The purple anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), also known as flamingo lily or painter’s palette, is a captivating houseplant. Its most distinctive feature is the vibrant, waxy, heart-shaped spathes, often mistaken for flowers. These colorful spathes, in shades of deep purple, surround a central flower spike where the true, tiny flowers appear. With its glossy green foliage, the purple anthurium adds an exotic touch to any indoor space, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Caring for Your Purple Anthurium
Light
Purple anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural tropical habitat. An east or north-facing window provides ideal conditions, offering ample light without direct sun exposure. Too much direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon rays, can scorch leaves and spathes, leading to discoloration. Insufficient light hinders growth and reduces spathe production. If natural light is limited, a full-spectrum grow light can supplement their needs.
Watering
Proper watering is fundamental for purple anthuriums, which prefer consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before rewatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes leaves to wilt and develop crispy edges. Adequate drainage holes are crucial to prevent water accumulation.
Soil
Purple anthuriums require a well-draining, airy soil mix rich in organic matter to support healthy root development and prevent waterlogging. A suitable blend includes pine or fir bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss. This combination provides aeration and retains moisture. A slightly acidic pH, typically between 5.5 and 6.5, is preferred.
Humidity
Reflecting their tropical origins, purple anthuriums flourish in high humidity, ideally around 70-80%. In drier indoor settings, methods to increase humidity are beneficial. These include regularly misting the plant’s leaves, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping plants together. A small humidifier can also provide consistent high humidity.
Temperature
Purple anthuriums prefer warm, stable temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress them. Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause damage. Keep them away from air conditioning vents or frequently opened doors during colder periods.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through summer), purple anthuriums benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every few weeks or monthly. This encourages robust growth and spathe production. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter, as the plant’s nutritional needs are lower, and over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup in the soil.
Encouraging Blooms and Maintaining Health
Bloom Encouragement
To encourage consistent spathe production, provide optimal environmental conditions. Bright, indirect light is paramount, as insufficient light is a common reason for a lack of blooms. Consistent humidity and proper fertilization with a phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizer during the growing season also contribute to flowering. Remember, these vibrant structures are modified leaves, not true flowers, and their production signals a healthy plant.
Pruning for Health
Regular pruning maintains the anthurium’s appearance and health. Remove yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves and spent spathes by cutting them at their base. This directs the plant’s energy towards new growth and spathe production. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent disease. Always leave at least three to four healthy leaves on the plant.
Repotting Your Anthurium
Purple anthuriums typically need repotting every two to three years, or when root-bound (roots circling or emerging from drainage holes). Repot during spring, as the plant enters its active growth phase. Choose a pot one to two inches larger in diameter and use a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Gently remove the plant, shake off excess old soil, and place it in the new pot, ensuring the base is at the same level.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can signal several issues. Overwatering, leading to root rot, is a frequent cause. Insufficient light can also cause pale or yellowing foliage. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of nitrogen, can also result in yellowing. Adjusting watering, providing adequate light, and ensuring balanced fertilization can help resolve these issues.
Brown Tips or Spots
Brown tips or spots on anthurium leaves indicate environmental stress. Low humidity is a primary cause, drying out leaf edges. Inconsistent watering (both over and under) can also lead to browning. Direct sunlight exposure can result in sunburn. Using tap water high in fluoride or salts can contribute; filtered or rainwater may be beneficial.
Pests
Anthuriums are susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and scale. Signs of infestation include yellow stippling, mottled leaves, sticky residue, or visible insects. Regularly inspect your plant, especially leaf undersides, for early detection. Organic pest control methods, such as wiping leaves with a damp cloth, insecticidal soap, or neem oil, can manage these pests.
Lack of Blooms
If your purple anthurium is not blooming, it indicates suboptimal care. Common reasons include insufficient bright, indirect light, improper fertilization (too little or lacking phosphorus), low humidity, or inconsistent watering. Adjusting these care factors will encourage spathe production.
Propagating Purple Anthurium
Division
Propagating purple anthuriums can be achieved through division or stem cuttings. Division is the most common method, performed during repotting when the plant is large enough. Gently remove the plant from its pot and separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has its own roots and foliage. Pot these new sections individually in fresh, appropriate soil mix.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another propagation option. Select a healthy stem with at least one node and a few leaves. Place the cutting in water or a moist, well-draining medium (e.g., sphagnum moss or perlite mix) to encourage root development. Warmth and high humidity support rooting, with new growth indicating establishment.
Toxicity and Safety
Purple anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts toxic if ingested. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation. Ingestion can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal upset. Keep purple anthuriums out of reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting, to prevent skin irritation.