Anthuriums, admired for their vibrant, heart-shaped flowers and glossy foliage, are popular houseplants. Their health and longevity depend on proper watering techniques, which can be challenging for new owners.
Understanding Anthurium Watering Needs
Anthuriums need watering when the top inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil feels dry, typically once a week or every 7 to 10 days. This is a general guideline, as several factors alter the frequency. Plants in brighter light need more frequent watering due to increased water uptake and evaporation.
Environmental conditions like temperature and humidity significantly affect how quickly anthurium soil dries. Higher temperatures and lower humidity accelerate evaporation, requiring more frequent watering. Conversely, cooler, more humid environments retain moisture longer, extending time between waterings.
The pot’s characteristics also influence drying times; smaller pots and porous materials like terracotta dry out faster than larger or plastic containers. Well-draining, chunky potting mixes allow water to pass through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk. Seasonal changes also impact watering needs, with plants needing more water during the active growing season and less during winter dormancy.
The most reliable method to determine if an anthurium needs water is checking the soil moisture. Insert a finger about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) into the potting mix. If the soil at this depth feels dry, water; if damp, postpone watering until it dries further. A moisture meter can also assess levels by inserting its probe deep into the soil. This direct assessment prevents overwatering and underwatering, ensuring the plant receives moisture only when needed.
Best Watering Practices
When watering an anthurium, saturate the potting mix until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball receives adequate moisture. After watering, discard any excess water in the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot. Proper drainage is important for anthuriums, as their epiphytic roots prefer consistent moisture but not soggy conditions.
The type of water used affects an anthurium’s health. Anthuriums are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine found in tap water. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is ideal. If tap water is the only option, let it sit out for at least 24 hours to dissipate chlorine. Use room temperature water, as excessively cold or hot water can shock the plant’s root system.
While primarily absorbing moisture through their roots, anthuriums benefit from high humidity, reflecting their native tropical rainforest environment. Misting the foliage can supplement humidity, but it is not a substitute for proper soil watering. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or using a room humidifier can help maintain the elevated humidity levels these plants prefer.
Signs of Improper Watering
Anthuriums display distinct visual cues when their watering is imbalanced. Recognizing these symptoms allows for timely intervention.
When overwatered, anthuriums show several symptoms. Leaves might turn yellow, and stems can become soft or mushy. Black spots on leaves or wilting, despite wet soil, also indicate excessive moisture. A musty or sour smell from the soil often points to decaying roots, a common consequence of overwatering.
Conversely, underwatered anthuriums exhibit specific signs. Leaves may develop crispy or brown edges, or appear limp and droopy. While drooping can occur from overwatering, an underwatered plant’s leaves often perk up noticeably after receiving water. Stunted growth and dry, shriveled roots indicate insufficient moisture over time.
Resolving Watering Challenges
Addressing watering issues promptly helps anthuriums recover. Actionable steps can correct both overwatering and underwatering.
For an overwatered anthurium, allow the soil to dry significantly. If root rot is suspected (mushy, brown, or black roots), carefully remove the plant from its pot. Trim affected roots with clean, sterilized tools, cutting back to healthy, firm tissue. Repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil in a pot with adequate drainage holes. After repotting, refrain from watering for about a week to allow roots to recover and soil to settle.
To address an underwatered anthurium, thoroughly water the plant. This can be done by top watering until water drains from the bottom, or by bottom watering, where the pot sits in a tray of water, allowing absorption from below. The goal is to rehydrate the entire root ball slowly and completely. After rehydration, adjust future watering frequency to ensure consistent moisture without excessive drying. Consistent watering and careful observation of the plant’s needs are key to its long-term recovery.