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Today, we have another viewer-inspired video—this time, it’s a care video for anthuriums. Elizabeth requested this video for her anthurium. She mentioned that her plant is massive and getting a little unwieldy, and she’d like to improve its blooming frequency and get more flowers. Currently, she only gets one or two blooms at a time, and only in the spring. She also asked for tips on how to bring back the beautiful waxy shine to the leaves, which has diminished due to lower humidity.

We are going to talk all about the care for these beauties, and hopefully, this will help Elizabeth and everyone else as well.

Anthurium flowers, also known as flamingo flowers, were originally found in areas of the Andes mountain range in Colombia and Ecuador. Because of their origins, they enjoy warm spots in your home with a bit of extra humidity. An interesting fact about them is that the colorful “flowers” of the anthurium are actually modified leaves known as bracts. The true flowers are the small yellow structures that grow from the plant, while the red parts are the bracts. However, we often refer to them as flowers.

Anthuriums come in a wide range of colors, including red, white, pink, and purple. The leaves are generally waxy. Anthuriums are also epiphytes, a type of air plant. In their natural environment, they grow on trees, which is why you might see aerial roots emerging from the soil, similar to orchids. This is an indicator that the plant grows epiphytically in its natural habitat. You can trim these aerial roots if you want, but the plant tends to thrive better if you let them grow.

To keep these plants healthy, happy, and looking their best in your indoor garden, let’s start with lighting. Anthuriums need bright, indirect light. Direct light will scorch the leaves and flowers, causing unattractive sunburn marks. To avoid this, place your plant in a south-facing window but a few feet back, or in an eastern window where they can get bright morning light that isn’t too harsh. Full-spectrum lighting is also a great option, as it simulates daylight without the risk of sunburn.

Watering is another crucial aspect of anthurium care. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil becomes dry to the touch, and make sure water drains out of the bottom of the pot. While you want to avoid overwatering, you also don’t want to let the plant dry out too much. If the plant is underwatered, the leaves will turn brown, and the plant will struggle to survive, let alone flower. Signs of stress due to lack of water include a loss of sheen on the leaves, the plant feeling lightweight, and possible drooping or puckering of the leaves. Always use lukewarm water when watering, as cold water can cause root dieback and leaf spotting.

Humidity is another important factor for anthuriums. Most anthuriums thrive in environments with humidity levels of 50% or higher. If your home is dry, consider using humidity trays, misting the plant several times a day, or placing it in a more humid area like a bathroom with sufficient light. A hygrometer is a useful tool for monitoring humidity levels in your home, and I’ll link some options below. The more plants you have, the more humid your air will be, as plants naturally transpire and emit humidity.

Anthuriums prefer temperatures on the warmer side, ideally between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops into the 60s or lower, the plant may not do well. During winter, consider placing the plant on a heating mat to keep the roots warm, which can also encourage flowering.

Fertilizing during the growing season (spring through early fall) is important. Feed your anthurium once a month with a complete, well-balanced fertilizer at half or quarter strength. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. To encourage more blooming, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus at half or quarter strength during the growing season. Soft rock phosphate is a good option, as it provides the necessary phosphorus and also contains calcium.

To get your anthurium to repeat flower, allow it to rest for six weeks during the winter with less water and at a slightly cooler temperature around 60 degrees. This can push the plant into a dormant state, which may encourage more blooming during the growing season.

If you notice spotting on the leaves, it could be due to watering issues or sunburn. Make sure to water correctly and avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight. Sunburn can cause significant damage, so indirect light is best.

Pruning is also essential for keeping your anthurium healthy. Remove older leaves and spent flowers by cutting them at the base of the stem, but avoid cutting into the crown of the plant.

In summary, to keep your anthurium happy, provide bright, indirect light, water it correctly, maintain humidity levels, keep it warm, fertilize sparingly, and prune as needed. With the right care, your anthurium will reward you with beautiful blooms and vibrant, waxy leaves.

Please let me know if you have any other questions in the comment section below. Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

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