• Anthuriums are susceptable to foliar and root fungi.Anthurium image by Goran Milic from Fotolia.com
  
  Anthuriums are tropical herbaceous epiphytes native of tropical America. The anthurium group contains over 800 different species which are all popular for their large, ornamental foliage and bright, heart shaped flowers, which are commonly in shades of red. The flowers are also referred to as flamingo flowers, painted tongue and tail flower. Anthuriums adapt well to a variety of well-drained soil types but they are susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases.
  
  

Bacterial Leaf Spot and Tipburn

• Bacterial leaf spot and tipburn in anthurium is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. Dieffenbachiae. The disease commonly afflicts the plants under hot and humid conditions, and it is characterized by the yellowing of the foliage along the margins, starting at the tips of the leaves. In warmer weather, the leaf margins also tend to turn reddish-brown. The disease starts by the appearance of small, translucent, dots on the foliage which turn yellow. The lesions also develop brown centers as they mature. As the disease progresses, there is premature leaf drop in plants. Preventative measures for the disease include growing in ample sunlight and avoiding areas of poor air circulation and humidity.
  
  

Anthracnose

• Anthracnose is a fungal disease of anthurium and is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The fungus can cause major loss of flowers in the plants if left uncontrolled. Early symptoms include the appearance of small, brown spots on the flower spadix. During periods of high humidity, the spots get larger in size and take on a water-soaked appearance. As the disease progresses, there is a huge number of orange spores on the brown spots. Fungicidal controls include the use of mancozeb and bonomyl.
  
  

Root Rot

• Root rot in anthurium is caused by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and is characterized by wet, mushy lesions on the stem bases. As disease progresses, the plant tissue deteriorates rapidly, turns dark and produces a rank smell. Root rot commonly afflicts plants in hot, moist weather conditions. Control methods are also least effective under these conditions. An important preventative measure is to avoid using the pots and the potting medium from plants that were previously afflicted with the disease.