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Long-lasting, heart shaped blooms are the calling card of Anthuriums.  The bright, showy flowers make a great color accent in the home, and care is very easy!

Anthuriums are also a great choice for an outdoor summer container if you have bright shade-they love the heat and humidity and should flower all season.

Light:

Anthuriums need medium to bright light to bloom, but they will survive and grow (but not flower) in low light conditions. Choose a spot near a sunny window, but not in harsh direct sunlight (early morning or late afternoon sun is generally OK).

Water:

Keep the soil just barely moist but not soggy. You’ll find the plant needs more water in spring and summer, particularly if you have it in bright light. Overwatering may cause root disease that can be difficult to recover from.

Fertilize in spring and summer with any general purpose fertilizer suitable for houseplants. Feeding at a dilute rate (usually ¼ strength) at every watering gives great results, and you don’t have to remember the last time you fertilized. A slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote also works well.

Temperature & Humidity:

Regular home temperatures are fine, but like many tropical houseplants, the added heat and humidity of spending the summer outdoors is “just like home”. Just be sure to avoid any direct sunlight if you summer your Anthurium outdoors.

Avoid hot or cold drafts and placing your Anthurium too near a heat source. This can dry the leaves and cause brown tips.

Repotting:

If your Anthurium is outgrowing the container, repot in spring when roots are beginning to grow. Any well-drained quality soil mix will work.

As Anthuriums age, they begin to form an elongated stem with root nubs showing. You can wrap these stems with moist sphagnum moss, tying and a loose layer of plastic over the moss to retain moisture. Keep the moss moist and the roots should begin to grow into it. When a good amount of new roots have formed, the stem can be cut off at soil level and the new roots potted.

As long as Anthuriums receive enough light and moisture, with fertilizer during active growth, they should continue to produce new flowers almost year ‘round. If your Anthurium is not flowering, insufficient light or moisture is likely the culprit.