Anthurium plants are known for their striking, heart-shaped “flowers.” This guide details the care practices that help achieve and preserve the vibrant red coloration of anthurium spathes.
Understanding Anthurium Flower Color
The colorful part of an anthurium, often perceived as its flower, is a modified leaf structure called a spathe or bract. This spathe surrounds the true flower spike, the spadix, which bears tiny flowers. Spathe coloration is influenced by factors like plant age and genetics; some varieties naturally have paler hues. Environmental stressors can also dull or fade spathe color. The intensity of the spathe’s color indicates the plant’s overall health and growing conditions.
Essential Care for Vibrant Red Anthurium Flowers
Maintaining vivid red anthurium spathes requires consistent and appropriate environmental conditions. Each care aspect contributes to the plant’s vigor and its ability to produce richly colored blooms.
Light
Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light can cause spathes to appear pale, green, or poorly developed. Excessive direct sunlight can scorch foliage and bleach spathe color. Place the plant near an east-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window with filtered light. Aim for at least six hours of bright, filtered light daily to support healthy growth and vibrant spathe development.
Watering
Proper watering is important for anthurium health and spathe color. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Both overwatering (leading to root rot and stress) and underwatering (causing wilting) negatively impact spathe color and production. Consistent moisture, without sogginess, helps the plant absorb nutrients for vibrant coloration.
Humidity
Anthuriums prefer high humidity, ideally between 60% and 80%. Low humidity can cause spathe edges to brown or result in smaller, less vibrant new spathes. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, use a room humidifier, or group plants together. Consistent high humidity supports the development of lush foliage and richly colored spathes.
Temperature
Maintaining a stable temperature range is important for vibrant spathe development. Anthuriums grow best between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). Consistent temperatures within this range promote healthy growth and strong spathe coloration. Cold drafts or significant temperature fluctuations can stress the plant, leading to color fading or poor development of new spathes. Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C) to prevent plant distress.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization during the active growing season is important for producing richly colored spathes. A balanced, high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-20-10 or a 1:2:1 ratio, encourages blooming. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to pale or dull spathes. Fertilize every two to four weeks with a diluted solution, at half or quarter strength, to avoid over-fertilization which can harm the plant.
Troubleshooting Fading or Poor Color
When anthurium spathes lose their red vibrancy, it indicates an underlying environmental issue. Addressing these concerns can help restore the plant’s health and color. Spathes that turn green or appear pale often signal insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. Adjusting the plant’s location to a brighter spot, while avoiding direct sun, or reviewing the fertilization schedule can rectify this.
If new spathes lack vibrancy, it points to improper growing conditions like inadequate light, incorrect watering, low humidity, or a lack of nutrients. Browning or spotting on spathes can be a natural part of aging, but it can also signal environmental stress, such as low humidity or inconsistent watering. Spathes naturally fade and may turn green as they age before dying back, which is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle.
Long-Term Health for Sustained Red Blooms
Sustaining vibrant red anthurium spathes requires consistent long-term care. These practices support the plant’s ongoing vigor and blooming capacity. Pruning spent spathes and yellowing or damaged leaves redirects the plant’s energy toward new, vibrant blooms. Removing older structures allows the plant to focus resources on fresh growth.
Repotting is necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every two to three years. This provides fresh potting mix, replenishes nutrients, and offers more space for root expansion, supporting continuous blooming.
Regular inspection for pests and diseases is also important; a healthy, pest-free plant produces consistent, colorful blooms. Prompt treatment for common houseplant pests, like spider mites or mealybugs, prevents stress that diminishes flower quality.
Some anthuriums benefit from a short rest period during fall or winter, with reduced watering and fertilization. This encourages a new flush of vibrant blooms in spring, contributing to sustained color.