How Do I Care for my Anthurium

Anthuriums are easy, adaptable houseplants known for their glossy foliage and long-lasting blooms. With the right balance of light, water, and humidity, they make reliable performers for tabletops, desks, and bright indoor spaces.

Light

Anthuriums grow best in bright, indirect light. Place them near a sunny window where they receive plenty of filtered light throughout the day. 

Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. In lower light, growth may slow and flowering may be reduced.

Water

Anthurium prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

• Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry
• Water thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain

General watering guidelines by pot size:

• 4-inch pot: About ½ cup of room temperature water

Always empty excess water from the saucer or decorative pot after 10 minutes to prevent root issues.

Anthurium are more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering, so it’s better to let the potting mix dry a bit than keep it constantly wet.

Humidity & Temperature

Anthuriums prefer above-average humidity, but they adapt to typical indoor conditions.

• Ideal temperature: 65–80°F
• Keep away from cold drafts, vents, and sudden temperature swings

Low humidity may lead to brown leaf tips or reduced flowering. A humidifier or grouping plants together can help increase humidity.

Soil

Use a well-draining indoor potting mix. A mix designed for aroids or one amended with bark or perlite works well.

Good drainage is key—Anthurium roots don’t like sitting in soggy soil. 

Fertilizer

Feed in spring and summer with a time-release houseplant fertilizer pellet, applied as directed.

Anthuriums are light feeders—avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to brown tips or salt buildup in the soil.

Growth & Habit

Anthurium are slow to moderate growers with an upright habit and glossy foliage. Their blooms (spathe and spadix) can last for weeks and come in red, pink, or chocolate.

• Plants are great for desks, tabletop displays, and shelves.
• Leaves may naturally yellow and drop over time as the plant grows. Remove leaves that are more than 50% yellow to keep the plant looking its best.

Grooming

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves and spent blooms by cutting at the base of the stem using a sharp blade
• Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust

Regular grooming helps keep your plant looking clean and healthy.

Propagation

Anthuriums are typically propagated by division.

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot
2. Separate rooted sections, ensuring each division has leaves and roots
3. Replant in fresh potting mix

Spring and summer are the best times to propagate.

Repotting

Anthuriums like to be slightly snug in their pot and don't need frequent repotting. When roots begin circling the bottom of the pot or emerging from the drainage holes (not just one or two roots, but enough that the drainage holes are becoming crowded), it's time to move up — in this case from a 4-inch to a 6-inch pot.

Spring is the best time to repot. Choose a pot only one size larger (2 inches) and use a fresh, well-draining potting mix made for Aroid houseplants. Gently loosen the root ball, place the plant at the same depth it was growing before, and water thoroughly after repotting.

Avoid jumping to a significantly larger pot — too much extra soil holds moisture longer than the roots can absorb, which can lead to root rot.

Common Questions

Why are the tips of my Anthurium turning brown?
This is usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or mineral buildup from tap water.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Most often due to overwatering or poor drainage.

Why isn’t my Anthurium flowering?
Insufficient light is the most common cause. Move the plant to a brighter location with bright, indirect light.