Anthuriums must also have reached the required maturity level and should be clean and free of blemishes, disease, insects, insect remains, and mechanical damage. Product quality and storage and vase life are controlled by genetic and preharvest factors, and, during storage and transportation, by the presence of ethylene, prevention of mechanical damage, correct storage temperature, and proper relative humidity. Varieties Indigenous varieties of anthuriums have been produced for many years in the Caribbean islands. In the past 20 years, however, new hybrids have been developed, particularly in Hawaii and Holland, where breeders have produced wide-ranging colors and forms that now dominate the international market. In fact, many growers in the tropics, while continuing to develop local varieties, have diversified production to include the Dutch hybrids.
Desirable qualities are vigorous growth and high yields of suckers and flowers.
Plants with short internodes are normally preferred because they will not grow too tall. A good spathe is characterized as heart-shaped with symmetrical overlapping or fused lobes. A good spadix is considered to be one that reclines and is shorter in length than the spathe. Fertilization rates are also important because they can affect flower yield, weight, size, and stem length. The following table presents some of the main Hawaiian hybrids and their characteristics.