Anthurium Care: The Glossy Plant with Long-Lasting Blooms

Anthuriums (flamingo flower) are one of the few houseplants that bloom reliably indoors.

The “flowers” (actually modified leaves called spathes) are glossy, sculptural, and long-lasting. They come in red, pink, white, or even purple. Each bloom can last 6 to 8 weeks.

Anthuriums are not as hard as people think. They just need the right conditions.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: When top inch of soil is dry
  • Humidity: 60 percent or higher
  • Biggest challenge: Humidity and pests

Light

Anthuriums need bright, indirect light to bloom.

Best light:

  • East or west-facing window
  • Bright light without direct afternoon sun
  • South-facing window with sheer curtains

Signs of too little light:

  • No blooms
  • Slow growth
  • Leaves losing their shine

Signs of too much light:

  • Leaves fading or bleaching
  • Brown, crispy edges

Pro tip: If your Anthurium stops blooming, move it to a brighter spot.

Watering

Anthuriums like evenly moist soil, but not soggy.

How to water:

  1. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
  2. Water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

How often?

  • Spring and summer: Every 5 to 7 days
  • Fall and winter: Every 7 to 10 days

Signs of overwatering:

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Root rot
  • Black spots on leaves

Signs of underwatering:

  • Drooping leaves
  • Brown, crispy edges
  • Leaves curling inward

Humidity

Anthuriums are tropical. They need high humidity.

Ideal humidity: 60 to 80 percent.

How to increase humidity:

  • Use a humidifier (the best solution)
  • Place on a pebble tray with water
  • Group with other plants
  • Keep in a bathroom with a window

Signs of low humidity:

  • Brown leaf tips and edges
  • New leaves not unfurling properly
  • Blooms not lasting as long

Soil and Pot

Anthuriums like chunky, well-draining soil that stays lightly moist.

Best soil:

  • Orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss (1:1:1)
  • Or African violet mix

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes

Temperature

Anthuriums prefer warm temperatures.

  • Temperature: 65 to 80 F
  • Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 60 F

Fertilizer

Anthuriums are moderate feeders.

  • Fertilize once a month in spring and summer
  • Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength)
  • Or use slow-release fertilizer in spring

Pro tip: High-phosphorus fertilizer encourages blooming.

Getting Anthuriums to Bloom

If your Anthurium has stopped blooming:

Check these:

  • Light (needs bright, indirect light)
  • Humidity (60 percent or higher)
  • Fertilizer (feed monthly during growing season)
  • Age (young plants take 2 to 3 years to bloom)

Pro tip: Dead-head spent blooms by cutting at the base. This encourages new blooms.

Common Problems

No blooms

Not enough light or plant is too young. Move to a brighter spot.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering or root rot. Let soil dry slightly and improve drainage.

Brown leaf tips

Low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Increase humidity and use filtered water.

Black spots on leaves

Fungal infection from overwatering or poor airflow. Cut affected leaves, reduce watering, improve airflow.

Pests

Anthuriums attract spider mites, aphids, and scale. Inspect weekly and treat with insecticidal soap.

Anthurium andraeanum - Classic red, pink, or white blooms.

Anthurium clarinervium - Heart-shaped leaves with white veins. Grown for foliage, not blooms.

Anthurium crystallinum - Large, velvety leaves with silver veins.

Anthurium scherzerianum - Curly orange or red blooms.

Propagating Anthuriums

Anthuriums propagate by division or stem cuttings.

Division:

  1. Remove plant from pot
  2. Gently separate clumps with roots
  3. Repot each division in fresh soil

Stem cuttings:

  1. Cut a stem with aerial roots
  2. Root in water or moist soil
  3. Roots develop in 3 to 4 weeks

Toxicity Note

Anthuriums are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep away from curious cats, dogs, and kids.

What To Do Next

  • If your Anthurium is not blooming, move it to a brighter spot and increase humidity
  • If you love flowering houseplants, try peace lily or African violet
  • If you prefer foliage Anthuriums, look for Anthurium clarinervium or crystallinum
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