Anthurium plants are a great addition to any home, with their vibrant colors and beautiful dark green leaves. They make for a classic and charming houseplant, making them a great gift for loved ones. When caring for anthurium, it is important to note that there are varieties available beyond the standard red flowers. You can find purple, lavender, pink, and even hot orange flowers covering the plant for up to 10 months of the year, with dozens of flowers blooming at once.
To properly plant anthurium, use soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to dry out and develop brown, burnt tips. The ideal temperature range for anthurium is between 60° and 85°F (15.5° to 29°C).
When caring for anthurium, keep in mind that they prefer moist conditions. Place the pot on a tray of moist gravel or mist the plant with water several times a week. Keep the soil moist but not wet, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between watering. Additionally, fertilize with a pot plant fertilizer that has high phosphorus content every two weeks during the spring and summer. It’s also recommended to replant every two years or when the plant becomes pot-bound.
While anthuriums are a beautiful addition to any home, it’s important to keep them away from pets and children as parts of the plant may cause mouth irritation and stomach upset if ingested. Some of the recommended varieties include Anthurium andraeanum, which has large heart-shaped waxy spathes with a pointed white flower in the center, A. andraeanum ‘Hookuloa’ with bright white spades and a pale yellow center flower, and A. scherzerianum with arrow-shaped leaves and a curly orange flower spike. Finally, A. andraeanum ‘Purple Plum’ is a unique variety with completely purple flowers, including the stems.
