Propagation and productivity evaluation of Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) using organic fertilizers in tropical conditions

Abstract

One of the important cut flowers of the country is the Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum). In tropical countries such as the Philippines, A. andraeanum is commonly grown in cooler climatic condition mostly in the uplands, but there are some potential varieties that can also be grown in the lowlands. This study aimed to investigate the growth and yield performance of Anthurium under lowland conditions in response to the application of different organic fertilizers (rice hull compost, goat manure, cow manure, chicken manure, vermicompost), compared to negative control and to inorganic 14-14-14 fertilizer as standard check. Treatments were applied twice a month for three months through localized placement application method. The study was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated four times. Results revealed that anthurium “flame red var.” plants applied with cattle manure produced the tallest plants (19.95 cm) while goat manure and vermicompost-treated anthuriums resulted in the greatest number of developed leaves (2.15). Plants applied with rice hull compost were observed to have the widest spathe (5.89 cm) and chicken manure application resulted in highest number of flowers produced (5.33). Among the organic fertilizers, chicken manure generally resulted in better growth performance, most especially in terms of flower production.