Table of Contents
- Here’s everything you need to know to grow anthuriums indoors…
- Proper Lighting to Grow Anthuriums Indoors
- Water Needs when Growing Anthuriums Indoors
- Grow Anthuriums Indoors with the Proper Humidity
- How to Prune Indoor Anthurium Plants
- Proper Fertilization to Grow Anthuriums Indoors
- Grow Anthuriums Indoors – The Wrap-up
If you’re looking for a beautiful and long-lasting houseplant, you can’t go wrong with an anthurium. Often called flamingo flowers or painter’s palette plants, these vibrant tropical plants are native to the warmest parts of the Americas. Though they’re commonly grown outdoors in these regions, you can also grow anthuriums indoors, with the proper care. Anthuriums are a fabulous addition to any indoor garden, but they do require some extra care in order to thrive. In this article, we will share some tips on how to make sure your indoor anthurium plants are happy and healthy.
Here’s everything you need to know to grow anthuriums indoors…
Anthuriums belong to a family of plants that includes philodendrons and peace lilies. Like their relatives, they’re epiphytes, meaning they grow naturally in trees or on other structures without soil. In their native habitats, anthuriums receive filtered sunlight and ample moisture from frequent rains or morning dew. If you want your indoor plant to thrive, it’s important to recreate these conditions as closely as possible.
Proper Lighting to Grow Anthuriums Indoors
When it comes to giving your anthurium the right amount of light, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. First, consider how much natural light your home or office receives each day. If you don’t have a lot of windows or your space is mostly shaded, then you’ll need to supplement with artificial lighting.
Second, think about the intensity of the light. Bright, direct sunlight can actually scorch your anthurium’s leaves, so if possible, filter the sun with a sheer curtain or place your plant in an east-facing window.
If you have an indoor anthurium that isn’t getting enough light, you may notice its leaves begin to turn yellow or brown and drop off. The plant may also become leggy as it reaches for any available source of light. To prevent this from happening (or to help reverse it), make sure to give your anthurium at least 12 hours of bright indirect light each day. This can be from a combination of natural and artificial sources – just remember not to place it in direct sunlight as that can damage the leaves!
Not Too Much Light
While proper lighting is essential for healthy indoor anthuriums, too much light can also be harmful – especially if the temperature is high as well (think hot summer days). If you notice that your plant’s leaves are starting to look faded or bleached out, move it away from any strong direct sunlight and provide some shade using a sheer curtain or blinds during peak hours (usually 10 am – 4 pm).
So, what’s the best way to ensure your indoor anthurium is getting the right amount of light each day? The easiest solution is to invest in a grow light. These can be placed close to the plant and turned on for a few hours each day (depending on the intensity of the light) to give your anthurium the extra boost it needs. Make sure to get a grow light that emits mostly red and blue wavelengths as these are most beneficial for plants. And, if possible, try to position it so the light shines directly onto the leaves rather than indirectly – this will help promote healthy growth and prevent leggy stretchiness.
Water Needs when Growing Anthuriums Indoors
When it comes to watering, anthuriums like moist, but not soggy soil. Regular watering (about once a week) will keep your anthurium healthy and prevent its leaves from drooping or turning brown at the edges. Be sure to use room-temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots and cause leaf tips to turn brown. while hot water can scald the roots and damage the plant. Lukewarm tap water is usually just right.
Watering from below is also best for anthuriums since they don’t like getting their leaves wet. In fact, wet leaves could lead to leaf spot disease which causes brown spots on the leaves. To water from below, simply place your pot in a sink or bowl of lukewarm water and let it soak up what it needs from below for about 15 minutes. Then drain any excess water before putting it back in its spot.
Grow Anthuriums Indoors with the Proper Humidity
Because of their tropical origins, anthuriums are used to high levels of humidity and lots of moisture in the air. In their natural habitat, they would receive regular rainfall and constantly be surrounded by damp conditions. Therefore, when growing them indoors, it is important to create a similar environment for them. One way to increase the humidity around your anthurium plants is to group them together with other plants. This will create a mini-greenhouse effect and help trap moisture in the air around them.
Another way to increase the humidity is by using a humidifier or placing your plants on top of pebble trays filled with water. The water will evaporate into the air and raise the overall level of humidity around your plant babies. Last but not least, regular misting will help them reach their full potential indoors.
How to Prune Indoor Anthurium Plants
Pruning is another important part of anthurium care. The best time of year to prune your anthurium plant is during the spring after it has flowered. You can remove any dead or dying leaves as well as any stems that are crossing over each other or rubbing against each other. This will help encourage new growth and prevent disease from spreading throughout the plant.
To prune correctly, use sharp, sterilized scissors or gardening shears and make clean cuts just above where the leaf meets the stem (called a node). Avoid cutting too close to the node as this could damage new growth that hasn’t emerged yet. Also, avoid cutting too far down the stem as this could leave your plant vulnerable to infection.
After you have finished pruning, it is important to fertilize your anthurium plant. This will help it recover from the stress of being pruned and encourage new growth. Use a high-quality fertilizer that is specifically designed for tropical plants and follow the instructions on the package.
Proper Fertilization to Grow Anthuriums Indoors
When possible, it’s a good idea to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for anthuriums. This type of fertilizer will have the right mix of nutrients that your plants need in order to grow strong and healthy. You can find these types of fertilizers at most garden stores or online.
When it comes to applying the fertilizer, you’ll want to do so every two weeks or so – but be sure not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can actually damage the roots of your plants, so it’s important to follow the instructions on the package carefully. A good rule of thumb is to apply about half as much fertilizer as the package recommends.
Finally, make sure you water your plants well after applying any type of fertilizer. This will help prevent any chemicals from damaging the roots. An anthurium’s flowering period lasts about six to eight weeks; after flowers fade, cut back on fertilizing to allow the plant to rest.
Grow Anthuriums Indoors – The Wrap-up
Anthuriums are relatively easy to care for and make wonderful houseplants. With a little attention, they will thrive and bloom for years to come. Just be sure to give them bright light, and plenty of water. And a little bit of fertilizer every now and then. With just a little care, your anthurium will be a beautiful addition to your home.
