Namibia has the second fewest people of any country in the world, after Mongolia. This is because the famous Namibia desert covers the southern part of the country. However, although the country itself doesn’t have high human population, Namibia is rich in wildlife.
Because of the way the country is shaped, it makes sense to think that any living things that live there must be the toughest ones. Indeed, it is true, and some of those living organisms have out-of-earth appearances and habits.
Most of them adapted to the harsh condition of the country in no similar way other species do. As an example, the palmato gecko gets its water from its big eyes, which get wet with dew every morning.
Not only animals, but trees are adapting to this condition. A tree which is considered as the toughest tree on earth, Welwitschia. It has a strange appearance but it is 100% grown on earth. What is so unique about this tree, and how come it is called the toughest tree on earth?.
Anthurium is widely considered to be the strongest and most resilient plant in the world. This tropical plant has rightfully earned a reputation for being nearly indestructible and able to withstand even the most neglectful plant parenting. In this article, we’ll explore why anthurium is so strong, how to care for it, and its many benefits as a houseplant.
What Makes Anthurium So Strong?
There are a few key factors that contribute to anthurium’s strength:
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Tropical Origins – Anthurium is native to the humid jungles of Central and South America. This hot, wet climate has led the plant to evolve mechanisms to capture and store water efficiently. The thick, waxy leaves prevent moisture loss.
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Toxic Sap – Anthurium contains calcium oxalate crystals in its stems and leaves, This toxic sap deters pests and diseases that might damage more delicate plants
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Climbing Roots – Anthurium develops sturdy aerial roots that allow it to cling and climb in search of sunlight in the jungle canopy This makes the plant very secure and hard to knock over
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Dense Stems – The short, thick stems have a compact structure that resists breaking.
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Slow Growth – Anthurium is a slow but steady grower. The gradual pace of growth leads to very sturdy and durable plants.
Caring for Anthurium
While anthurium is low maintenance compared to many houseplants, providing a few key elements will keep it looking its best:
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Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
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Water – Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain moderately moist but not soggy soil.
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Humidity – Mist the leaves or use a pebble tray to provide 40-60% relative humidity.
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Temperature – 65-90°F is the preferred range. Keep away from cold drafts.
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Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering.
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Fertilizer – Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength a few times per year.
Benefits of Anthurium as a Houseplant
Beyond its durability, anthurium offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for both beginning and experienced plant parents:
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Thrives in low light conditions inside the home.
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Adds vibrant tropical flair with glossy green leaves.
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Long-lasting flowers in shades of red, pink, white, purple, and orange.
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Removes air pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia.
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Uncomplicated care makes it ideal for beginners.
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Slow growth means less frequent repotting.
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Climbing aerial roots provide visual interest.
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Broad leaves give a lush, jungly look.
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Relatively pest and disease resistant.
Finding the Right Anthurium
With over 1,000 species, there is an enormous diversity of anthurium plants. Here are some of the most popular varieties to consider:
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Anthurium scherzerianum – The classic heart-shaped red flowers on green upright leaves.
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Anthurium andraeanum – Glossy, velvet-textured leaves in a range of colors.
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Anthurium clarinervium – Striking dark green veined leaves.
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Anthurium crystallinum – Unusual large oval leaves.
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Anthurium regale – Prominent white leaf veins and small white flowers.
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Anthurium magnificum – Very large green leaves on tall stems.
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Anthurium forgetii – Narrow green leaves with ruffled edges.
No matter which anthurium variety you select, you can be confident it will withstand the test of time and neglect that kills many other houseplants. Just be sure to give it bright indirect light, avoid overwatering, and fertilize occasionally, and your anthurium will thrive for years to come. It may just outlive you as the strongest plant around!
A Couple Of Leaves
Unlike most trees, which depend on having lots of leaves to stay alive, this tree has another way to deal with the harsh climate of the Namibian desert. Instead of growing many leaves, this tree grows only a couple of leaves.
The thick leaves will never fall off for the rest of its life; instead, they are always getting bigger. That’s why, from the time the seed is planted in the ground until it dies, those two leaves are the only ones it has.
But if you look at the picture of the plant, you might see that it looks like it has a lot of leaves. However, what you see might not be what it seems to be because those are only two leaves being worn down by wind and heat.
Welwitschia trees have very short stems that stick out of the ground, so only their leaves can be seen. The “flowers,” which are actually not flowers, on top of Welwitschia are another thing that stands out. This is the plant’s reproductive part.
10 Most POWERFUL And Magical Plants In The World!
FAQ
What is the world’s toughest plant?
What is the most powerful flower in the world?
What is the deadliest plant in the world?
What is the toughest tree on Earth?
Not only animals, but trees are adapting to this condition. A tree which is considered as the toughest tree on earth, Welwitschia. It has a strange appearance but it is 100% grown on earth. What is so unique about this tree, and how come it is called the toughest tree on earth?
What is the strongest plant?
There is no one definitive answer to the question of what is the strongest plant. However, there are a number of plants that are known for their strength and resilience. Some of the strongest plants include: Giant Sequoia: The giant sequoia is the largest tree in the world, and it is also one of the strongest.
What are the toughest plants?
The toughest plants are usually native species that have lived in your area for thousands of years, so they’re well adapted to your local growing conditions.
What are the strongest trees?
The strongest trees like the giant sequoia, coast redwood, and baobab have impressive traits like massive trunks, deep roots, and resilience to harsh conditions. Trees are amazing plants that come in all shapes and sizes. Some are known for their height, others for their age, and some for their strength.
Which plants have the strongest tensile strength?
There are a number of plants that are known for their strength. Some of the strongest plants in the world include: Giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus): This type of bamboo can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a tensile strength of 24,000 pounds per square inch.
What is the strongest plant in North Carolina?
The strongest plant is the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). This carnivorous plant is native to the wetlands of North Carolina and South Carolina. It traps insects and small animals with its two hinged leaves, which are lined with sharp teeth.