Optimization of Anthurium andreanum mineral nutrition in soilless culture under tropical conditions

Abstract

Soilless and sheltered cultivation of anthurium has been developed in tropical countries in order to improve yield and quality of cut flowers. Improved knowledge of plant nutrients requirements is necessary for optimizing yield and reducing environmental damages. Four nutrient solutions, differing in nitrogen and calcium concentrations, were tested on ‘Cancan’ hybrid plants. Plants growth, yield and the quality of the flower were determined. Nutrient, leaching and substrate solutions, substrate and different parts of the plants were analyzed during the second year after planting. The best results regarding plants growth and yields were obtained with the solution having the lowest calcium (2.25 meq Ca l −1 ) and the highest ammonium (2.43 meq NH 4 l −1 ) concentrations. The leaching rate was always very high: about 3/4 of the provided nutriments were lost to the environment. Potassium is the major mineral component of the plants and plays an important role in the fertilisation balance.