Introduced from Hawaii in 1956 and from Brazil in 1965, anthurium has been commercially cultivated in Mauritius around 1967 (Anon, 1989). Since then growers have gained a lot of expertise in the cultivation and exportation of anthurium blooms. Thus Mauritius finds itself to be the fourth most important flower exporter among the ACP countries, the first most important anthurium exporter to European countries and the second most important anthurium exporter following Holland on the world market (Anon, 1996). The main step now is to keep up with the expanding anthurium industry worldwide. This can be achieved by the introduction of new varieties and amelioration of cultural practices.
One of the most important components of anthurium cultivation is the choice of growing substrate or medium. Anthurium is known to grow best in a well-aerated medium with good water retention capacity and good drainage. A good medium needs to be able to anchor the roots and stems so that the plant will not topple over as it grows larger, yet it should provide sufficient moisture, nutrient and aeration to the plant. The growing media commonly used can be either inert (rockwool, polyphenol foam, rocksand, lava stone and other types of foam) or organic (coconut shell, peat, bagasse, sawdust, rice husks or tree bark). The inert medium offers the advantage of being stable for several years.
The most important consideration with these media is the use of appropriate fertilizers. As for organic media, they decompose over time causing the rotting of the roots on the bottom of the beds due to compaction and water accumulation. Thus the addition of a new layer of medium to the bed is needed to stimulate rejuvenation of the plants
One of the most important components of anthurium cultivation is the choice of growing substrate or medium. Anthurium is known to grow best in a well-aerated medium with good water retention capacity and good drainage. A good medium needs to be able to anchor the roots and stems so that the plant will not topple over as it grows larger, yet it should provide sufficient moisture, nutrient and aeration to the plant. The growing media commonly used can be either inert (rockwool, polyphenol foam, rocksand, lava stone and other types of foam) or organic (coconut shell, peat, bagasse, sawdust, rice husks or tree bark). The inert medium offers the advantage of being stable for several years.
The most important consideration with these media is the use of appropriate fertilizers. As for organic media, they decompose over time causing the rotting of the roots on the bottom of the beds due to compaction and water accumulation. Thus the addition of a new layer of medium to the bed is needed to stimulate rejuvenation of the plants
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