Anthurium indoor plants are epiphytes, a type of air plant native to warm, tropical regions where they grow on the surfaces of other plants or in rich organic humus. As a result, the anthurium is extremely hardy and requires little care as a houseplant. Simply re-pot with peat moss or a coco coir-based soil mixture, provide bright, indirect sunlight, and let the soil partially dry out between waterings. For more robust, repeated "flowering," allow your anthurium to rest for six weeks with little water during the winter at approximately 60°F. If the "flower" is green instead of the colour you expected, it could be a new sprout that was forced to bloom when it should have been resting. If a "flower" fades, it is most likely an older bloom that is about to dry and fall off.

Not all anthuriums are prized for their "flowers." Anthuriums grown for their foliage require the same care as those grown for their flowers. The only distinction is that they do not require as much light. Anthurium superbum, Water Dragon, Plowmanii, and Jungle Bush can all tolerate lower light levels!

Light:

Flowering Anthurium requires bright, indirect light (direct sunlight scorches the leaves and flowers!). Low light slows growth, dulls colour, and results in fewer, smaller "flowers." After buying from a plant nursery, place the anthurium in a location that receives at least 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight per day.

Water:

Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry to the touch, and stop when water begins to drain from the drainage holes. Overwatering should be avoided (Anthurium roots are prone to rot!). The more light and warmth your anthurium receives, the more water it will require, so check the soil every few days for dryness. Pay attention to signs of stress or thirst: stressed plants will be light when lifted and will have droopy or puckered leaves. You won't need to water as frequently in the winter because the plant isn't actively growing.

Soil:

Anthurium are epiphytes, which means they do not require soil to grow! They absorb moisture from the air and nutrients from their host (typically a tree or dead plant material). To allow water to drain quickly, their potting soil should contain more drainage materials (compared to soils for most indoor plants), such as wood chips, perlite, coarse sand, or pumice. Most bagged soilless potting soil for indoor plants will work fine, but remember to let the soil dry completely before watering again. If the roots are staying wet for too long, you can add cactus potting soil mix to your potting soil to help the water drain! When you need to transfer your anthurium into a larger pot, this is a great time to do so.

Temperature:

Temperature Anthuriums prefer warm temperatures (70–90°F), but don't worry, these plants are extremely adaptable and can thrive in typical household temperatures. However, extreme temperatures should be avoided: if your thermostat falls below 50°F, the anthurium will stop growing; if your house becomes too hot, the anthuriums will wilt.

Humidity:

The majority of anthuriums prefer humidity, but flowering varieties can tolerate more dryness. If the humidity level in your home is less than 50%, consider using a humidifier to raise it to at least 60%. Filling small trays with pebbles and water and grouping indoor plants together can help to increase the humidity around your plants. Learn how to make your indoor plants more humid!

Fertilizer:

Feed your anthurium once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a complete, 14-strength liquid fertiliser. Take note: too much fertiliser can cause more harm than good. During the growing season, use a phosphorus-rich fertiliser to encourage more blooms.

Anthurium are slow-growing indoor plants that average around 4" in height every year! If properly cared for, the leaves will grow larger, but the plant will not grow taller than 30 inches.