Anthurium care indoors doesn’t have to be difficult! With the right balance of light, water, humidity, and soil, your flamingo flower can thrive year-round.
These tropical beauties with glossy, heart-shaped blooms are easier to grow than you think.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant gardener, this guide will walk you through everything you need to keep your anthurium healthy, vibrant, and flowering indoors.
🌿 Anthurium Care Indoors – Checklist
- 🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light (avoid harsh sun)
- 🌱 Soil: Well-draining mix (60% coco coir + 40% perlite)
- 💧 Water: When top inch feels dry; maintain high humidity
- 🌡️ Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
- 🍽️ Fertilizer: Monthly during growing season
- 🌸 Blooms: Can flower year-round with proper care
- 🌿 Propagation: Easy by division or stem cuttings
In order to keep your anthurium looking its best, however, you will need to learn about some basic anthurium care indoors.
In this blog post, we will discuss the proper way to water and fertilize an anthurium plant, soil type, propagation as well as how to deal with common problems growing anthurium.
What Is An Anthurium?
Anthurium Red – Live House Plants Indoors
Anthuriums are known for their vibrant red, pink, or white flowers. The flowers are actually not petals, but thick, waxy leaves that grow on a stalk.
Anthuriums can typically be found in rainforests where some grow as epiphytes although some are terrestrial. They are often grown as houseplants.
There are many different species of this plant and although red flowers are most common they can be found in green, white, pink, purple, and mixes of these colors.
However, all anthuriums share one key trait: they produce a substance called oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. As a result, it is important to keep anthurium plants out of reach of children and pets.
Anthurium Care Indoors
Anthurium plants are not hard to grow indoors provided you meet a few growing requirements.
They also can produce their flowers year round so if you want an easy-to-care-for houseplant that flowers indoors anthurium might be just what you are looking for.
Anthurium Care In A Nutshell
Anthuriums are beautiful plants that thrive in warm, humid environments.
With proper care, your anthurium will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms for years to come. So let’s get into it.
Anthurium Lighting
While the anthurium is a relatively easy plant to care for, it does have specific lighting requirements.
The ideal location for an anthurium is in a spot that receives bright indirect sunlight.
An east window works great for this. A south or west-facing window might be too bright.
But you can use them if there are curtains to filter some of the light or you place the plant several feet away from them.
If the leaves start to turn yellow, this could indicate that the plant is getting too much light.
On the other hand, if the flowers begin to fade, this means that the plant is not getting enough light.
In general, it is best to err on the side of too little light rather than too much. With proper care, an anthurium can be a stunning addition to any home.
Watering anthurium plants
Watering red anthurium plants can seem daunting, but with a little know-how, it can be easy to keep your plants healthy and hydrated.
The first thing to remember is that different plants have different watering needs.
Anthuriums are native to tropical rainforests and also prefer high humidity.
As a result, they should be watered more frequently than some other plants.
To water your red anthurium, soak the soil thoroughly and then allow it to drain completely. Be careful not to over water, as this can lead to root rot.
If you’re unsure how often to water, err on the side of caution and check the soil before watering. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Your plant can also benefit from high humidity so it will enjoy misting. Keeping it in a pebble tray can also help increase humidity.
Why Anthurium Leaves Get Brown Tips
Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry indoor air, inconsistent watering, or fertilizer salt buildup in the soil.
Anthuriums prefer higher humidity than many common houseplants, especially during winter when indoor heating dries the air.
Using a pebble tray, humidifier, or occasionally flushing the soil with clean water can help prevent crispy leaf edges.
Anthurium Temperature
Anthuriums are tropical plants and they enjoy being kept warm. They will suffer at temperatures below 60°.
They will be happiest at 65-85 degrees and will do best at the higher end of this range.
Signs Your Anthurium Needs More Humidity
Low humidity can cause brown leaf edges, curled leaves, faded flowers, and slower growth.
This is especially common during winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
Grouping plants together, using pebble trays, or running a humidifier nearby can help create a better environment for anthuriums indoors.
Fertilizing anthurium plants
Fertilizing anthurium plants is important to encourage healthy growth and avoid nutrient deficiencies.
However, it’s important to not over-fertilize, as this can lead to issues such as leaf burn.
The best way to fertilize anthuriums is to use a balanced fertilizer that has been diluted to half-strength.
For best results, apply the fertilizer every month during the growing season.
To keep your anthurium flowering you can use a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (the middle number) such as in a bloom formula.
In addition, be sure to flush the potting mix with clear water every six months to prevent the build-up of fertilizer salts.
Why Anthuriums Stop Blooming Indoors
If your anthurium has healthy leaves but refuses to flower, the most common cause is insufficient light. Anthuriums need bright indirect light to bloom consistently indoors.
Other common causes include low humidity, cold temperatures, overwatering, or a lack of nutrients during the growing season.
Moving the plant closer to an east-facing window and fertilizing monthly during spring and summer often encourages blooming again.
Anthurium Soil
Because anthurium needs to be watered frequently it needs a well-draining potting mix.
Some recommend potting mix with added perlite and others recommend using a cactus or succulent mix.
I prefer to use coco coir because it holds water well but drains fast. I would use a 60/40 mix of coco coir and perlite for this plant.
Why Anthurium Leaves Turn Yellow
Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering or poorly draining soil. Anthuriums like moisture, but they do not tolerate soggy roots.
If the soil stays wet for too long, roots can begin to rot, causing yellow leaves and weak growth.
Always allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again and use a chunky, well-draining mix.
Anthurium Propagation
Anthurium can be grown from seeds but it can take 3-4 years before you see any blooms. This is too long to wait for most people.
Fortunately, if you already have an anthurium plant you can use it to propagate more.
The easiest way is to propagate by division. When the pot starts to get crowded you will need to repot your anthurium.
This is the perfect time to use a sharp knife and divide the root ball into several sections with roots and tops that have some leaves.
Simply repot these in fresh potting mix. You should always use a pot slightly larger than your root ball.
Another way you can propagate anthurium is by taking stem cuttings. You need a stem with 2 or 3 nodes and some leaves attached.
You can treat the end with rooting hormone and place it in moist soil to root. Some people put the stem in water to root it.
Your plant will also grow aerial roots as it gets more crowded in its pot.
If you look you may find a stem that you can remove and repot with the aerial roots attached.
When to Repot an Anthurium
Anthuriums usually need repotting every 2–3 years or whenever roots begin circling the pot.
Signs your plant needs a larger container include roots growing from drainage holes, soil drying out too quickly, or slowed growth.
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball to avoid excess moisture buildup in oversized containers.
Common problems with anthurium plants and how to solve them
Anthurium plants are one of the most popular choices for indoor flowers, thanks to their beautiful blooms.
One of the most common problems is that the leaves turn yellow and drop off.
This can be caused by several factors, including too much or too little water, a lack of nutrients, overwatering, or exposure to drafts.
If your anthurium’s leaves are turning yellow, try adjusting its watering schedule and fertilizing it regularly.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to move it to a warmer location.
Another common issue is that the flowers fade prematurely. This can be caused by too much direct sunlight.
If your anthurium is getting too much sun, try moving it to a shadier spot.
Common Anthurium Pests and How to Treat Them
While anthuriums are generally hardy plants, they can occasionally fall victim to certain pests.
Knowing how to identify and treat these unwelcome visitors is crucial for maintaining your plant’s health.
Here are some common pests you might encounter and effective ways to deal with them:
Aphids
These tiny, soft-bodied insects can cluster on new growth and flower stems. They suck sap from the plant, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth.
Treatment:
- Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
- For severe infestations, consider using a systemic insecticide
Spider Mites
These microscopic pests thrive in dry conditions. Look for fine webbing on leaves and stems, along with stippling on leaf surfaces.
Treatment:
- Increase humidity around the plant
- Regularly mist the leaves
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, focusing on leaf undersides
- For severe cases, use a miticide specifically designed for spider mites
Mealybugs
These white, cottony pests often hide in leaf axils and under leaves. They suck sap and excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.
Treatment:
- Remove visible mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
- For severe infestations, use a systemic insecticide
Scale Insects
These small, immobile pests attach themselves to stems and leaves, appearing as tiny bumps. They suck sap and can weaken the plant if left untreated.
Treatment:
- Scrape off visible scale with a soft brush or your fingernail
- Apply horticultural oil or neem oil
- For severe infestations, use a systemic insecticide
Thrips
These tiny, slender insects can cause silvery or bronzed patches on leaves. They’re often hard to spot but can cause significant damage.
Treatment:
- Remove affected leaves
- Use sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
- For severe infestations, consider using a systemic insecticide
Prevention Tips:
- Regularly inspect your anthurium for signs of pests
- Keep the plant clean by wiping leaves with a damp cloth
- Maintain proper watering and humidity levels
- Quarantine new plants before introducing them to your collection
Remember, early detection is key to effectively managing pest problems.
Always start with the least toxic treatment options and escalate only if necessary.
If using any pesticides, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid harming your plant.
By staying vigilant and addressing pest issues promptly, you can keep your anthurium healthy and thriving, allowing it to brighten your indoor space with its beautiful foliage and flowers.
Anthurium FAQs
How often should I water anthuriums indoors?
Most anthuriums should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Indoor conditions, pot size, humidity, and lighting can all affect how quickly the soil dries out.
Why are my anthurium leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are commonly caused by overwatering, soggy soil, poor drainage, or low light. Anthuriums grow best in well-draining soil with bright indirect light.
What kind of light does an anthurium need indoors?
Anthuriums prefer bright indirect light indoors. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while very low light may reduce flowering.
How do I encourage anthuriums to bloom indoors?
Consistent warmth, bright indirect light, humidity, and regular fertilizing during the growing season can help encourage flowering indoors.
Do anthuriums need high humidity?
Yes. Anthuriums naturally grow in tropical environments and appreciate moderate to high humidity. Dry indoor air can lead to brown leaf tips and slower growth.
When should I repot an anthurium?
Most anthuriums benefit from repotting every 2–3 years or whenever roots become crowded and begin circling the pot.
Are anthuriums toxic to pets?
Yes. Anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and digestive system if chewed by pets or people.
Anthurium Care Indoors Final Thoughts
Anthurium care indoors is easier once you understand the basics of light, watering, humidity, and well-draining soil. These tropical houseplants can reward you with colorful blooms and glossy foliage for much of the year when grown in the right conditions.
The key is avoiding overly wet soil while still giving your plant the warmth and humidity it naturally prefers. Bright indirect light, moderate watering, and occasional feeding during the growing season will help keep your anthurium healthy and flowering indoors.
If your plant develops yellow leaves, brown tips, or fewer blooms, small adjustments to watering, lighting, or humidity can usually solve the problem before it becomes serious.
Want to grow even more thriving indoor plants? These houseplant guides can help you expand your indoor garden with confidence.
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