Anthurium Care – Watering, Placement & Propagation

Watering, location, blooms & propagation

MoBlumen Editorial Team · 6 min read · Houseplant

The Anthurium looks like it’s made of plastic — but it’s actually one of the most rewarding houseplants you can have. As long as you keep a few things in mind.

The Anthurium — also known as the flamingo flower — is one of those plants people either love or mistake for an artificial flower. Its glossy, heart-shaped bracts in red, pink, white, or even black look almost unreal. But they’re real, and with proper care, the plant will bloom almost all year round.

In the Netherlands, the Anthurium is one of the best-selling houseplants — and for good reason. It’s resilient, flowers for a long time, helps purify the air, and even forgives the occasional care mistake. Below, you’ll find the most important basics of Anthurium care — and what’s usually behind it when it stops blooming.

What you need to know about Anthuriums

What most people think is the flower is, botanically speaking, a bract (spathe) — similar to a calla lily. The actual flower is the small spike (spadix) in the center. This bract lasts for weeks, sometimes even months. That’s why Anthuriums almost always look like they’re in bloom.

The Anthurium comes from the tropical rainforests of South America, where it grows on trees as an epiphyte. That explains its needs: high humidity, indirect light, a loose substrate, and no waterlogging.

Watering an Anthurium

When it comes to watering an Anthurium, less is more. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, but never allow it to dry out completely. Watering once a week is enough in most cases — a little less in winter.

More important than watering is humidity. In heated homes during winter, humidity often drops below 30% — far too dry for a tropical plant. Mist regularly with low-limescale water or place it on a tray filled with moist clay pebbles.

Anthurium location

The ideal Anthurium location is bright, but out of direct sunlight. An east- or west-facing window is perfect. Direct midday sun scorches the leaves — you can spot it by the brown, dry patches.

But it should not be too dark either. Anthurium will continue to grow in the shade, but it will not produce new flowers. If the plant is only producing green leaves and no more spathes, it is in too dark a spot.

Why isn’t my Anthurium blooming?

The most common question about Anthurium. If your Anthurium isn’t blooming, it is almost always due to one of these reasons:

• Not enough light — the most common reason. Move it to a brighter spot, but not into direct sunlight.
• Not enough fertilizer — fertilize every two weeks from March to September with liquid fertilizer (half strength).
• Air too dry — mist regularly or use a humidifier.
• Too cold — below 16°C, Anthurium stops flowering. Ideal temperature: 20–25°C.

Repotting Anthurium

Repot into a slightly larger pot every two to three years. Important: use a loose, well-draining substrate — orchid soil mixed with regular potting soil works well. Anthuriums do not like compacted soil; their roots need air.

Do not cut off aerial roots growing out of the pot — they are normal and help the plant absorb moisture from the air. When repotting, you can carefully tuck them into the new substrate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anthurium

More in the Flower Encyclopedia: Orchids · Peace Lily · Monstera · Bird of Paradise