Anthuriums, often called the Flamingo Flower or Laceleaf, are popular houseplants known for their vibrant, waxy, heart-shaped “flowers” (which are actually modified leaves called spathes) and glossy foliage. These tropical perennials add a striking visual element to indoor spaces. They thrive when their specific environmental needs are met.
Anthurium Plant Care
Anthuriums thrive with consistent care that mimics their native tropical environments. Understanding their specific requirements for light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and fertilization helps ensure their sustained health and vibrant display.
Light Needs
Anthuriums require bright, indirect light to thrive and bloom. Placing them near a window that receives filtered sunlight, such as an east or west-facing window with sheer curtains, is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while insufficient light results in poor growth and a lack of flowers. Providing about six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily helps them thrive.
Watering
Proper watering is key to Anthurium health, as they prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry, typically once a week for indoor plants. Apply water until it drains from the pot’s bottom, and discard any excess collected in the saucer to prevent root rot. Overwatering causes decline, while allowing the soil to dry out excessively can lead to leaf tip burn.
Soil Requirements
Anthuriums thrive in a well-draining, airy potting mix that supports their epiphytic or semi-epiphytic growth. A suitable blend includes coarse materials like orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir, ensuring good aeration around the roots. A 50-50 mix of orchid and houseplant potting media is a common recommendation for drainage and structure. This substrate prevents water from sitting around the roots, preventing root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants prefer warm and humid conditions, ideally 65-85°F. Temperatures below 60°F inhibit flowering and damage the plant. Maintaining high humidity, ideally 60-80%, is important, as dry air causes brown leaf tips and increases pest susceptibility. Methods to increase humidity include placing the plant on a pebble tray, misting leaves regularly, or using a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
Anthuriums benefit from regular fertilization during their active growing season, spring through summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, or one with higher phosphorus to encourage blooming, is recommended. Dilute liquid fertilizers to half or quarter strength to avoid burning roots. Fertilize once a month (every 2-4 weeks), ensuring the soil is moist before application.
Popular Anthurium Varieties
The Anthurium genus has diverse species, with many popular varieties cultivated for distinctive features. Some are valued for their vibrant, long-lasting spathes, while others are admired for their intricate foliage.
Anthurium andraeanum
Anthurium andraeanum, commonly known as the Flamingo Flower, is the most recognized variety, known for its glossy, heart-shaped spathes. These spathes come in colors including reds, pinks, whites, and purples, surrounding a prominent central spadix. It is favored for its continuous blooming potential, with flowers lasting several weeks.
Anthurium crystallinum
Another notable variety is Anthurium crystallinum, grown for its large, velvety, deep green leaves with striking white or silver veins. Unlike A. andraeanum, its appeal lies in its foliage rather than its less showy flowers. The contrast of veins against the dark leaf surface creates an elegant display, making it a prized specimen among foliage plant collectors.
Common Anthurium Problems
Anthuriums can have common issues, often signaling care or environmental imbalance. Recognizing these signs helps address problems and restore health. Many problems relate to watering, light, or pests.
Leaf discoloration is common; yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or too much direct sunlight. Conversely, brown tips suggest underwatering or insufficient humidity. Addressing these issues involves adjusting watering frequency or increasing ambient humidity.
A lack of blooms stems from inadequate light or insufficient nutrients. Providing more bright, indirect light and consistent fertilization high in phosphorus encourages flowering.
Anthuriums are susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, and scale. Signs of infestation include sticky residues, yellowing leaves, or visible insects. Regular inspection and treatment with horticultural soap or neem oil manage these pests.
Root rot, caused by overwatering, manifests as mushy or blackening roots, and yellowing or browning stems and leaves. Repotting with fresh, well-draining soil and adjusting watering practices is necessary.
Propagating Anthuriums
Propagating Anthuriums creates new plants from existing ones; division is a common and effective method. This is best done during the active growing season, typically spring or early summer. It multiplies your collection or refreshes overgrown plants.
To propagate by division, remove the Anthurium from its pot and loosen the soil around the root ball. Identify natural division points with roots and stems. Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, separate these sections, ensuring each new plant has healthy roots and at least one leaf. Pot each divided section in its own container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly and place in a warm location with indirect light to help them establish.
Repotting Anthuriums
Repotting Anthuriums provides fresh nutrients and space for growth. Repot every two to three years, or when root-bound. Indicators include roots circling the soil surface, emerging from drainage holes, or wilting foliage despite adequate watering.
The best time to repot is early spring to mid-summer, during vigorous growth. Choose a new pot only one to two inches larger to avoid over-potting, which can lead to excess moisture and root rot.
Remove the plant from its old pot, taking care not to damage roots. Tease apart compacted roots and remove old soil. Place fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom, position the plant, and fill around the root ball, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level. Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.