Nurture Your Nature: Anthuriums

What you need to know about anthuriums can almost be summed up in a glance. They’re incredibly unique, with their unusual structure and their rich palette of colors. Also known as the flamingo flower or the painted tongue plant, this elegant accent makes a lovely addition to a home or office. Native to the Andes Mountains, this eye-catching plant has grown in popularity through the years.

Its one-of-a-kind quality comes courtesy of its distinctive, heart-shaped leaves that lend it a certain sense of warmth and charm. Yep, those are leaves, although they’re often referred to as flowers. The plant’s actual flower grows from its middle. They’re also incredibly easy to maintain, making them a great choice for plant-care newbies or anyone short on time. Their durability works in their favor, too.

Whether you want them to brighten up your home or are hoping to find something different to give for a birthday, an anniversary, or Valentine’s Day, you’ll find the answer in anthuriums. These brilliant indoor plants derive from the tropics, which means they perform especially well in homes. Here’s what you should know to ensure yours thrives.

Red Anthurium - Piccolo on plantshed.com

Lighting Needs

As with so many plants, exposing your anthuriums to direct light can be harmful because the leaves and flowers can easily burn. That said, anthuriums do love light and warmth, just be mindful of the location. A spot that is too dim will hinder flower development, while drafts and heat can affect its long-term health and vitality.

Generally, anthuriums fare best in medium to vibrant lighting. If you have no choice but to use a lower-light space due to limitations, that’s okay — your plant will still grow even in that type of environment, but it won’t flower. Ideally, you should select a space near a window that receives plenty of natural light.

Watering Needs

Achieving the right moisture level is important to protect the integrity of your anthurium. The soil should be moist, but never soggy and overly saturated. Watering too much leaves the plant at risk of developing root rot. Aim to water it more frequently during spring and summer, especially if it’s exposed to more heat in a sunny room. The warmer the environment where you keep your plant, the more water it will require.

You can always tell that it’s time to water by inserting a fingertip about an inch into the soil. If it feels at all moist and has a packed consistency, hold off on watering. But if it’s dry and sifts easily through your fingers, it’s time to water. Stop watering as soon as you see moisture seeping out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

Temperature Needs

The beauty of nurturing tropical plants in the home is that you can easily replicate those conditions inside. Elevated warmth and humidity are friendly to these types of plants, helping them thrive. Even if you don’t ever change the temperature on your thermostat beyond what’s considered normal for your home, you can trust that your plant will be fine because it adapts exceptionally well. But if you happen to have a ductless air conditioner, consider putting the anthurium in a room that’s warmer than the rest of the house.

Of course, be mindful of giving it too much heat or exposing it to cold air. Avoid putting the plant anywhere near an air vent or a door, where environmental conditions fluctuate far too dramatically for the plant’s liking. You’ll usually know there’s a problem when brownish tips form on the flowers and leaves begin to crumble and dry out. As for humidity levels, aim for approximately 60% in the home. You can always use a humidifier to increase moisture.

Signs of Damage

How can you tell if your anthuriums are failing or need a little extra attention? Part of what makes the plant so user-friendly is the fact that it lets you know how it’s feeling, and it makes it quite obvious. When it’s thirsty, you’ll be able to tell right away simply by lifting up the pot. If it feels light to the touch or the leaves look droopy or have a puckered appearance, that’s a sign that they need a prompt moisture infusion. Browning or discoloration is a sign of sun damage.

While it’s good to be on the alert for anthurium health problems, don’t leap to conclusions if you suspect it’s stopped flowering. Generally, anthuriums flower in stages. They may produce for two or three months, stop for another few months, then begin the entire cycle all over again. So if it seems to go “dormant” for a while, it’s probably a part of its natural growth process.

Decorating Ideas

You’ll often find anthuriums in bouquets. It’s available in a variety of colors, making it an especially versatile option. The Amelia Bouquet shows off its beauty in resplendent red, while the Green Goddess Bouquet offers a refreshing take in crisp green. Simply placing an arrangement in the entryway, the home office, or on the bedside table is an easy way to liven up the space.

The Amelia Bouquet on plantshed.com

Because anthurium leaves are so distinctive, you could even show off a single stem in a stylish vase. The effect is crisp and modern, especially when you opt for an unexpected color like pink or yellow. For even greater impact, look for an anthurium with oversized leaves. A larger leaf looks particularly striking on its own in a simple vase.

As a point of caution, it’s extremely important to note that anthuriums are toxic. If you have kids, pets, or anyone with compromised health, it’s best to avoid adding the plant to your home unless you can keep it out of their way. Every portion of the plant, from the leaves to the stem to the flower to the roots, is toxic, making it risky for some people.

If you’re excited to nurture an anthurium, prepare for magic — it won’t take long for you to recognize just how low-maintenance this attractive plant truly is. Sure, it needs some love and attention, but all plants do. With just enough care, you can expect yours to thrive.