How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Anthuriums

Tropical plants bring a beautiful and exotic element to the home. With their vibrant colors and shocking shapes, it is easy to see why they are so popular. Although many can be high maintenance, seeing these plants flourish and bloom in the home is a joy. Anthuriums fit into this special group of plants suitable for growing indoors. Let’s learn more about caring for these stunning tropical plants. 

What Are Anthuriums?

Anthurium is a tropical plant that we usually grow as a houseplant in North America. You may know some species by the more common names flamingo flower, painter’s palette, and flamingo lily. Plant lovers appreciate this plant for its attractive foliage and vivid flowers. It also has an excellent ability to thrive in the home. 

There is a lot of variation among more than 1,000 species of this interesting plant genus. From the tiny ‘Mini Jungle,’ to the extra large ‘Faustino’s Giant,’ is quite a range of plants. They are commonly gifted as symbols of hospitality and love. Let’s take a look at how these lovely plants grow so you can cultivate one at home. 

History

Trinidad is where cultivation of anthuriums was most prevalent during the 20th century. Here, these plants grew beneath the canopy of cocoa and citrus orchards.  The most common purpose for growing these plants is generally for the floristry trade. Their flowers fetch a good price and are very long-lasting. 

The cultivation in Trinidad began to wane in the 1960s. In the 1970s, anthuriums grew popular in Holland and Hawaii. From there, their prevalence expanded to other parts of the world.

In the 1980s, Jamaica was the largest exporter of these plants. A form of blight and general disease management became issues soon after, leading to a decline in the industry as a whole. 

Native Area

Anthuriums are tropical plants. They are native to Central and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean, where they grow naturally as understory plants in tropical forests. 

In their native habitat, some species grow on the ground. Others grow in trees as epiphytes. Understanding your species’ preferences plays a significant role in the success of raising these plants.

Characteristics

The majority of anthuriums are epiphytes. They grow in trees, under the canopy, where they root to the trunk or branches, gathering water and nutrients from rainwater and humidity in the air. They are not parasitic, and their presence does not harm the host tree. 

Other types are hemiepiphytic. These species root in the ground. They then attach to other plants and climb using the other plant as support. Though they begin their life rooted in the ground, they ultimately end up living as epiphytes. 

Anthuriums are evergreen and perennial. They do not lose their leaves seasonally, and most flower in spring and summer in the wild. Kept as houseplants, they can flower at any time of year, and the flowers are long-lasting. 

The leaves are heart-shaped and hang downward from the end of the stems. The leaves can range in size greatly. The smaller species kept as houseplants commonly have leaves four to five inches long. Meanwhile, some giant types have leaves up to three feet long!

These are flowering plants, though the flowers vary, and some are far more flamboyant than others. Species with vibrant flowers are most coveted as houseplants. 

These plants garner the nickname flamingo flower because of their bright pink, red, or white flowers. The flowers consist of a brightly colored spathe. The spathe surrounds a spadix, upon which many small flowers appear. 

Uses

Some species of anthurium have traditional medicinal use to aid in arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle and joint pain. Most commonly, though, these plants are loved for their ornamental value. They will grow outdoors in tropical climates, but most often, they are kept as houseplants. 

Where to Buy Anthuriums

The availability of anthuriums depends greatly on the species. Some common types are available in nurseries, hardware stores, and even grocery stores from time to time. 

Rarer types are more difficult to find but not impossible. The advent of the internet made it easier to locate rare specimens. I’ve also purchased rarer types from other local plant lovers. 

Planting

If you live in zones 10-13, you can grow these plants in the garden. As long as they have the right light and watering conditions, you can plant them at just about any time of year.

For most of us, anthurium is a potted plant that lives indoors for at least part of the year. While you can move your anthurium outdoors in warm weather, it needs to live indoors in the cooler months because it cannot handle frost.

How to Grow

We don’t consider these plants difficult to grow, but they are particular about some aspects of care. I’ve found it easy to overwater them, which can lead to root rot and kill the plant. The proper potting medium, container, and watering routine are key.

For most houseplant gardeners, moisture is the most important determinant of plant health. This includes the amount and regularity of watering, drainage, and humidity. If you can master the right balance with moisture, you should be successful. 

Light

Consider the native habitat of this plant when determining the type of light it needs. Anthuriums are understory plants. They grow under tree canopies where they are rarely exposed to direct sunlight. This doesn’t mean that they don’t like light, though.

Anthuriums are a lot like orchids in terms of their growing needs. This makes sense, as they have similar native environments. The best light conditions for these plants is bright, but indirect sunlight. They will survive in partial shade as well but avoid exposure to unfiltered afternoon sun, as this can scorch the plant.

Place your plant near a brightly lit window, just out of the direct exposure. Another way to provide the right lighting is to filter the sunshine. A sheer curtain or window film works quite well. 

Water

Because of their epiphytic nature, the roots are very sensitive to moisture. Specifically, the roots cannot stay wet and will rot quickly if they do. This doesn’t mean that they don’t like water. These are not succulent plants. They just need time to dry between waterings. 

Drainage is a key factor in maintaining the root health of these plants. We will address that in a moment. In terms of watering, if you pot the plant correctly, water it once per week. The soil should dry out between watering. The amount of water you give your plant will depend on the size of the specific plant.

Soil 

Anthuriums prefer slightly acidic soil. You can achieve this by adding organic material into your potting mix. It is imperative that the soil drains thoroughly and doesn’t hold water close to the plant’s roots. 

A good place to start with potting medium is orchid bark. This is a combination of large particles that allow water to flow through freely. Amend the orchid bark with peat moss, compost, and other coarse potting materials. 

Temperature and Humidity

This plant can tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures but is not cold-tolerant. The ideal range for an anthurium is between 60°-90°F (16°-32°C). This factor makes the plant great for keeping inside the home, where the temperature remains fairly consistent. 

When it comes to humidity, things get tricky. This is a tropical plant that grows in rainforests. Rainforests are humid places, especially under the canopy, where moisture gets trapped. Different varieties need different amounts of humidity. Some need a level as high as 70-80%. Others will be fine with a level closer to 30%, but this is rare.

For most potted indoor anthuriums, a humidity level between 50-60% is ideal. The species that need very high humidity do not make good houseplants. These plants need to live in a greenhouse if grown in cooler climates. 

Fertilizing

If you plant your anthurium in fertile soil, it technically doesn’t need fertilizer for regular growth. However, occasional fertilizing will encourage blooming. The nutrient responsible for strong blooms is phosphorus. In the NPK fertilizer formula, this is the number in the center.

If you want to encourage your plant to bloom, choose a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content. A formula of 1-2-1 is a good choice, and liquid fertilizers are easiest for the plant to absorb. For general plant health, choose a balanced fertilizer instead. 

Because fertilizer is not a requirement for this plant, less is more is the rule. Only fertilize during the growth season. This includes spring and summer. Fertilize your plant once per month during this time at a dilution of one-half to one-quarter strength.

Maintenance

Pruning your anthurium will help keep the plant looking full and healthy. When you prune, the first step is to remove any suckers or stems growing from the base of the plant. These are the start of offsets and will drain the plant of nutrients. 

Remove any dead or damaged leaves next. Since the plant can bloom for a long time, pruning after blooming, as with most plants, isn’t always convenient. You can prune at any time of year when the plant is inside. If you plant your anthurium in the ground, prune in the spring at the onset of the growth period.

Prune any leaves that interfere with the generally pleasing shape of the plant. Never remove all leaves, even if you are hard pruning the plant. You should only hard prune if the plant has become leggy. Always leave at least four leaves, even when you hard prune the plant.

When blooms wilt, remove them at the base. This will help the plant to redirect energy away from the flower and back to producing new growth. Aside from pruning, anthuriums are low-maintenance plants. 

Growing in Containers

As we mentioned, these plants grow well in containers. This is even a common way to grow them outside tropical climates. Make sure to plant your anthurium in a container with adequate drainage. Use a well-draining potting soil as well. 

Propagation

You can propagate your anthurium by stem cuttings and removing the pups or offshoots. As we discussed in the pruning section, removing offshoots allows the plant to redirect nutrients, yet it also provides you with propagation material. Pruning is the ideal time to propagate your plants.

To propagate from stem cuttings, remove the top portion of the plant with at least one node included. This is similar to propagating a monopodial orchid. Remove the top of the stem with leaves attached. Plant this cutting in its container and keep the soil warm and moist until the cutting has roots. 

It is easier to propagate by offsets, as the plant is essentially propagating itself. To do this:

1. Simply wait until the offset has produced some aerial roots.
2. Cut it from the main stem with a clean, sharp tool.
3. Plant this new, small plant in its container and baby it for a while until you see new growth.
4. As a rule, wait for your offsets to develop a second leaf shoot before removing them from the parent. 

Popular Varieties

Here are the best varieties of anthurium for indoor and outdoor gardens.

‘Painter’s-Palette’

	botanical name Anthurium andraeanum
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 12”-18”
	hardiness zones 11-12

‘Painter’s-Palette’ is the most common type of anthurium to keep as a houseplant. This plant is popular because of its brightly colored flowers and general ease of care. It has glossy, medium-green leaves at the ends of long, thin stems. The flowers are large and waxy, in red, pink, or white, and occasionally a combination of white and red or pink. 

This species is a winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It is low-maintenance and easy to find at most nurseries. You may find this plant at the supermarket or hardware store. 

Pigtail Plant

	botanical name Anthurium scherzerianum
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 12”-18”
	hardiness zones 10-12

This species, which is also known by the name ‘Oilcloth Flower’ is similar to the ‘Painter’s-Palette.’ The primary difference is that the spadix is curly rather than straight. For a fun twist on the common houseplant, this species is perfect. 

Pigtail plant typically has flowers in shades of red, green, and pink. Red is the most common color and the easiest to find. The flowers are waxy in texture, and the leaves are glossy as well. 

Velvet Cardboard

	botanical name Anthurium clarinervium
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 30″-54″
	hardiness zones 10-12

Sometimes called velvet cardboard, the Anthurium clarinervium species is more commonly cultivated for its attractive leaves than its flowers. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and velvety. The deep green leaves have bright, white veining. The contrast is striking!

This species is entirely epiphytic and never touches the ground. It needs very well-drained soil to maintain healthy roots. The plant does flower, but it is uncommon for a plant kept indoors. The flowers are purple and smaller than the more decorative types. It is still a very attractive and desirable plant. 

Luxurians

	botanical name Anthurium luxurians
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 18”-24”
	hardiness zones 10-12

Anthurium luxurians is a species for the collector rather than the beginner. Anthuriums are stunning plants, and once you get started, you may find yourself on the hunt for rarer varieties. This is one of the more popular and highly sought-after. I recommend starting with a more common and less costly species, and working up to the rarer types. 

Luxurians has stunning, glossy leaves with deep veins and a highly textured appearance. The new leaves are light with a reddish tint. They gradually lose the red tint, and the color deepens to dark green as the leaves age. It’s a remarkable plant and very satisfying to grow. 

Common Problems

A handful of issues can crop up with these plants. They are not considered low-maintenance, so keeping a close watch on your anthurium is a good idea.

Root Rot

The most common issue with anthuriums is root rot. Because they are epiphytes, they are adapted to having exposed roots. As a result, they need a lot of air circulation around their roots. The best defense against root rot is to maintain this air circulation around the roots and avoid overwatering. The right container and potting soil are a great start. Establishing a good watering routine is very helpful. 

Not Flowering

Not all anthuriums are big flower producers, especially when kept indoors. They all produce flowers, but some are far less showy than others. If your species is one that commonly flowers indoors, and you’re not seeing blooms for a year, there is a problem. 

The first potential issue is the amount of sun the plant receives. If your plant isn’t getting enough bright, indirect sunlight, you may need to move it closer to a light source. Nutrient availability is the second consideration for a plant that isn’t blooming. If you haven’t fertilized in a while, give your plant a dose of a high-phosphorus fertilizer.

Bacterial Blight

Bacterial blight is another disease issue that can affect these plants. This shows up as lesions on leaves that appear wet, then turn yellow and ultimately brown. If you see this issue crop up, remove the affected tissue right away.   

Pests

The same household pests that many houseplants deal with can be an issue for anthuriums. Most of the time, these pests come into the home on new plants. Be certain to inspect any new plants before introducing them.  

If you need to treat a plant for a pest infestation, it is best to do it as soon as possible. Neem oil is a great treatment for many pests. If this doesn’t work, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are a good second line of defense. Wipe down your plant regularly to get a good sense of what kinds of pests there are.

Frequently Asked Questions