Anthurium: Not just a flower, it's a statement.
- Lily Sun

- Oct 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 12, 2025
Anthuriums epitomize tropical elegance with their distinctive, glossy, heart-shaped blooms. The waxy, vivid spathe and contrasting central spadix create a sophisticated, modern statement. These enduring flowers offer year-round, effortless style, bringing a touch of luxurious, exotic beauty to any space.

Type
Indoor
Moderate Plant Care
High Humidity (70%-80%)
Boasting over 1,000 species globally, the Anthurium genus sees its diversity expand every year through hybridization. Although certain varieties have unique needs, all Anthuriums share a basic care foundation rooted in their tropical origins. Remember that your local environment (light, humidity, and temperature) is the final factor determining success.
Sun Needs
The fundamental light requirement for nearly all Anthurium species is Bright, Indirect Light.
In the wild, Anthuriums are found under the shade of other trees (either on the ground or clinging to trunks). They need bright light, but it must always be filtered—never direct, harsh sun.
Bright, Indirect Light Anthuriums thrive with 6 to 12 hours of bright, filtered light per day. A minimum of six hours is often cited for healthy growth and prolific blooming.
Avoid Direct Sun Prolonged direct sunlight (especially strong afternoon sun) will quickly lead to leaf scorching and sunburnt foliage, which appears as bleached, yellow, or brown spots/edges.
Ideal Placement An east or northern-facing window is often ideal, or a few feet away from a sunny window, or one with a sheer curtain.
Cautionary Note A small amount of gentle direct sun from this placement is generally acceptable, provided it is not intense (90 degrees? Ouch!) or prolonged.
Water Needs
Anthuriums can be summarized by prioritizing balance: they like to be consistently moist but absolutely hate sitting in soggy soil. Typically, it is recommended
The goal is to water the plant thoroughly and then let the soil dry out a little before watering again.
Wait for the soil to dry out a bit, but not completely. The most common recommendation is to water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot and empty the saucer to prevent root rot.
Signs of thirst include drooping or yellowing leaves and difficulty unfurling new leaves.
Avoid Overwatering Anthuriums dislike consistently soggy soil and are prone to root rot.
How to Check Soil
Insert your finger one to two inches into the soil to gauge moisture; it should be dry at this depth before watering again.
You can also use a chopstick or moisture meter for a more accurate reading, but avoid letting the soil become completely dry, as Alocasias prefer consistently moist but not soggy conditions.
Soil and Fertilizer Needs
Soil
Use a chunky, airy, well-draining potting mix, such as one containing compost, perlite, orchid bark, or activated charcoal.
Fertilizer Anthuriums are not considered heavy feeders and are sensitive to over-fertilization, which can cause root burn and brown tips on the leaves. With that said, use a water-soluble fertilizer of your choice.
Seasonal Frequency Considerations
Season | Expected Frequency | Note |
Growing Season(Spring & Summer) | Water Frequently: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry (e.g., every 7–10 days). Fertilize: Feed every 2–4 weeks at half-strength. | This is the period of active growth, new leaves, and blooms. The plant is both hungry and thirsty. |
Dormant Season(Fall & Winter) | Water Sparingly: Allow the soil to dry out much more before watering (e.g., every 2–3 weeks). Fertilizer: Stop feeding completely. | The plant is resting. Overwatering or fertilizing now is the easiest way to cause root rot or chemical burn. Always let the soil dry out more than usual. |
Tips and Other Notes
They Don't Grow in Dirt In the wild, many Anthuriums grow on trees (like orchids), not in the ground. This is why their roots hate wet, dense, compacted soil and need an airy mix.
Brown/Crispy Tips or Edges Low Humidity, sunburn, or nutrient Issues/over-fertilizing. Adjust as necessary.
Yellowing Leaves Overwatering, too much direct sunlight, or possibly nutrient deficiency. Adjust the watering and sunlight first.
Root Rot The single most common reason Anthuriums die is overwatering (roots drowning). Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Pruning When a leaf dies, use clean scissors to snip the entire stem as close as possible to the soil line. This will trigger the plant to create a new one.
Repotting Anthuriums are slow growers and prefer to be slightly root-bound (a little tight in the pot). Only repot every 2-3 years when roots are clearly circling the bottom or poking out of the drainage holes.
Pests These plants require some pest controls, especially from spider mites! Other pests are a problem too so best to inspect them weekly and keep the humidity levels high (spider mites thrive in dry conditions)!