Anthurium care guideAnthurium andraeanum

Glossy red/pink heart-shaped spathe. Ranked #17 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) — a healthy specimen photographed indoors
Scientific name
Anthurium andraeanum
Origin
Colombia
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Medium / indirect light
Watering (summer)
every 5 to 7 days
Watering (winter)
every 10 to 14 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs
IKEA SKU
20444906

WateringWhen 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.

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.

LightHow bright a spot it needs

Anthurium is medium / indirect light: 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 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.

TroubleshootingCommon 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.

Pet safetyToxic to pets

Toxic 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 Peacock plant, Rattlesnake plant, or Round-leaf calathea.

Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Peacock plant, Rattlesnake plant, Round-leaf calathea. See all pet-safe alternatives →

Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.

Field noteSomething worth knowing

Named for French botanist Édouard André, who collected it in Colombia in 1876; the glossy red 'petal' is a modified leaf, not a flower.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Anthurium based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

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FAQCommon 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 is medium / indirect light: 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 metres 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 Peacock plant, Rattlesnake plant, or Round-leaf 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 the leaves are crispy leaf edges, curling leaves, or drooping leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.

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