The anthurium plant (Anthurium andraeanum ), with origins in South America, is a member of the Araceae family. With more than 1,000 species, it is also known as Painted Tongue, Flamingo Flower, Tailflower, and Laceleaf. This plant’s uniqueness lies in its brightly colored waxy bracts, often mistaken for flowers. The actual flowers of the Anthurium are small and grow on a spadix in the center of the plant.

So, if you’re looking for a beautiful indoor plant to brighten up your home, anthuriums make great houseplants. In addition to their beauty, these plants are relatively low-maintenance and as such, are a good option for beginner plant owners. 

Let’s look at how to care for this plant indoors.

Light Requirements

Anthuriums do best in bright, indirect light. Now, while they can tolerate lower light levels, they will not bloom as well in these conditions.  Your best option is to place your plant near a window where it can receive indirect sunlight. 

Be sure not to put your plant in a location where it’s directly exposed to the sun, as this can scorch the leaves.

If you don’t have a spot that gets bright, indirect light, you can grow your Anthurium under artificial light. Fluorescent lights are a good choice, and you can place the plant about 12 inches (30 cm) below this light source.

Water Requirements

The soil should remain a bit moist but not soggy, and water your plant as soon as the top of the soil feels dry. Make sure to empty any excess water from the drainage tray under the pot.

Potting Soil

The best potting soil for an anthurium is a well-draining mix containing peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. You can also add some bark chips or charcoal to the mix to help with drainage.

Fertilizer Requirements

Anthuriums benefit from regular fertilization. Feed your plant every other week during the growing season (spring and summer), using a balanced fertilizer reduced to half-strength. 

Make sure that the fertilizer contains a high amount of phosphorus, as this is key to promoting blooming.

Temperature Requirements

Indoor anthuriums prefer warm temperatures of at least 60-70°F (16-21°C). If your home is on the cooler side, you can place the plant near a radiator or other source of heat.

Just be sure that the temperature doesn’t drop too low, as this can damage the plant. Also, avoid drafty areas and sudden temperature changes, as these can be harmful.

Humidity Requirements

Anthuriums like humidity, so if the air in your home is dry, you may need to provide some extra moisture for your plant.

A pebble tray is one method to accomplish this. Fill a tray with pebbles and add water, making sure that the water level isn’t higher than the top of the pebbles. Then put your plant on top of the tray. The moisture around the plant will increase as the water evaporates due to increased humidity.

Additionally, a plant humidifier will emit a light mist over your plant, providing the perfect amount of humidity.

Pruning Requirements

Anthuriums don’t require a lot of pruning, but you can trim off any dead or dying leaves as needed. You can also remove any flower spikes that have faded. Make sure that you use clean pruning shears when doing so.

Repotting Requirements

Anthuriums don’t need to be repotted often, but you may need to do so every two or three years. Select a pot that’s approximately one size larger than the current one.

When repotting, use a potting mix that drains well and water the plant fully after repotting.

Propagating your plant

Anthuriums can easily be propagated by division or by stem cuttings.

When propagating by division, take the plant out of its pot and carefully divide it into two or more sections. Each section should have a few leaves and some roots. Replant the divisions in separate pots filled with well-draining potting soil.

To propagate by stem cuttings, take a 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) cutting from a healthy plant. Remove the bottom leaves and submerge the end that’s been cut in rooting hormone. In a pot filled with well-draining potting soil, plant the stem cutting and water it thoroughly. The soil is to be kept moist, and over time, the roots will grow. When the plant is firmly established, move it into a larger container.

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves

One common problem with anthuriums is yellow leaves. This can be a sign of direct sunlight exposure. If you see this happening, move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Wilting Leaves

If your plant’s leaves are wilting or drooping, this is usually an indication of too little water. Water the plant thoroughly, and then let the top of the soil dry out before watering again.

Root Rot

Root rot is another common problem with anthuriums. This can be caused by overwatering or by poorly draining soil. If you see the plant’s leaves wilting, yellowing, or drooping, and the roots are mushy, this is a sign of root rot. Take the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots. If they are black and mushy, cut away the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Pests:

Anthuriums can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, aphids, or scale insects. If you spot any of these pests, remove them by hand, or treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. 

If your plant is affected by a disease, you should remove any affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.

Types of Anthurium

There are many different types of anthuriums, including:

Anthurium scherzerianum – Typified by its orange, coiled spathe and known as the Flamingo Flower.

Anthurium hookeri – Easily recognized by its long, curved flower spikes and often referred to as the Bird’s Nest Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii – This type of anthurium is also known as the King Anthurium. It is characterized by leaves that are long and thin, with wrinkled edges.

Toxicity

Anthuriums are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. 

Common questions:

Does this plant grow quickly?

No, anthuriums are slow-growing plants. They typically only grow a few inches per year.

Is this plant easy to care for?

Yes, anthuriums are relatively easy to care for. They do best in bright indirect light and humid conditions.

How often does this plant bloom?

Anthuriums typically bloom once or twice per year. However, they may not bloom at all if they are not getting enough light.

What do the flowers look like?

The flowers of an anthurium are small and grow on a spadix in the center of the plant. They are usually red, pink, or white.

How tall and wide will this plant get?

Anthuriums typically only grow to be a few feet tall and wide. However, some varieties can get much larger.

Conclusion 

Remember these tips to help you grow healthy, beautiful anthuriums:

• Choose a spot with bright indirect light for your plant.
• Water the plant regularly, allowing the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Humidity is essential for anthuriums, so, if necessary, give them more moisture.
• Fertilize your plant regularly, using a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.
• Repot the plant every two or three years, using a well-draining potting mix.
• Prune any dead leaves as needed.
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take care of the plant as needed if problems arise.

Now that you know a little more about anthuriums and how to take care of them, you can go ahead and get one or two of these beautiful plants for your indoor garden.  And add some life to one or more rooms in your home!