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Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum

FloweringModerateModeratetoxic to pets
Good to know: The waxy red "flower" is a spathe (a modified leaf); the true flowers are the tiny bumps on the spadix. A well-kept plant can bloom nearly year-round, hence the "flamingo flower".

Through the year 🗓️

☀️ Summer now

Peak bloom with bright light and good humidity.

🍂 Fall

Fewer flowers; keep feeding lightly.

❄️ Winter

A six-week cooler, drier rest (~60 °F) sets up next year's flowers.

🌱 Spring

Repot into a chunky mix; flowering accelerates.

The details

Light & placement

Light
Bright indirect; brightness drives blooming, but no harsh direct sun
Ideal PPFD
150–350 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Grow-light distance
14–20 in below LED

Water & feed

Watering method
Water when the top inch dries; drain fully. Likes moisture but rots in soggy soil, so an airy mix is key.
Fertilizer
Higher-phosphorus feed at ¼ strength every 6 wks in spring–summer to keep blooms coming.

Home & habit

Soil
Chunky, airy aroid mix (bark + perlite + coco); pH 5.5–6.5
Humidity
High (55%+); a humidity lover
Temperature
65–80 °F, no cold drafts
Mature size
12–18 in
Repotting
Every 1–2 yrs into a snug, airy pot
Propagation
Division of the crown; stem cuttings with aerial roots.

When something looks wrong

Overwatering signs
Yellowing leaves, brown mushy roots, no new blooms
Underwatering signs
Drooping, browning leaf edges, wrinkling
Common pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips
Care notes: For continuous blooms it needs bright light, warmth, humidity, and a chunky mix that never stays wet. Wipe the glossy leaves and remove spent flowers at the base.

Common problems 🩺

The usual suspects when Anthurium looks unhappy. Most houseplant trouble is watering or light, not disease — see all plant problems if you are not sure which plant is the culprit.

No red blooms

Likely cause
Not enough light, or it needs feeding through the growing season.

What to do
Bright indirect light plus a diluted balanced feed every few weeks in spring and summer.

Yellowing leaves

Likely cause
Overwatering — anthuriums want an airy mix that never stays wet.

What to do
Let the top inch dry and repot into a chunky aroid mix if the soil looks dense.

Brown leaf tips

Likely cause
Dry air or tap-water salts.

What to do
Raise humidity above 50% and use filtered water.

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