Anthurium Care
Anthurium,  Plant Care

Anthurium Care

Welcome to our guide to anthurium care. Anthuriums like a little bit of humidity and a well draining compost, other than that they are not fussy plants…


Anthurium Care Summary

Light needs:They can grow in low to well lit areas, but they need plenty of indirect sunlight to flower.
Watering needs:Let them almost dry out before watering again.
Fertilizer:A high phosphorous fertilizer during the spring and summer.  
Soil:A well draining orchid compost.
Humidity:They like humidity, spray them 3 times a week in sp ring and summer.
Temperature:They do not like to go below 15°C or 60°F, they love warmer household environments.
Where to buy:Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Other names:Laceleaf, anthurium, anthurium andreanum, tailflower, flamingo flower
Common issues:Root rot from standing in water.

Intro

Welcome to our Anthurium Care guide. Anthuriums (a.k.a. anthurium andreanum) are a genus of flowering plants originally from South and Central America, they were originally popular for the beautiful strikingly red flowers in the Anthurium andraeanum, the red lace leaf plant. Recently there have been more species of Anthurium becoming popular for their leaves, for example the Anthurium crystallinum, here we’ll focus on the red flowering ‘laceleaf’ Anthurium andraeanum.

See also: Anthurium Warocqueanum, Anthurium Magnificum, Anthurium Crystallinum And Anthurium Clarinervium Care, Anthurium Veitchii Care.

Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.

A note about affiliate links: when you buy a plant, pots, soil, or other goods through links on this article we sometimes earn a commission. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it really helps us out if you do use them. Thanks a lot! An example of this is if you buy a plant on Etsy using this link. Read our privacy policy for more information. Thanks again.

Light Needs

The red lace anthuriums will not flower unless they get enough light, but anthuriums can grow in low light areas of your home. The red lace anthuriums need good indirect sunlight to flower, ranging from the higher end of medium indirect light to bright.

How Often to Water An Anthurium

Do not let your anthuriums stand in water, let them dry out to almost fully dry between waterings. Aim to keep them just moist so they don’t dry out. They should not be allowed to get water logged either. After watering its a good idea to tip out any water that has drained out of the pot to the saucer below as this can result in root rot if the plant stands in it.

Tip: let them almost, but not totally, dry out between waterings and they should do well. Check the soil weekly.

Fertilizer

You do no have to feed your anthuriums, they will be fine without. But a high phosphorous fertilizer during the growing season will help to encourage those beautiful red flowers in the anthurium andraeanum.

Soil

A peat based, but well draining orchid compost mix will suit your anthurium well. A mix of orchid bark, perlite and potting compost is great for a well draining and airy mix. For more on anthurium soil (what to buy and how to make your own) see our guide here: Anthurium Soil.

When To Repot An Anthurium

When they get too big for their current pot you can move them to a bigger pot (up one or two sizes). The best time of year to do this is in spring.

Humidity

Anthuriums like a humid environment, they are tropical houseplants after all. If you do not have a humidifier (most people don’t!), then at least spray them when watering, or every few days in the summer.

Temperature

Anthuriums are fussy when it comes to cold temperatures. They do not like to go below 15°C or 60°F. They love warmer household environments.

How To Propagate Anthurium?

Anthurium is best propagated by separation at the roots. You need to wait until the plant is big enough so that it has a few stems. Once it is wide enough and big enough you can take it out of it’s soil. Take as much soil off as you can, then be careful and split the plants up, making sure each plant has roots that come away with it so you have complete plants to pot up separately. Then plant up the individual plants separately. For more on this see: Anthurium Propagation.

Is Anthurium Perennial?

Anthurium are perennials, they can live for many years too.

Where Do Anthurium Come From?

They grow naturally across Central America.

Anthurium USDA Zone

They can live outside in zones 11 to 12.

Where To Buy An Anthurium

I get most of my plants on Etsy, or try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

For more on anthuriums see our anthurium category with all our different care and propagation guides.

Other Names For Anthurium

Laceleaf, anthurium, tailflower, flamingo flower, anthurium andreanum.

Anthurium Care FAQs and Common Issues

The most common problem with anthuriums is root rot. Do not let them stand in water.

Can Anthurium Live Outside?

Anthuriums can live outside as long as they don’t get below 15°C or 60°F for prolonged periods.

Can Anthurium Grow In Water?

Anthuriums can live in water along, you can grow a cutting in a jar of tap water even. You need to start with a new cutting, let it root in water and then it will grow well.

Why Anthurium Flowers Turn Brown?

Anthurium flowers can die naturally and turn brown after blooming, but it can also be due to too much or too little water. Make sure your plant is checked regularly but only ware it if needed.

Which Part Of Anthurium Is Poisonous?

All of anthurium is toxic to cats or dogs if ingested, as it contains calcium oxalate. It can cause oral irritation, but should not be fatal. Seek vets advice.

Is Anthurium An Orchid?

Anthurium is not an orchid, it is a separate species.

Anthurium Vs Peace Lily

You can tell the difference between anthuriums and peace lilies as peace lilies have narrow oval leaves and anthuriums have much wider leaves. Obviously once they flower you can tell the difference in the flower shapes and color.

How Do You Keep Anthuriums Blooming?

Anthuriums can bloom all year round if given optimal care conditions. Keep the care conditions the best you can to prolong your anthurium flowers. Keep humidity high, water and feed it regularly, and maintain a high level of indirect sunlight.

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