How to Care for Anthuriums

Native to the Americas and the Caribbean, the Anthurium is a striking tropical evergreen that adds vibrancy to any space. Its colourful, heart-shaped waxy leaves, called spathes act as protectors for its straight spike, called spadix, where delicate flowers bloom. Known for its long-lasting appeal, with blooms that can last anywhere from eight to twelve weeks, the Anthurium is a symbol of generosity and kindness. It’s a thoughtful gift that continues to impress, making it a perfect choice for someone special.How to Care for Anthuriums | easyplant

With easyplant’s self-watering system, caring for your Anthurium is effortless. Simply check the easyplant reservoir once a month and top it up when it’s empty!

Anthurium thrives in bright indirect light, where the sunlight is softened. It can also adapt to spaces with bright direct sunlight, where rays stream in. Avoid placing it in areas with low light or without natural sunlight.

On your Anthurium’s first few days at home, it may drop a few leaves or they might turn brown. Don’t worry – this is completely normal. Simply remove the damaged leaves and wait for new, healthier ones to emerge. To encourage steady growth, dust the leaves occasionally and give the pot a quarter of a turn once a month. Like many flowering plants, your Anthurium will benefit from ‘deadheading’. When the blooms start to fade, remove them to help the plant focus its energy on new growth. You can also prune stems and spent flowers to promote fresh blooms. Remember, removing old flowers is part of caring for a blooming plant.

Anthuriums are known for their long-lasting blooms, which can last anywhere from eight to twelve weeks, with a few months' rest in between flowering cycles. As older flowers fade, the plant naturally sheds leaves and blooms to make way for new growth. The more light your Anthurium receives, the more flowers it will produce and the faster it will grow, reaching around 30 cm tall. Most Anthuriums grow to about 30–45 cm tall and nearly 30 cm wide, though size can vary depending on the variety. The largest types can reach up to 60 cm tall and 30 cm across. You can also encourage anthuriums to remain small by manipulating their environmental conditions.

Anthuriums thrive in temperatures between 16°C and 32°C. Higher temperatures will cause stress, while cooler conditions will slow growth. Ideally, they prefer humidity levels of 50% or higher, which suits most homes. If your home is particularly dry, you can take simple steps to boost humidity and keep your plant happy.

Anthuriums can be mildly toxic if ingested, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of children and pets. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a painful burning sensation in the mouth and, in some cases, lead to blisters or swelling when ingested. In rare instances, exposure can cause hoarseness or, in very rare cases, swelling in the airway that may affect breathing.

If you notice black or yellow spots on the leaves, move your Anthurium to a brighter location. Weak or drooping leaves should be removed entirely, and the plant relocated to a well-lit spot. If the leaves become too long or leggy, try placing the plant in a slightly shadier area to encourage more balanced growth.