How to Grow Aroids (Anthurium & Philodendron)
Aroids (Anthurium & Philodendron)
Araceae family (Anthurium spp., Philodendron spp.)
flowerAroids are tropical plants in the Araceae family, including popular houseplants like Anthurium (flamingo flower) and Philodendron. These plants thrive in humid environments and are excellent for creating humid microclimates when grouped together, as they release moisture through transpiration. They are prized for their dramatic foliage and distinctive spathes (modified leaves that look like flowers).
When should you plant Aroids (Anthurium & Philodendron) in your zone?
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Example Aroids (Anthurium & Philodendron) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Aroids (Anthurium & Philodendron)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Aroids (Anthurium & Philodendron) blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-12 (outdoor); ideal as houseplants in all zones with humidity control
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant in nursery pot or newly potted; small leaves, few stems or vines
Acclimate to home humidity gradually. Keep in bright, indirect light. Water when top inch of soil dries. Avoid root rot by ensuring excellent drainage. Group with other plants to increase ambient humidity.
Vegetative Growth
6-12+ monthsPlant develops multiple leaves and stems; vines grow longer (in climbing types); leaf size increases as plant matures
Support climbing varieties with moss poles or trellises. Mist daily or use pebble trays filled with water. Maintain humidity above 50%. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season with balanced, diluted fertilizer. Rotate plant for even growth.
Flowering
Several weeks per flowering event; can rebloom multiple times per yearDistinctive spathes appear (modified leaves that look like flowers—red, pink, white, or cream). Anthurium spathes are more prominent; Philodendron flowers are less showy. Flower spikes (spadices) develop in the spathe's center.
Flowering requires mature plant (2-3+ years). Maintain consistent warmth (65-80°F), high humidity, and bright light. Ensure plant is well-fed with phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Spathes last 2-8 weeks depending on variety.
Maintenance & Renewal
Ongoing (indefinite for healthy plants)Plant produces new leaves and spathes in cycles. Older lower leaves may yellow and drop naturally. Vines can become woody or leggy if not pruned.
Prune aerial roots if desired or allow them to attach to moss poles for moisture absorption. Remove dead/yellowing leaves at petiole base. Wipe leaves monthly with soft cloth and distilled water to remove dust and increase photosynthesis. Repot every 12-18 months in spring if roots are crowded.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity above 60% (spider mites thrive in dry air). Mist leaves frequently. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5-7 days for 2-3 weeks. Isolate affected plant to prevent spread.
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Isolate plant immediately. Dab visible bugs with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days for 3-4 weeks. Inspect new plants before adding to collection.
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Remove scales manually with plastic scraper or cloth. Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil every 7-10 days. Quarantine plant until pest-free.
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Prevent with excellent drainage and porous aroid mix. Water only when soil surface is partially dry. If rot occurs, repot in fresh mix, trim diseased roots with sterile knife. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings temporarily.
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Remove infected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation with small fan. Avoid misting leaves in evening; mist early morning only. Reduce watering frequency. Apply fungicide if severe (neem oil, sulfur spray).
Uses
Tropical decorative elements
CulinaryWhile not edible, Anthurium flowers are used in high-end tropical floral arrangements and decorative displays, prized for their long-lasting distinctive spathes. [source]
Humidity control and air purification
HouseholdAroids release moisture through transpiration, helping to create and maintain higher humidity levels in shared spaces. Grouping multiple Aroids together amplifies this effect, benefiting all grouped plants and improving indoor air quality through natural humidity regulation. [source]
Traditional ethnobotanical uses
MedicinalCertain Aroid species (particularly some Philodendron and Anthurium types) have been used in traditional South American medicine, though modern evidence is limited. Note: Many Aroids contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if ingested; handle with care. [source]
Tropical indoor landscaping
CraftAroids are essential plants for creating humid microhabitats and terrariums. Their vining and upright growth habits allow for creative living wall installations, moss pole arrangements, and tropical plant compositions. [source]
Pollinator support in tropical regions
WildlifeIn tropical outdoor settings (zones 10b-12), Aroid flowers attract beetles, flies, and other insects that pollinate the distinctive spadix. Indoors, flowering is primarily ornamental, but outdoors these plants support local pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Aroids are primarily ornamental houseplants, not typically harvested. For Anthurium, cut flower spathes at the base when spathe is fully open and spadix is developing flowers; they last 2-8 weeks in water. For propagation, take stem cuttings (4-6 inches with 2-3 nodes) just below aerial roots and root in water or high-humidity sphagnum moss for 3-4 weeks before potting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Aroids produce spathes (modified leaves that look like flowers) rather than true flowers; the actual tiny flowers cluster on the central spadix. Anthurium spathes are waxy and long-lasting (weeks to months), while Philodendron spathes are typically smaller and less showy.
- 🌱 Many Aroids develop aerial roots, which absorb moisture and nutrients from humid air—grouping plants together maximizes this benefit, creating a shared microclimate where each plant's transpiration enhances conditions for neighbors.
- 🌱 Some Aroids can 'sweat' through guttation, releasing water droplets from leaf tips in high-humidity conditions; this is a sign of excellent care and healthy transpiration, not a disease.
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