I love growing Anthuriums for their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, waxy flowers. They have long-lasting blooms, and striking foliage, and bring an exotic touch to any space.
They are commonly referred to as Flamingo Flowers or Laceleaf. Anthuriums are beautiful and relatively low-maintenance if you meet their basic needs.
Anthuriums thrive in warm, humid conditions, making them ideal as houseplants when provided the right care.
Types of Anthuriums
There are over 1,000 species of Anthurium, but a few are commonly grown as houseplants. Here are some popular varieties:
Anthurium andraeanum: Known for its bright red spathes (the modified leaves are often mistaken for flowers). This variety is the most recognizable and frequently found in garden centers.
Anthurium clarinervium: Admired for its velvety, dark green leaves with white veins. It’s primarily grown for its foliage rather than its flowers.
Anthurium crystallinum: Another foliage star, featuring large, heart-shaped leaves with pronounced silvery veins.
How To Buy a Healthy Anthurium
When purchasing an Anthurium, I always look for plants with vibrant, green leaves and avoid any with brown or yellowing tips.
Healthy Anthuriums will have firm stems, and there should be no signs of pests or wilting. Make sure to check the roots if possible—healthy roots should be white or light tan.
Always buy from a reputable seller or nursery to ensure you’re getting a strong, disease-free plant.
Light Requirements
Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight.
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing browning and damage. If the plant is in too much shade, it may struggle to bloom, and its growth will slow down.
Tip: A north- or east-facing window is often ideal, or use a sheer curtain to diffuse harsh sunlight.
Temperature and Humidity
Anthuriums prefer temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). They do not tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
My recommendation is to avoid placing them near air conditioners, heaters, or open windows during winter.
Humidity is also crucial for Anthuriums since they’re native to tropical rainforests. A humidity level of 60% or higher is ideal.
In dry climates or during winter when indoor air becomes dry, you can increase humidity by:
- Placing a humidifier near the plant.
- Misting the leaves regularly (but avoid waterlogging).
- Setting the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to create a humid microclimate.
Soil and Potting
Anthuriums need well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming soggy. A mix designed for orchids or a homemade blend of peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite works well.
This type of mix mimics the plant’s natural environment, allowing air to reach the roots while retaining enough moisture.
When potting, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
Anthuriums prefer being slightly root-bound, so repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient unless you notice roots growing out of the pot.
Anthurium Watering Needs
Water your Anthurium when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants like consistently moist soil but are sensitive to overwatering.
Letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings helps prevent root rot.
Tip: Water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, while brown, crispy tips may indicate underwatering.
Fertilizing
Anthuriums benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer).
I always use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 6-8 weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Tip: Too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn, so it’s better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize.
Pruning and Cleaning
Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to keep the plant healthy and attractive. Pruning helps redirect the plant’s energy toward new growth and flowers.
Dust can accumulate on Anthurium leaves, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis.
Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and shiny.
Repotting
Anthuriums don’t require frequent repotting, but you should consider repotting every 2-3 years or if the plant becomes root-bound.
Signs that your Anthurium needs a larger pot include roots growing through the drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy.
When repotting, gently loosen the roots, remove any dead or rotting sections, and place the plant in fresh soil. This encourages healthier growth and can help stimulate flowering.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests
Anthuriums are generally resistant to pests, but they can occasionally be attacked by aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. Common signs of pests include sticky residue, webbing, or discolored spots on leaves.
Solution: Treat pests by wiping down leaves with a solution of water and mild soap or using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Check this post for the complete guide on how to treat plant pests using neem oil.
Regularly inspecting your plant will help catch infestations early.
Diseases
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is one of the most common diseases affecting Anthuriums. Leaf blight and fungal infections can also occur in overly humid, poorly ventilated environments.
Solution: Ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid waterlogging, and remove any affected leaves immediately. Using a fungicide may be necessary in severe cases.
Leaf Discoloration
Yellow leaves: Often a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or lack of light.
Brown or crispy leaf edges: Usually caused by low humidity or too much direct sunlight.
Drooping leaves: Can be a result of temperature stress, underwatering, or root problems.
Address these issues by adjusting watering routines, moving the plant to a better location, or increasing humidity.
Encouraging Anthurium Blooms
For Anthuriums to bloom consistently, they need bright, indirect light, adequate humidity, and regular feeding.
Flowers typically appear in spring and summer, but with proper care, the plant can bloom year-round.
Patience with Young Plants
If your Anthurium is young, it may take a year or two before it starts flowering. Ensure the plant is getting enough light and isn’t stressed by over- or under-watering.
Prolonging Flower Life
Anthurium flowers can last up to eight weeks. To prolong bloom time:
- Keep the plant in a stable environment with consistent temperatures and humidity.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the flowers, which can cause them to fade more quickly.
Propagation
The most common way to propagate Anthurium is by division:
Division: During repotting, you can gently divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and leaves.
Stem Cuttings: You can also propagate by cutting a healthy stem with a few leaves and roots and placing it in water or soil.
Once you’ve propagated a new plant, provide the same care as a mature Anthurium.
Keep it in a humid environment with bright, indirect light. Water sparingly until the plant establishes itself.
Anthurium Plant Toxic To Cats
Anthurium plants are toxic to cats. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause discomfort and serious health issues if ingested by pets.
When a cat chews on anthurium leaves or flowers, the crystals can irritate the mouth, throat, and digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
In severe cases, ingesting large amounts may cause more intense symptoms and potentially require veterinary intervention. If you have cats at home, it’s best to keep anthurium plants out of reach.
Final Thoughts
I have enjoyed my Anthurium for many years. This is because I provide them with the right amount of light, humidity, and care.
I hope this post on Anthurium growing and care guide was helpful. To receive more posts on plant care subscribe to my mailing list and also follow me on @flowerthings on Pinterest.
