Anthurium Plant Care Guide

by Sara Taylor | Jul 5, 2021 | Gardening Posts, House plants

Anthurium is tropical species that we are lucky enough to be able to cultivate in our homes. This plant stands out with large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It is an evergreen plant that can bloom for months without excessive care. Some of the more popular species are Anthurium Crystallinum, Clarinervium, Veitchii but there are many more.

In adult plants, the leaves reach an impressive size, accompanied by unique flowers every year from June to February that will last for months.

©Shutterstock: Anthurium plants produce flowers every year from June to February that will last for months.

Have I drawn your attention yet? Keep reading and you will learn how to cultivate this unique plant like a trained botanist!

Soil Requirements for Anthurium Care

These epiphytes usually grow in rock cracks or on limestone soil. They have big, fleshy roots that can easily rot in moist soil. Soil should be adjusted to the original conditions of this amazing plant so a well-drained, light and the loose substrate is best.

The roots need constant good aeration, but the soil mixture should retain enough moisture to keep them hydrated between watering. They need a balanced substrate that is neither too dry nor too moist.

Orchid and potting soil mixture or a pre-made orchid mix is most commonly used. You can prepare the right mixture for your flamingo flower by yourself. Use a mixture of humus, peat, and sharp sand. The soil must be highly permeable. A slightly acidic soil can also have great benefits for these plants. The recommended range is from 5.5 pH to 6.5 pH.

Anthurium Light Requirements

A location with partial shade or indirect daylight will make Anthuriums thrive. They can tolerate the gentle early sun, and they will greatly appreciate the long hours of bright light for the rest of the day. Keep in mind that they can’t stand being exposed to direct sun rays.

East-facing windows are most favorable for this plant. Windows facing West will provide enough light, but be careful because the intense afternoon sun could scorch their leaves. Direct sun exposure on a south-facing window will almost certainly be too intense for this tropical plant.

©Thompson & Morgan: A location with partial shade or indirect daylight will make Anthuriums thrive

Once a week, clean the leaves of your plant with a damp cloth. Cleaning the leaves is healthy for the whole plant. Removing dust allows better absorption of natural light and encourages plant growth.

Anthurium Watering Needs

These tropical beauties need regular watering. During the summer, they should be watered moderately every two to three days. During the winter you can water once every ten to twelve days. It is recommended to use rainwater, distilled or boiled water which has been left to cool.

One way to make sure you don’t over-water your plant is to place the pot in a deeper container of water and leave it to soak for a while. When you notice that the air bubbles have stopped coming out, move the pot onto the side to drain before returning it to its usual position.

When pouring the water directly into the pot, make sure the soil is allowed to dry well before the next watering. Anthurium plants have thick, dense roots that rot easily in waterlogged soil. The appearance of yellow and dry Anthurium leaves can happen due to excessive watering or soil dryness.

Temperature and Humidity

Anthurium is native to the rainforests of Mexico, so it is quite natural that they require a humid environment and high indoor temperatures for proper growth.

The optimal temperature range is between 16C (60.8°F) and 30C (86°F). The temperature of the room should be balanced at all times, because sudden jumps or drops in temperature could damage the plant.

Given the natural habitat of this plant, it’s not surprising that the ideal place for your Anthurium plant is the bathroom or kitchen due to the increased humidity. These are the rooms that will best resemble the warm, humid conditions that they enjoy. If you want to place it somewhere else, make sure it is as far away from the heaters as possible, because they dry the moisture from the air.

Adequate humidity during the summer months can be maintained by spraying the foliage with a mist of warm water. In summer, when the heat is great, they can be sprayed several times during the day, and in winter once a day when the air in the room is dry. Avoid excessive spraying is also not good as it can lead to necrosis of the leaves.

Fertilizing

If you want to have a plant of lush and large leaves, fertilize twice a month from spring to autumn. Avoid feeding in winter when growth is minimal. Keep in mind that too much fertilizer can be just as harmful as excessive watering.

For potted plants like your Anthurium, liquid fertilizers are better absorbed and easy to apply. They are highly concentrated, so you would have to dilute them before use. Always follow the instructions carefully.

©Thompson & Morgan: If you want to have a plant of lush and large leaves, fertilize twice a month from spring to autumn.

Propagation

These ornamental plants can be propagated in the spring by planting seeds, or by dividing young plants that grow at the base of a large plant.

Anthurium seeds are sown in the same soil in which the adult plant was grown. Until the seedlings sprout, it is recommended to keep the pots in partial shade. When the first shoots sprout, move the pots to the bright daylight. Finally, take the young plants out of the ground with the roots and plant them in a separate pot.

When using the root division method, it is necessary to remove the plant from the pot. Divide them gently without damaging the roots. They should be planted immediately in different pots.

When using older plants to divide the roots, make sure that each part has its root system and leaves. Store the pots in a place with high humidity where temperatures never go below 16C (60.8°F). These babies should be watered regularly to keep the compost moist.

Repotting and Pruning

Young Anthuriums are sometimes transplanted once a year due to intensive growth. It is advised to transplant in March or April. Older plants are usually transplanted once every two years or whenever the roots become tight in their pots.

©Thompson & Morgan: Older plants are usually transplanted once every two years or whenever the roots become tight in their pots.

The new pot should match the size of the plant. Never transplant into oversized pots, but one or two sizes larger than the old one .  Choose a fairly wide and low pot because of the short roots this species has. The above-ground part of the plant should remain above the ground and, as it grows, additionally cover it with a loose base of moss.

Summary

With gentle care, Anthurium will grow and bloom for many years. It is extremely durable and doesn’t require a lot of time to give it the conditions it needs. I’m sure it will be worth the effort when you feel the touch of exotic tropical regions spreading through your home. Here’s a quick summary of my Anthurium growing tips!

• Use a fast-draining substrate
• Provide medium to bright light exposure
• Keep the air humid by misting
• Water regularly with distilled water
• Maintain temperature
• Feed it with organic fertilizer
• Cut damaged leaves regularly
• Transplant every two years

We hope this article will help your anthuriums to thrive. For more exotic plants advice and tips, visit our hub – T&M’s ultimate resource on tropical plants.

Sara Taylor

Sara Elizabeth Taylor has been a lover of things that grow, and that love has been a major part of her life. She’s a biologist specialising in flora and is also a passionate indoor gardener. You can find her at @indoorgardennook.

Within her house, located in the middle of the bustling city, Sara hides her lush and beautiful indoor garden, full of both decorative plants and of various fruits and vegetables. Throughout the years she has amassed a lot of experience regarding gardening and is more than eager to share all of her knowledge and exchange tips and tricks with gardening enthusiasts both young and old.

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”