Plant care guides
Anthurium care guide Anthurium andraeanum
How to grow and care for Anthurium at home. Glossy red/pink heart-shaped spathe.
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Watering (summer)
- Every 5 to 7 days
- Watering (winter)
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Scientific name
- Anthurium andraeanum
- Origin
- Colombia
- Humidity
- 60-80%
Fun fact
Named for French botanist Édouard André, who collected it in Colombia in 1876; the glossy red ‘petal’ is a modified leaf, not a flower.
When and how much water
Water Anthurium when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Every 5 to 7 days
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can’t see: the actual light at the plant, the pot’s size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly’s app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
How bright a spot it needs
Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, 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
Most Anthurium problems trace back to watering — here’s how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy stems
- Root rot
- Brown waterlogged spots
Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for
- Crispy leaf edges
- Curling leaves
- Drooping leaves
- Brown leaf tips
Water a little more often and don’t let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Toxic to pets?
YesToxic to pets.
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 Spider plant, Chinese money plant, or Pinstripe calathea.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Spider plant, Chinese money plant, Pinstripe calathea. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Propagation
Grow more Anthurium from a cutting.
- Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing — well-hydrated roots are more resilient.
- Slide the plant gently out of its pot.
- Shake off the loose potting mix to expose the root system.
Common questions
How often should I water a Anthurium?
Water your Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly’s app tunes this further based on your home’s actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Anthurium need?
Anthurium thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, 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 Spider plant, Chinese money plant, or Pinstripe calathea.
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. Botanicaly’s Plant Doctor can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Botanicaly
A schedule that reads your room.
You don’t need to work out your Anthurium’s care from scratch each time. Botanicaly uses its saved setup and care history for the next step. Identifying is free. Pro adds Plant Doctor and Weather-smart care.
Still wet
Check again in 2 days
Botanicaly updates the next step when the soil isn’t dry.
More popular houseplants
Peace lily Spathiphyllum wallisii
Bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae
Wax plant Hoya carnosa
Cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
