ANTHURIUM CULTIVATION S ESWARA REDDY

Anthurium andreanum is a perennial herbaceous plant, cultivated for their colorful spathe (a modified leaf). It produces flowers throughout the year. A single flower emerging from each leaf axil. The sequence of leaf, flower and new leaf is maintained through out the life of the plant. Temperature, humidity and light play a major role in the growth and flowering of Anthuriums. Climatic requirements : For a luxuriant growth Anthurium requires 18.3C during night and a higher night temperature of 21.2 to 23.9 C is essential for initiation of flowering. Night temperature is critical for the growth and yield of plants than the day temperature. Night temperature should not fall below 18 C.

Anthurium is basically a shade loving plant. Anthuriums thrives well in areas having relative humidity levels (50 to 85%), which are common in coastal areas. Anthuriums require a well aerated medium with good water retention properties and good drainage is also essential. Planting Material : Most reliable planting material is imported tissue cultured plants , which costs around Rs.90 to Rs.150/- depending on variety. Varieties : Tropical, Fire (Red),Champagne (light green),Acropolis, Carnaval (white), etc. Planting : Planting is done on 1.00 metre wide raised beds of 30cm height at a spacing of 45X45 cm which accommodates 5 plants/sq.mt. Water and Nutrition Management : Water and fertilizer management is done by drip irrigation system. Harvesting : Anthuriums passes through two distinctive growth phases, a juvenile phase and a generative phase. Juvenile phase is for 12-18 months. During this period the flowers are small and not fully developed. In generative phase one can expect 6-8 full sized flowers per year per plant. Anthurium flowers are harvested when the spathe completely unfurls and the spadix is well developed. Harvesting has to be done in the early morning and placed immediately in water. The n individual flower is sleeved and bunched is 5s or 10s and marketed.. Market demand : Around 12,000 anthuriums are produced each week in India despite the demand for more than one lakh flowers.

PROJECT COST
Low Cost Poly House in 500 Sq Mts @ Rs.450/- Sq Mts

Amount (Rs) 2,25,000 75,000 4,70,000

Drip & Fogger Installation Plant Material 6250 Nos (12 plants/ Sq Mt) @ Rs.75/- per cutting Recurring Expenses : Soil Incorporation & Bed Preparation Fertilizers & Chemicals Packing & Transport charges Labour & Misc Expenses Total

6,000 10,000 3,000 11,000 ----------------8,00,000 -----------------