How to Grow Anthurium

Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum

flower

Anthurium is a tropical flowering plant prized for its distinctive heart-shaped, waxy spathes in vibrant reds, pinks, whites, or bi-colors, with a prominent yellow spadix. It produces long-lasting flowers that can bloom nearly year-round indoors with proper care. Native to rainforests of Central and South America, it thrives as a houseplant in warm, humid environments.

Looking for a specific variety?

Red Champion White Champion Pink Champion Coral Midori Chocolate Anthurium

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 6+ hours daily; avoid direct harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil is dry; prefers high humidity (50-80%)

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Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days to first flowers from healthy mature plant

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, airy, orchid-like mix with peat moss, bark, and perlite

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Orchid bark Perlite or pumice Sphagnum moss Charcoal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 11-12; best grown indoors in cooler climates or in tropical/subtropical regions

11 12

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks

New cutting or juvenile plant developing root system and initial leaf growth

Keep in humid environment; maintain warm temperatures (65-80°F); avoid moving frequently; mist foliage regularly

Vegetative

2-4 months

Plant developing full foliage with multiple leaves and establishing main stems

Provide bright indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and humidity; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; support stems if needed

Budding

2-3 weeks

Small flower spathes begin forming at leaf axils; spadix development visible

Maintain warm temperatures; increase humidity; avoid moving plant; continue regular feeding; ensure stable environment

Flowering

6-8 weeks per flower (multiple flowers bloom successively)

Mature waxy spathes fully colored with prominent spadix; flowers long-lasting and vibrant

Provide bright indirect light to maintain color intensity; maintain humidity 50-80%; deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms

Mature/Maintenance

Ongoing (plant lifespan of 5+ years indoors)

Established plant with continuous flowering cycles; full-sized foliage and multiple bloom stems

Rotate pot monthly; repot every 12-18 months; prune leggy stems; maintain consistent care routine; watch for pests

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pothos Philodendron Monstera Fern varieties Alocasia Scheffler

Avoid planting near:

Dry air sources Direct heating vents Cold drafts from windows Extremely wet conditions

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate plant; inspect regularly; use cotton swab with alcohol on visible pests
Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
Remove manually with soft brush; spray with neem oil; repeat treatment every 7-10 days
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; increase humidity; remove affected foliage
Reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, dry soil; remove affected roots; improve drainage

Uses

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Decorative garnish inspiration

Culinary

While not edible, anthurium flowers have inspired floral decoration trends in upscale cuisine and event styling. [source]

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Air purification

Household

Anthuriums help remove harmful toxins such as ammonia and formaldehyde from indoor air, improving air quality in homes and offices. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Craft

Long-lasting waxy spathes make anthurium flowers ideal for floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and tropical-themed displays. [source]

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Interior decoration and aesthetics

Household

The striking heart-shaped flowers in vibrant colors add tropical elegance to homes, offices, and commercial spaces. [source]

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Traditional tropical medicine

Medicinal

In some tropical regions, anthurium has been used in traditional remedies for inflammation and skin conditions, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Anthuriums are ornamental houseplants, not harvested in traditional sense. Cut flowers last 2-3 weeks in a vase when fully mature and colored. To encourage more blooms, deadhead spent spathes at the base of the stem. Allow plant to establish 4-5 mature leaves per stem before cutting flowers to ensure plant vigor.

Fun Facts

🌱 Anthurium flowers aren't actually flowers—the colorful 'petal' (spathe) is a modified leaf, and the true flowers are tiny and located on the finger-like spadix in the center.
🌱 The name 'Anthurium' comes from Greek words 'anthos' (flower) and 'oura' (tail), referring to the distinctive tail-like spadix.
🌱 Anthuriums can bloom nearly year-round indoors under stable conditions, with flowers lasting 2-3 months each—far longer than most cut flowers.

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