The Secret Charm of the Wave of Love: An Expensive Ornamental Plant That Can Grow Perfectly If Cared for This Way!

 

Its name is Gelombang Cinta, which in English literally means “Wave of Love.” The name sounds like a romantic expression from someone deeply in love, and indeed its appearance is truly beautiful. The plant features soft green leaves that can shine as if glowing, making it a highly captivating ornamental plant.

 

Gelombang Cinta is a type of Anthurium plowmanii. Looking back at its history, the Wave of Love once became one of the most sought-after ornamental plants among collectors. At its peak, it was among the most expensive ornamental plants in Indonesia.

 

Between 2007 and the early 2010s, during its golden era, its price was truly astonishing—sometimes even surpassing the trend-setting Monstera deliciosa. Why was it so expensive? According to several ornamental plant observers, the extraordinary price of Gelombang Cinta at that time was largely influenced by business scenarios created by traders rather than purely natural market conditions.

 

Imagine this: the Anthurium jenmanii cultivar Kobra once sold for IDR 250 million, while the Supernova variety reportedly reached IDR 1 billion. However, over time, the price of Anthurium Gelombang Cinta gradually declined to a much more affordable level. As a result, the plant eventually became very common in the ornamental plant market.

 

Despite the price drop, its admirers remain numerous. This is mainly due to the plant’s striking leaf beauty, making it perfect for growing in pots and displaying on a house terrace, beneath windows, or as an elegant indoor decoration. In addition, like many ornamental plants, it contributes extra oxygen to the indoor environment, creating a healthier atmosphere.

 

The Charm of the Wave of Love Plant

If you are interested in collecting this beautiful plant, it is important to understand the proper methods for planting and caring for it in pots.

 

How to Grow Wave of Love in Pots

 

1. Choosing a High-Quality Parent Plant

The first step is selecting the best parent plant, with the following characteristics:

• The plant is healthy and free from pests and diseases.
• The leaves are fresh and vibrant green.
• The base (crown) of the plant is healthy and produces multiple shoots.

 

2. Propagation Using the Split Method

Once you have found an ideal parent plant, the next step is propagation using the split method, which involves separating the offshoots from the parent plant.

When performing this method, consider the following steps:

1. Check the plant’s condition. If it is completely healthy, the separation can be done immediately.
2. If there are signs of pests or disease, treat the plant first before propagation.
3. Select the crown section that already has emerging shoots.
4. Cut the section using a sharp knife.
5. If a crown contains 1–3 shoots, wait until the shoots produce several leaves before separating them.
6. Soak the cut crown in a fungicide solution (5 g/L) for 15–20 minutes. Also apply fungicide to the cut surface of the parent plant.
7. While waiting, prepare the planting medium.
8. Choose a medium-sized pot suitable for the crown size. Make holes at the bottom of the pot and place clean broken bricks at the base for drainage.

 

3. Preparing the Planting Medium

The planting medium can be prepared by mixing:

• Humus
• Sand
• Manure

Mix these components thoroughly, then sieve the mixture to obtain the fine portion.

Fill the pot with the medium up to three-quarters of its height.
Plant the crown section while leaving the shoots above the surface.
Add more medium and gently compact it until the roots are completely covered.

 

4. Proper Plant Placement

Wave of Love plants should be placed in a location without direct sunlight.

The ideal environment is semi-shaded, with sunlight intensity around 30–40%. Suitable locations include:

• House terraces
• Gardens with shade trees
• Areas near windows

If you keep the plant indoors, move it outside periodically—at least once every three days. This helps maintain the leaves’ vibrant green color and freshness.

Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves and reduce its beauty.

 

5. Watering

This plant does not require excessive watering. Too much water can actually hinder its growth.

Water only to maintain adequate moisture in the growing medium. If the medium still feels moist, additional watering is unnecessary.

Excessive watering may lead to root rot.

The best time to water is:

• Before 10:00 a.m., or
• After 5:00 p.m.

During the dry season, watering frequency may increase to up to three times a day if needed.

Use clean, uncontaminated water, and apply it only to the planting medium. Avoid watering the leaves to preserve their appearance.

 

6. Fertilization

Fertilization helps ensure the plant receives adequate nutrients.

A recommended fertilizer is NPK fertilizer.

• During the vegetative growth stage, apply fertilizer with higher Nitrogen (N) content.
• As the plant continues developing, fertilizers with higher Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) can be used.

Slow-release fertilizers such as Dekastar or Osmocote can also be applied around the plant canopy, typically once every six months.

Additionally:

• Apply well-processed manure and humus once a year.
• Liquid fertilizers such as Gandasil or Atonik may be sprayed onto the planting medium as supplementary nutrition.

 

Tips for Maintaining Shiny Leaves

The beauty of this ornamental plant lies in the texture and waves of its leaves. Therefore, proper leaf care is essential to keep them shiny and attractive.

You will need:

• Liquid milk
• A soft sponge

Steps:

1. Pour liquid milk into a clean bowl.
2. Dip the sponge into the milk.
3. Gently wipe the leaves using the sponge.
4. Do it carefully to avoid damaging the leaves.

Perform this treatment at least once every three days to achieve optimal results.

Care for this plant patiently and lovingly—almost like caring for a beloved partner.

Hopefully this guide is useful for you.

 

Source:
Klikhijau.com – Six Practical Steps to Grow Wave of Love Plants in Pots

 

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