Anthuriums are striking-looking ornamental plants loved by horticulturists around the world. Their dazzling flowers and vibrant foliage make them the ideal houseplants to spruce up your living space.
Anthurium also goes by Tail Flower, Flamingo Lily, Laceleaf, and Painted Tongue. It is native to the Central and South American tropical forests.
This herbaceous plant is characterized by its striking gold, pink, or red blossoms. These blossoms are actually modified leaves or spathes. Their blooming period is much longer than actual flowers, and they can stay colorful and lively for months!
Sunlight
Anthuriums are indoor plants, which means they don’t need direct sun. They do, however, love indirect light. The more ambient light the plant gets, the more it will blossom. So for best results, place your anthurium in a brightly lit room.
Anthurium can still prosper in medium or low light; it won’t be as lush and colorful, though. For a fast-growing, flowery anthurium plant, give it as much light as possible.
Anthurium would do badly under the direct sun. Intense sunlight can cause sunburn. Even mild sunlight in excess can change the appearance of the plant, turning its spathes green.
Watering
The ideal frequency for watering your anthurium plant depends on the weather and humidity. Like all tropical plants, anthurium likes plenty of water. However, over-watering may lead to root rot—only water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry.
Use a fast-draining substrate to keep the roots damp but not soaked. Make sure your pot has proper drainage at the bottom to let excess water escape.
Turn the watering frequency down a notch during the winter months. At this time of the year, anthurium likes to rest and needs little water.
Temperature
In summer, spring, and fall, anthurium likes things comfortably warm. Temperatures between 65-80 degrees will keep it happy and healthy. Large temperature fluctuations can shock the plant, and it may stop flowering.
In winter, the plant likes to rest. During the resting period, the plant prefers temperatures close to 60 degrees.
Humidity
Anthurium adores humidity like all tropical plants. That’s why they do so well in greenhouses where it’s warm and damp.
With proper care, the plant can flourish inside your home too. If the atmosphere is dry, regular misting of anthurium’s leaves will keep things comfortably humid. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth now and then to keep them clean as well as moisturized.
Plant Nutrition
Use liquid fertilizer rich in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorous to feed your anthurium every two weeks. Follow this routine in spring and summer, i.e., the growing season. During winter, the plant likes to rest and doesn’t need extra nutrition. Dilute the feed to half the strength to avoid over-fertilization.
Toxicity
Like most tropical plants that grow near the ground, anthurium is highly toxic. The poison is present in all parts of the plant, including its fruit. Ingestion can cause mild to severe irritation of the skin, mouth, and stomach. Avoid contact with eyes or sensitive body parts. Wash hands after handling the plant.
Curious children or pets may get attracted to anthurium’s bright foliage or berry-like fruit; keep the plant out of their reach.
Repotting
Anthurium needs repotting every 2-4 years. But in some conditions, the plant may grow faster. Roots extending above the soil indicates that the plant needs more space. Spring or summer are ideal seasons for repotting. Pick a pot about 2” larger than the current. While repotting, cut off any dead or decaying roots.
Common Issues
Tropical plants like anthurium love plenty of water but may succumb to root rot if that water has nowhere to go. As the roots decay, the plant’s leaves will pale and die. If you plant your anthurium in dense soil or a container with poor drainage, the stagnant water will rot the roots one by one. If you notice signs of root rot, immediately repot the plant after proper rot treatment.
Leaf blight is when the plant’s leaves start losing their color. Other than root rot, this can happen if the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move your anthurium to the shade where it only gets indirect sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Unlike flowering plants that are too sensitive and require high care, the anthurium is much more resilient and has long-lasting blooming periods. Its vivid foliage, striking coloration, and relatively easy maintenance make it ideal for livening up your home and garden.
