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Photoselective shadecloths that manipulate light quality may enable nursery growers to achieve desired plant growth. This ability to manage plant habit could give growers an additional nonchemical tool to improve potted plant quality. The objective of this study was to determine growth and flowering responses of potted Dracaena and Anthurium plants to four shadecloths. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig' and Dracaena marginata `Colorama' cane top-cuttings were placed in 70% black cinder: 30% peat moss media. Anthurium `Lola' liners were transplanted into 100% black cinder medium. Plants were grown in a greenhouse under 70% shadecloths: black, gray, red, and blue. Four months after planting, Dracaena `Janet Craig' had more new leaves under red shadecloth (10.4) compared to other shadecloths (8.9–9.3). Leaf area was less with red shadecloth (340 cm²) than other treatments (380-388 cm²). Plants under the red shadecloth had the lowest grower evaluation scores (5.4; 1 = poor, 10 = excellent) than those under other shadecloths (7.2–8.2), but all plants were considered marketable. Dracaena `Colorama' plants under red shadecloth had the greater plant height increase (20.1 cm) than those under other shadecloths (10.1–13.2 cm). Red shadecloth resulted in more new leaves (26.2) compared to other treatments (18.0–21.4). Anthurium `Lola' flower height 9 months after transplanting was less under red shadecloth (23.0 cm) than under black (33.0 cm). The number of flowers/pot was greater under red shadecloth (3.17) compared to those under other shadecloths (0.50–1.33). Flower size was greater (35.2 cm²) under red shadecloth than under black (20.0 cm²). Photoselective shadecloths may be used to nonchemically manipulate plant growth and improve the quality of potted Dracaena and Anthurium plants.

Burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) causes severe stunting and yield reduction in anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) cut flower production. Two field trials were conducted at commercial grower farms to test the efficacy of fluopyram or fluopyram + trifloxystrobin for managing burrowing nematodes. Nematode population densities in roots and cinder media were evaluated during the trial in addition to cut flower yield and canopy cover. In the first trial, the nematode population in roots was reduced by 57% after two applications of fluopyram 3 months apart. As plant health improved, the increasing anthurium root weight supported higher nematode populations. After 14 months, fluopyram-treated plots had 43% more green canopy cover and a 53% increase in flower production compared with the untreated control plots. At a second location, population densities of burrowing nematode were reduced in roots after one application of fluopyram + trifloxystrobin and remained low with quarterly applications. Nematode populations were initially reduced in fluopyram-treated plots followed by a resurgence as demonstrated in the other trial. Ten months after the initial treatment, flower yield was greater in fluopyram + trifloxystrobin-treated plots with more large and extra-large flowers produced. Canopy cover was 45% and 22% greater with fluopyram + trifloxystrobin and fluopyram applications, respectively. Fluopyram shows potential for management of burrowing nematodes in anthurium by improving plant vigor and cut flower production.