How to Grow and Care for Anthurium

Anthurium is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. It is also a great choice for outdoor gardens in warm climates. But what makes anthurium so special? And how can you grow and care for it successfully? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, with the help of New York Garden, the online platform that offers you the best advice on gardening and home improvement.

Overview

Anthurium is a beautiful plant that adds a touch of exoticism to any space. It has glossy green leaves and bright flowers that come in various colors. To grow and care for anthurium, you need to provide it with the right conditions and follow some simple steps. You may learn all you need to know about raising and caring for an Anthurium from the information provided by NC State University. [1]

Soil Type	Well-drained
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and pets
Bloom Time	Spring, summer, fall, winter
Flower Color	Red, pink, white
Sun Exposure	Partial
Plant Type	Herbaceous, perennial
Native Area	Central America, South America, Caribbean
Family	Araceae
Common Names	Anthurium, tailflower, flamingo flower, laceleaf
Botanical Name	Anthurium spp.
Soil pH	Acidic
Mature Size	12-18 in. tall, 9- to 12-inch wide
Hardiness Zones	11-12 (USDA)

Type of Anthurium

Anthurium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae [2], native to tropical regions of the Americas. There are many types of anthurium, each with its own distinctive characteristics and preferences. Some of the most common types are:

Anthurium andraeanum: This type has large, heart-shaped leaves and bright, waxy spathes (modified leaves that surround the flower spike) in various colors, such as red, pink, white, or orange. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Anthurium scherzerianum: This type has smaller, lance-shaped leaves and curly spathes that are usually red or orange. It also has a long, twisted spadix (the flower spike) that protrudes from the spathe. It can tolerate lower light and humidity than A. andraeanum.
Anthurium crystallinum: This type has large, velvety leaves with prominent white veins. It does not produce showy spathes, but rather small, green flowers on a short spadix. It requires high humidity and warm temperatures, and prefers filtered light or shade.
Anthurium clarinervium: This type has similar leaves to A. crystallinum, but with darker green color and more pronounced veins. It also produces small, green flowers on a short spadix. It has similar requirements as A. crystallinum.

How to Grow Anthurium?

Anthuriums are tropical plants that produce colorful spathes and long-lasting flowers. They are popular as houseplants or cut flowers, but they require some special care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to grow anthuriums successfully.

Choose a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Anthuriums prefer a slightly acidic soil with good aeration and moisture retention.
Place your anthurium in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure, as it can scorch the leaves and flowers. Anthuriums can tolerate low light, but they will produce fewer blooms.
Water your anthurium when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not overwater or let the soil become soggy, as this can cause root rot and fungal diseases [3]. Use lukewarm water and avoid wetting the leaves and flowers.
Fertilize your anthurium every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in the winter, when the plant is dormant. Do not overfertilize, as this can burn the roots and foliage.
Maintain a high humidity level around your anthurium by misting it regularly, placing it on a tray of pebbles and water, or using a humidifier. Anthuriums are sensitive to dry air and may develop brown tips or leaf curl if the humidity is too low.

How to Care for Anthurium?

Anthuriums are tropical plants that produce colorful spathes and long-lasting flowers. They are popular as houseplants and cut flowers, but they require some special care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for an anthurium plant:

Lighting

Anthuriums prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and cause damage. Placing your plant near a window with a sheer curtain or in a well-lit area of your home is ideal.

Humidity and Watering

Anthuriums thrive in high humidity environments. To increase humidity levels, mist the leaves regularly or place a tray of water with pebbles beneath the pot. This helps to create a humid microclimate around the plant. Water your anthurium when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to strike a balance.

Potting Mix

Anthuriums require a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. A mixture of equal parts perlite, peat moss, and pine bark or a commercial mix designed for orchids or bromeliads works well. The addition of organic matter helps to retain moisture while promoting good drainage.

Fertilization

During the active growing season, which typically spans from spring to autumn, anthuriums benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength and apply it every two weeks. However, refrain from fertilizing during the winter when the plant is in its dormant phase.

Pruning

Anthuriums are tropical plants that produce colorful spathes and long-lasting flowers. Pruning is an essential part of their care, as it helps to maintain their shape, health and blooming. Here are some tips on how to prune anthuriums:

Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems with sharp scissors or a knife. Cut them off at the base of the plant, where they meet the soil. This will prevent diseases and pests from spreading and improve the appearance of the plant.
Trim off any faded or wilted flowers, as they consume energy that could be used for new growth. Cut them off just below the spadix, the fleshy spike that holds the tiny flowers. You can also remove the entire flower stem if you prefer, but leave some green foliage to support the plant.
Pinch off any suckers or offsets that grow from the base of the plant. These are new plants that can be separated and potted individually, or discarded if you don't want them. Removing them will allow the main plant to focus on producing larger and more flowers.
Prune your anthuriums once or twice a year, preferably in spring or summer, when they are actively growing. Avoid pruning in winter, when they are dormant and more susceptible to stress and damage.

Propagating Anthurium

Anthuriums are tropical plants that produce colorful spathes and long-lasting flowers. They can be propagated by various methods, such as division, stem cuttings, air layering, and seed sowing. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type and size of the plant, the availability of materials, and the desired outcome.

How to Grow Anthurium From Seed

Growing anthurium from seed is a challenging but rewarding process. It requires patience, attention, and proper care. The seeds are very small and need to be harvested from fresh flowers. They should be sown in a sterile potting mix and kept moist and warm. The germination rate is low and may take several months. The seedlings need to be transplanted into individual pots when they have at least two leaves. They will grow slowly and may take several years to bloom.

Potting and Repotting Anthurium

Anthuriums need well-drained, porous, and slightly acidic potting mix to thrive. They should be potted in containers that have drainage holes and are large enough to accommodate their roots. They should be repotted every two to three years or when they outgrow their pots. The best time to repot them is in spring or summer, when they are actively growing. The old potting mix should be removed and the roots should be trimmed of any dead or damaged parts. The new potting mix should be moistened and packed lightly around the roots.

Common Problems With Anthurium

Anthuriums are generally easy to care for, but they may encounter some problems due to pests, diseases, or environmental factors. Some of the common problems are:

Leaf spots: These are caused by fungal or bacterial infections that create brown or black spots on the leaves. They can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, providing good air circulation, and removing any infected leaves.
Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage that leads to soggy and decayed roots. It can be prevented by watering only when the top inch of the soil feels dry, using a well-drained potting mix, and avoiding waterlogging.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and dropping of leaves. It can be prevented by keeping the plant away from direct sunlight, maintaining moderate humidity, and applying fungicides if necessary.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that suck the sap from the plant and secrete a sticky substance called honeydew. They can be controlled by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, spraying them with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or releasing natural predators such as ladybugs.

FAQs

Why are my Anthuriums not flowering?

Anthuriums require bright, indirect light and warm temperatures to produce blooms. If your Anthuriums are not flowering, it may be because they are not getting enough light or are too cold.

Can I grow Anthuriums outdoors?

Anthuriums are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures, so they are best grown indoors in most climates. However, they can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates.

How often should I fertilize my Anthuriums?

Anthuriums should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Source: The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.