Substratos orgânicos, artesanais e comerciais, no desenvolvimento de plantas de anthurium gracile

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of different substrates on the development of Anthurium gracile (Rudge) Lindl., an epiphytic species native to the Amazon with high ornamental potential. Two experiments were conducted in a greenhouse.Experiment 1 used plant material collected in Tefé (AM) and tested Amazonian residues (Brazil nut shell, sapucaia shell, and açaí seed) and commercial substrates, in a completely randomized design with seven treatments.Experiment 2, carried out in Uberlândia (MG), evaluated proportions of baru shell (0–80%) mixed with coconut fiber, in a 2 × 5 factorial design. The first factor consisted of two types of residues used as substrate at the bottom of the containers (baru shell or Brazil nut shell). The second factor corresponded to different proportions of baru shell (80, 60, 40, 20, and 0%). The evaluated variables included number of leaves, leaf dimensions, and fresh and dry mass. In Experiment 1, at 90 days, Brazil nut shell and açaí seed provided a greater number of leaves. In Experiment 2, 80% baru shell resulted in greater leaf length and root dry mass.The results demonstrated that A. gracile adapts to different substrates, with organic mixtures providing good aeration being more efficient than pure materials. The use of regional agro-industrial residues proved to be viable, contributing to sustainability and cost reduction, and providing a technical basis for the commercial cultivation of the species.