Anthurium care

Anthuriums: Caring for the Flamingo Flower

The Anthurium, also known as the Flamingo Flower, is very popular among plant lovers. In addition to its decorative appearance, the Anthurium is considered easy and uncomplicated to care for. With proper care, the Flamingo Flower will delight you for many years with its striking blooms and glossy leaves. We'll show you how to care for your Anthurium and what you should keep in mind to ensure it stays healthy and continues to provide you with long-lasting pleasure.

Location

A bright, indirectly lit spot is ideal for your Anthurium. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause sunburn on the usually velvety leaves. For example, choose a location for your Flamingo Flower on the windowsill of an east- or north-facing window, or in a bright spot some distance from a south-facing window.

Temperature

Anthuriums thrive in moderate temperatures between 18°C and 23°C, ideally at a humidity of over 60%. If the air is too dry, brown, dry leaf edges may develop, or new leaves may grow deformed. Adequate humidity can be easily achieved by regularly misting your anthurium or using a humidifier.

Watering

Regular watering is especially important for anthuriums. The substrate should always be evenly moist, but never wet. Anthuriums should always be planted in a well-drained, airy substrate to prevent yellow spots from appearing on the leaves after watering. When watering anthuriums, make sure to use warm water with a low lime content, if possible.

Care

It's normal for the flowers of the Flamingo Flower to turn yellow or brown after they fade. General Anthurium care includes regularly removing these wilted flowers and yellowed leaves right at the base. Occasionally wiping the leaves with a damp cloth will also contribute to a well-groomed appearance of your Anthurium.

Toxic

All parts of the anthurium plant are slightly toxic. Consumption can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset in both humans and pets. Therefore, it's best to keep the anthurium out of reach of children and animals.

Further tips for good anthurium care

Fertilizing Anthurium

During the growing season from spring to fall, the anthurium benefits from a dose of liquid green or flowering plant fertilizer about every two weeks. This provides it with essential nutrients and promotes the formation of its characteristic, vibrant blooms. Make sure to only fertilize on moist substrate to protect the roots. During the winter months, it is sufficient to fertilize the anthurium only occasionally, or not at all.

Repotting anthurium

You should repot your anthurium approximately every two to three years to ensure it has enough space for its roots to grow. The best time to do this is spring. When repotting the anthurium, use loose, well-draining soil—special anthurium or orchid soil is ideal, as it retains water well but doesn't allow waterlogging. Make sure the new pot has good drainage so the roots can develop healthily and avoid waterlogging.

Note the rest period in winter

During the winter months, the Flamingo Flower enters a natural dormancy period. During this time, you should adjust your care for your Anthurium: It grows more slowly, produces few new leaves, and usually no flowers. Water sparingly, without allowing the substrate to dry out completely, and largely avoid fertilizer. Also, avoid relocation and draughts. Stable conditions will help your plant survive the winter healthily and sprout again in the spring.

Anthurium care mistakes you should know and avoid

Too frequent changes of location

Anthuriums are sensitive plants that adapt slowly to new environmental conditions. Changing your anthurium's location too frequently can lead to growth delays or even the shedding of flowers and leaves. Light intensity, humidity, and temperature, in particular, should remain as constant as possible. A stable, suitable location promotes both flower formation and leaf health. If you want to ensure long-term success in caring for your anthurium, avoid unnecessary relocation.

Too much water

If your Anthurium gets yellow leaves, it's often a sign of overwatering or waterlogging. The roots of the Flamingo Flower are sensitive to persistently wet substrate and quickly begin to rot, resulting in yellow, soft-looking leaves. A lack of light or nutrients can also contribute to yellowing. Check the watering rate, drainage, and location to ensure your plant is receiving optimal conditions.

Dry air or too much sun

If your Anthurium receives too much direct sunlight, brown, dry spots can form on the leaves. Excessively dry air, especially in winter, can also lead to brown edges or curled leaf tips. Since the Flamingo Flower prefers high humidity and indirect light, you should ensure a suitable location and a balanced indoor climate to prevent such damage.

FAQ on Anthurium Care

Where does an anthurium need to be located?

A bright spot with indirect light is ideal for anthuriums. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as this will quickly cause brown spots.

How often do you need to water an anthurium?

Water your anthurium regularly, but moderately. The soil should always be slightly moist, but never wet. Excess water must drain well to prevent the roots from rotting. A pot with a drainage hole and permeable soil is ideal.

When does the flamingo flower bloom?

Under favorable conditions and with optimal care, the anthurium produces flowers for many months. The main flowering period is usually in spring and summer.

Why are my flamingo flower leaves turning brown?

If your anthurium develops brown leaves or leaf tips, it's often due to overly dry air. Especially in winter, when the air is too dry from heating, it can be helpful to increase the humidity around your anthurium, for example, by misting it or using a humidifier.