ANTHURIUM
Anthuriums are native to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, and the genus includes over 800 different species. The most widely grown anthurium is Anthurium andreanum, characterized by richly colored, waxy, heart-shaped flowers with long inflorescences emerging from the center. An interesting note, the colored part of the “flower” is actually a bract, which is a modified leaf. The actual flower is the yellow or green inflorescence emerging from the bract. These bracts come in many different colors, but are most commonly red, bright pink, or brilliant white. In addition to these iconic flowers, they also sport large, glossy, heart shaped leaves.
Anthuriums are becoming an increasingly popular genus in the house plant world, and many species and hybrids are becoming more commercially available. Some have thick, cardboard-like leaves that grow in a “bird nest” habit; others have more delicate, thin foliage, becoming upright and bushy over time; some even have soft, velvety leaves. The care will differ slightly depending on the species or hybrid, but they are epiphytic plants and share some general care tips. Following will be general care, geared towards the commonly grown Anthurium andreanum, often called the Flamingo Flower.
WATER & SOIL
Anthuriums thrive when allowed to dry slightly between thorough waterings. Check the soil surface every few days and give your plant a deep drink when the top inch of soil begins to dry out.
Anthuriums typically have thick, fibrous roots that do not want to sit in excess water, as they can easily rot. Due to this, drainage is important for anthuriums. They will prefer a pot with drainage holes and a soil with lots of amendments (like orchid bark and pumice) to help their soil dry out efficiently. Make sure you are pouring any excess water out of the saucer or cover pot after giving your plant a good soak.
LIGHT
A bright, indirect light is best for your Anthuriums and will encourage blooming and new growth. They can also tolerate medium to low light. However, when in lower light, they will produce fewer flowers and may grow very slowly. Avoid putting them in unobstructed south facing windows, as hot direct light may burn the foliage
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Anthuriums are not frost tolerant, and do not want to drop below 55℉. They actually prefer to be on the warmer side, growing comfortably at temperatures of 70-90℉. Additionally, they will grow most quickly in higher humidity, around roughly 60-80%. If you notice that your leaves are coming in slightly deformed or damaged, and there are no visible pests, you may want to increase the humidity.
FERTILIZER:
Anthuriums can be fertilized twice a month during the growing season (early spring to fall) with an all purpose fertilizer. You can also use a bloom fertilizer, which is higher in phosphorus, to help promote flowering. We recommend diluting any synthetic fertilizers to at least ½ strength, in reference to the dilution instructions on the container. As an example, if the container says to dilute 1 tsp of fertilizer into 1 gallon of water, you would instead use ½ tsp per gallon.