Did you know… the flower of the Anthurium is in fact the colored, elongated stem? The wide leaf around it is only the bract, but its shape makes it look like the flower. On this page you’ll find all information on Anthurium care, from the ideal spot until repotting instructions. Follow these Anthurium care guidelines and help your plant live a long and healthy life.
The tropical-looking Anthurium is a very popular indoor plant. Not only because it’s easy to care for, but also because this plant produces flowers all year round. This rare property makes the Anthurium a year-round favorite. Anthuriums have flowers in all kinds of colors, but for the green houseplant-enthusiast there is also the extremely popular Anthurium Clarinervium. This plant has heart-shaped leaves and white veins. Unlike most Anthuriums, this variety produces green flowers. These do not have a broad and colored bract and are less noticeable.
The Anthurium originates from Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, where the plant grows mainly in tropical rainforests: it’s used to heat and high humidity. Proper care for an Anthurium therefore involves placing it at a warm spot and misting it regularly. Read on for all plant care tips.
Anthurium light requirements
Place the Anthurium in a very light spot, clear of direct sunlight. Such a spot allows the plant to receive sufficient light to bloom, without running a risk of burnt leaves. You could also place the plant in a bit more of a shady spot, but then it will produce fewer flowers.
The Anthurium prefers a warm spot in your home. Make sure to protect it from drafts, and never place the Anthurium close to the heating. Whilst this spot is nice and warm, the humidity here is far too low.
Anthurium care: water
Make sure the potting soil is always a bit moist by regularly giving the plant small amounts of water. By not giving too much water at once, you also prevent a layer of water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot. Excess water can cause root rot.
Given its tropical origin, the Anthurium prefers high humidity. Mist the Anthurium regularly using a plant spray. This way you maintain a high humidity level, which the plant needs. It also helps to protect the Alocasia against pests. Moreover, a regularly watered plant looks a lot better, as there is never a layer of dust on the leaves.
Tip: Are the edges of the leaves turning brown? That’s a sign that you’ve either overwatered the plant, or that you’ve not given it enough water. Stick your fingers down the potting soil about an inch or two, to check the humidity of the potting soil. If this feels wet/very moist, it’s best give a bit less water next time, and wait for the potting soil to dry before watering again. If the soil feels dry it’s best to give more water and/or to water the plant more frequently.
Repotting tips
Repot the Anthurium about once every two years, unless your Anthurium is a very fast grower. If it’s already getting too big for its pot after a year, you’d best repot then. The best time to repot plants is during spring. Be careful not to damage the roots too much when repotting. Use a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current pot, allowing the roots plenty of room to grow. We recommend placing a layer hydro granules at the bottom of the pot when repotting. That way, it won’t matter if you overwater the Anthurium, as the hydro granules provide drainage.
Anthurium care: Fertilizer requirements
The Anhturium won’t need any fertilizer during the first two months. During that time, the plant can still obtain enough fertilizer from the fresh potting soil. After these two months, you’ll only need to apply fertilizer during spring and summer.
Make sure you never give too much plant food. This can be quite harmful to the plant’s roots. The maximum amount of plant food is noted on the packaging. Never use more than recommended.
Is the Anthurium plant poisonous?
All outdoor and indoor plants on Plantler have a decorative purpose; they’re not fit for consumption – unless it is explicitly stated that they are (i.e. a fruit tree). The Anthurium is poisonous when ingested. Keep the plant out of reach from small children and / or pets.
