaped small solid spherical. Because of its solidity, it will take a long time to erode, but it has a high level of durability.

For the provision of these nutrients can be spread over the planting medium or placed in a small container with a hole so that when it dissolves it can seep into the planting medium.

With the two options of nutrients, you can choose according to your needs. If you have more spare times for the plants, you can use liquid nutrition. If you have a packed times for activities other than taking care of plants, you can use solid nutrition.

The routine for providing nutrients will have a positive impact for your plants. You will feel happy when your plant grows well and normally.

After knowing about nutrient provision, you have to know about the importance of providing insecticide and fungicide. In the next discussion, I will discuss the importance of providing insecticide and fungicide for this plant.

D. Providing Insecticide and Fungicide
Apart from humans, plants can also be affected by pests or diseases. Quite a lot of types of pests or diseases can attack plants, especially this plant. Sometimes we do not know where the pest or disease came from, suddenly it is in the plant. Over time the plant will experience disruption of the growth system and damage to the parts that are infected.

That way of course you have to be more aware of these kinds of things. The right step is to anticipate it. When you anticipate these pests or diseases, your plants will grow.

This wise step can be done by giving fungicides and insecticides to your plants. Both have their respective functions for your plants. For its application, each should be given separately.

a. Insecticide
Insecticide is a toxic substance that are mineral in nature that can kill insects. Substances contained in this insecticide have a detrimental effect on the reproductive system, growth, and behavior of insects.
The use of insecticides should not be in high levels or applied frequently. This will also affect this plant. The plant growth system will be disrupted and damage to the part of the plant.

Insecticides should be used only once or twice a week. By mixing the insecticide into the water and then applying it by spraying it on the leaf surface, under the leaf, leaf axils, and leaf shoot.

b. Fungicide
Fungicide is a substance that can kill and damage the growth system of fungi that cause disease.

The use of fungicides is also the same as insecticide. It should not be overly and often given. It can also damage the growth system, especially in the roots.
Fungicides can be applied to plants by mixing them in water, then stirring with objects until evenly dissolved. After that, it can be sprayed or sprinkled onto the rhizome of the plant until it is absorbed into the planting medium. This is
because fungicides are more focused on the roots of plants. Fungi often attack this area, so a fungicide is also applied to that area.

The application of fungicides can be given routinely once every one to two weeks. Its application should not be mixed with insecticides. This is done so that each pesticide gives the maximum effect for this plant.

Thus, you can find out how to take care of plants from the intensity of watering to the application of pesticides for this type of Anthurium plant. Every part of plant care is very important and continuous. If you skipped one part, then you cannot get maximum results for this plant.

Propagation of Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated
There are many ways to obtain one type of plant in large quantity. In addition to buy the same plant, there is another way that is cheaper. This method is by doing propagation. By doing this propagation you can have more and more plants of one type.

Propagation is a process of multiplying a single variety thus it becomes many.
Propagation has several types. One type of propagation is the stem cutting system. Cutting propagation system is an effort or method of multiplying plants by cutting one part of the plant (stems, rhizome, and leaves). And at this time the discussion will focus on stem cuttings.

It will also adapt to the Anthurium Hookeri Pink Variegated plant. This plant is suitable for the method of propagation of the stem cutting system. This system can be summed up as cutting the stem part of the plant.

The main characteristics of this plant is having a high stem with many buds and are covered by plant roots. At the time the stem is propagated, the lower rhizome can grow new plant shoots. In addition, the shoots can be treated again. That way the plant can be divided into several parts.

There are several tools and requirements before propagation with this system. The tools and materials needed are as follows:
• Mother plant
• Sharp sterile razor blade
• Fungicide
• New planting medium
• Pot
• Root growing nutrients
 
After preparing the tools and materials, then you can proceed the propagation. The following is the procedure for propagation using a stem cutting system for this plant:
• Firstly, measure the prepared mother plant or estimate it into some parts (for
instance I will make it into two parts only)
• Then rub the sharp razor blade with the fungicide
• Then cut in the middle of the plant
• When the plant is cut into two, rub the fungicide on the cut of the plant
• Then leave the lower rhizome with the old medium and store it in the place with dim light (note: reduce the intensity of watering for the lower rhizome)
• Prepare the plant shoots into the pot
• Then store the shoots in the place with dim light
• Water the plant shoots with using root growth nutrients (this is because the
shoots have few roots and to grow thick roots)

Propagation system has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is the new shoot will inherit the variegated cells that are exactly the same as the shoot. This is because the plant only split in half and did not fertilize. That way, the new shoots will have variegated cells that approximately the same pattern and are less likely not to have variegation.

The disadvantage of this propagation system is that it can only be divided into several parts, it cannot produce a scale of up to dozens. This is because when cutting the stem, considering the presence of roots on the shoot, as well as the middle when it has been split.

The Causes of Scorched Variegated Leaves
It is undeniable that leaves that have variegated cells become burned or scorched. This happens due to several factors. This factor starts from the environment to the intensity of sunlight received by this plant.

The following is the factors that cause this Anthurium type plant to be scorched or burned in its variegation:
a. Factor of placement environment temperature
One of the things that can cause variegated leaves to burn is the temperature of the environment the plant is placed in. High temperatures can cause scorch on the leaves. If this plant is placed in a place that has a temperature ranging from 32o Celsius and above, over time the leaves will burn. Although it will not burn or scorch everything, but on the variegation, it will lose its aesthetic.

High temperatures are influenced by hot environment air and very low humidity. That way the variegation on these leaves will dry up and burn or scorched.

It would be better if this plant is placed in a place that has a temperature ranging from 20-25o Celsius. By placing this plant in this temperature range, the humidity will be enough to keep the variegated leaves from drying out.

"You need to know that this plant really likes being in low temperatures. It will bring out even more beautiful patterns when placed in a cold place. The color of the pink variegated will be more striking when it is at low temperatures. Unlike at high temperatures, the pink variegated color will fade and only look vague.”

b. Factor of Sunlight Intensity
Because this plant has variegated cells, it is less suitable with excessive sunlight intensity. It has been known before that when plants have variegated cells, it does not have chlorophyl and prone to burning or scorching. That way, this plant does not like the intensity of sunlight with a long duration or hot during the day.

It can also be concluded that this plant is not suitable for being outdoors that is not shaded by other objects or plants. This plant should be placed indoors, such as a house or greenhouse. That way the plant will not be exposed to long light intensity.

When this plant is exposed to sunlight for a long time, the variegated cells are not able to produce energy and then the leaves burn.

This has been the article about one of the plants of Anthurium which has a lot of features. Although there are quite a lot of things you need, from patience and diligence when taking care of it, but it provides more than that. From the pink variegated which is quite rare in other plants to the integration between the patterns and the plants itself.