Anthurium
Glossy heart-shaped leaves and waxy red, pink or white flowers that last for months. The longest-blooming houseplant there is, and easier than it looks if you give it bright light and airy soil.
Anthurium flowers are not really flowers; the coloured heart is a modified leaf around a spike, which is why they last two or three months instead of two or three days. A healthy plant has a bloom open most of the year.
It is an epiphyte, growing on trees in the wild, and the care follows from that: bright but filtered light, loose airy soil, and roots that are never left sitting in water.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. It tolerates medium light but flowers less. Direct sun burns the leaves and fades the blooms.
Water
Water when the top inch or two is dry, about weekly in summer and every twelve days in winter. Then let it drain completely. The roots are thick and rot easily in soggy soil. Filtered water helps with brown tips.
Soil and potting
A very airy mix, closer to orchid mix than potting soil: bark, perlite and a little peat. Repot every couple of years in spring, and never bury the crown.
Feeding
A half-strength feed every six weeks in spring and summer. A bloom formula with more phosphorus encourages flowers on a mature plant.
Propagation
Division at repotting: separate a clump with roots and a few leaves. Stem cuttings with aerial roots also work, rooted in damp sphagnum.
In a hot, dry home
Manageable here with a little humidity. Group it with other plants and keep it away from vents; a bathroom or kitchen spot suits it. Brown leaf tips are the first sign the air is too dry.
Anthurium varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Red
The classic red flamingo flower.
- Pink
Pink spathes.
- Purple
Purple spathes.
- Livium
A compact hybrid with pink-red flowers.
- Queen of Hearts
Dark green, heart-shaped leaves with white veins; grown for foliage.
- Hookeri Variegated
Bird's nest anthurium with long paddle leaves splashed white.
- Cobra
A bird's nest type with wavy, upright leaves.
- Fingers
Anthurium pedatoradiatum: leaves split into finger-like lobes.
- Magnificum
Large velvety leaves with white veins. A collector foliage anthurium.
- Radicans Lux
Puckered, heart-shaped dark leaves. Compact.
-
Velvet leaves with white veins. Has its own profile.
Full profile -
Thick, heart-shaped leaves with white veins. Has its own profile.
Full profile
Problems and fixes
Brown leaf tips
Likely cause: Dry air or tap water minerals
Fix: Use filtered water and raise humidity.
Yellow leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top two inches dry out. Repot into airier mix if the soil stays wet for days.
No flowers
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move closer to an east or south window, out of direct sun.
Flowers turning green
Likely cause: Old blooms fading, or too little light
Fix: Cut spent blooms at the base. Brighten the light for the next ones.
Anthurium questions
Is anthurium toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach. Keep it out of reach.
How long do anthurium flowers last?
Two to three months each. A healthy plant in good light produces new blooms most of the year.
Why are my anthurium leaves turning brown at the tips?
Dry air or minerals in tap water. Switch to filtered water and raise the humidity.
