Anthurium
Anthurium is a diverse genus of tropical aroids known for its distinctive foliage and inflorescences. While some species and hybrids are grown for colorful flowers, others are prized for large, velvety, textured, or unusually shaped leaves. Most cultivated Anthuriums prefer warm conditions, moderate to bright indirect light, and an airy root environment that provides both moisture and oxygen.
Common species & Cultivars
(Care applies broadly to commonly cultivated Anthurium species and hybrids. Individual species can differ considerably in humidity, moisture, and temperature preferences.)
Anthurium andraeanum — Flamingo Flower
Anthurium crystallinum — Crystal Anthurium
Anthurium clarinervium — Velvet Cardboard Anthurium
Anthurium veitchii — King Anthurium
Anthurium warocqueanum — Queen Anthurium
Anthurium vittariifolium — Strap-leaf Anthurium
Anthurium pendulifolium — Strap-leaf Anthurium
Anthurium ‘Big Bill’ — Large strap-leaf hybrid
Care at a glance
LIGHT
Moderate to bright indirect light
WATER
Allow the upper portion of soil to begin drying
SOIL
Chunky, airy, well-draining aroid mix
TEMP
65–85°F
GROWTH
Upright, rosette-forming, climbing, or pendent
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Light
Anthurium grows best in moderate to bright indirect light. Adequate light supports stronger growth, larger leaves, and flowering in species and hybrids grown for their inflorescences.
Light should be understood as food. Plants use light to power photosynthesis, providing the energy needed to produce new leaves, roots, and flowers. When light is insufficient, growth slows and the plant uses water more slowly, increasing the risk of prolonged wet soil.
Target Light Levels (Foot-Candles)
Ideal: 150–300 fc
Acceptable: 100–150 fc
Upper range: 300–500 fc with acclimation
These are practical indoor targets rather than strict physiological limits. Individual species can differ, and plants acclimated to brighter conditions may tolerate substantially more light than plants grown in lower-light environments.
Velvet-leaf species generally benefit from protection from intense direct sunlight, while many thicker-leaved and strap-leaf Anthuriums can tolerate brighter conditions when properly acclimated.
Gentle morning or winter sunlight may be tolerated, but sudden exposure to intense direct sun can bleach or scorch foliage.
If using grow lights, provide approximately 12 hours of light per day.
Water
Allow the upper portion of the soil to begin drying before watering, then water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the pot.
Most Anthuriums prefer relatively consistent moisture but should not remain saturated. Their roots require both water and oxygen, making the balance between moisture retention and aeration particularly important.
Avoid allowing the entire root ball to remain completely dry for extended periods, especially with moisture-sensitive species.
Do not water according to a fixed schedule. Light, temperature, humidity, airflow, pot size, and soil composition all affect how quickly the plant uses water.
Signs of watering problems:
Yellowing leaves: Can indicate prolonged wet soil, root stress, or natural aging.
Drooping foliage: May indicate significant dryness, although damaged roots can produce similar symptoms.
Brown or crispy edges: Can result from inconsistent moisture, low humidity, mineral buildup, or root stress.
Soft or deteriorating roots: Often indicate prolonged saturation and insufficient root aeration.
Soil
Anthurium does best in a chunky, well-aerated aroid mix that retains some moisture while allowing abundant oxygen around the roots.
A good mix can consist of:
Coco coir or another moisture-retentive base
Perlite or pumice
Medium-to-coarse orchid bark
The goal is a structurally open mix with visible air spaces rather than dense, fine-textured potting soil.
Many Anthuriums naturally grow as epiphytes or hemiepiphytes, making good root aeration especially important. A mix that remains dense and saturated for long periods can quickly create unhealthy root conditions.
Avoid oversized pots. Choose a container only slightly larger than the existing root system and always use drainage holes. When repotting, increase pot size by only about 1–2 inches.
Growth & Habit
Rosette growth: Many species produce leaves from a compact central stem, creating an upright or spreading rosette.
Velvet foliage: Species such as A. crystallinum and A. clarinervium are known for dark, velvety leaves with prominent venation.
Strap-leaf growth: Species such as A. vittariifolium and A. pendulifolium produce long leaves that hang downward and benefit from elevated containers.
Large foliage: Some species and hybrids can produce increasingly large leaves as they mature under favorable conditions.
Aerial roots: Roots may develop above the soil surface and can help the plant access moisture and oxygen.
Flowering: Anthuriums produce a typical aroid inflorescence consisting of a spadix surrounded by a spathe. In flowering hybrids, the spathe may be brightly colored and remain attractive for an extended period.
Growth rate varies considerably between species. Some hybrids grow relatively quickly, while specialized foliage species may develop much more slowly.
common issues
Brown leaf edges: Can result from inconsistent moisture, low humidity, mineral or fertilizer buildup, or root stress. Some humidity-sensitive species develop damaged margins more readily than others.
Yellowing leaves: Occasional loss of older leaves is normal. Widespread yellowing, particularly when the growing medium remains wet, can indicate root problems or insufficient light.
Small new leaves: Can result from insufficient light, root stress, inadequate nutrition, or immature growth. Improving the overall growing environment is more effective than simply increasing fertilizer.
Damaged or deformed new growth: Can occur when developing leaves experience low humidity, inconsistent moisture, root stress, or pest damage.
Root rot: Consistently saturated, poorly aerated growing media can deprive roots of oxygen and cause tissue deterioration.
Leaf scorch: Sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight can cause bleached, yellow, or brown patches.
Pests: Thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can affect Anthuriums. Inspect new growth, leaf undersides, petioles, and developing inflorescences regularly.
Long-Term Care Notes
Anthurium performs best when moisture and aeration are balanced rather than maximizing either one. The roots should have access to moisture without remaining surrounded by saturated, oxygen-poor growing media.
Many foliage Anthuriums appreciate higher humidity, particularly species with thin or velvety leaves. Around 50–70% relative humidity works well for many commonly cultivated types, while particularly humidity-sensitive species may perform better toward the upper end of that range. Common flowering hybrids are generally more tolerant of ordinary household conditions.
Avoid abrupt environmental changes, particularly with sensitive foliage species. New leaves are especially vulnerable while expanding and hardening.
A light, consistent fertilizer routine during active growth can support larger foliage and continued flowering, but fertilizer cannot compensate for insufficient light or unhealthy roots.
Strap-leaf Anthuriums benefit from being grown where their leaves have room to hang freely, while larger upright species may eventually require substantial horizontal and vertical space.
Pet safety: Anthurium contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested. Keep plants away from pets that may chew foliage.
Consistency is more important than perfection. Provide sufficient light for active growth, maintain consistent but not excessive moisture, and prioritize an airy root environment.