At a glance
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Watering
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–28 °C
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Anthurium andraeanum
When and how much water
Water Anthurium when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days; in winter slow down to every 11 to 17 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1-2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed Anthurium every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Anthurium is comfortable between 18 and 28 °C. Below 15 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 60–80% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Toxic to pets.
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full Anthurium toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Anthurium?
Water your Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days; in winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Anthurium need?
Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1-2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Anthurium safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Anthurium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Christmas cactus, Japanese aralia, or Polka dot plant.
Why are my Anthurium’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Anthurium, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see crispy leaf edges, curling leaves, or drooping leaves instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxHouseplant context · light · water · temperature · humidity · fertilizer · repotting · pests
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionAnthurium andraeanum row · shade · humidity · organic medium · interior placement
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · toxic principle · clinical signs
Last reviewed: 2026-09-05
