Anthuriums are one of the most diverse plant genera there is: They come as flowering houseplants (Flamingo Flower) and as collector plants with velvety, sometimes enormous leaves (e.g., Anthurium crystallinum, Anthurium clarinervium). What they all have in common: They look spectacular — and need some attention to truly shine.
Care at a glance
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light · no direct sun |
| Watering | Moderately · allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Humidity | High (60–80%) – very important! |
| Temperature | 18–25 °C · sensitive to cold, no drafts |
| Soil | Very loose, airy aroid soil with plenty of perlite / orchid bark |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Light
Anthuriums need bright, indirect light — especially the velvety-leaved varieties. Direct sunlight will burn the delicate leaves. An east or north-facing window with good light exposure is often ideal. Supplement with a grow light in winter if necessary.
Watering
Only water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are slightly dry. Anthuriums love consistent moisture but hate standing water. Use soft, room-temperature water if possible — lime scale can harm the leaves.
💡 Tip: Collector anthuriums (velvet-leaved species) love terrarium conditions: high humidity, consistent warmth, low drafts. A glass terrarium or plant display case is ideal for them.
Humidity
This is the most important factor for beautiful anthuriums. In normal room air (below 40%), they quickly develop brown edges. Humidifiers, terrariums, or grouping them with other plants help significantly.
Soil & Substrate
Anthuriums are epiphytes — they grow on trees in nature and therefore need a very airy substrate. Mix normal aroid soil with plenty of perlite, orchid bark, or lava. The more air permeability, the happier the plant.
Common Problems & Solutions
Brown leaf edges or tips
Almost always due to air that is too dry. Increase humidity — this is the most common mistake with anthuriums.
Yellow leaves
Too much water or too little light. Check location and adjust watering schedule.
No new leaves / slow growth
Nutrient deficiency or too little light. Fertilize regularly with an aroid fertilizer starting in spring.
Black spots on the leaf
Cold damage or direct cold water on the leaf. Move anthurium to a warmer spot and only water the soil.