Anthurium andraeanum

An easy to care houseplant with large, thick, glossy elongated, heart-shaped leaves. They produce long-lasting colourful spathes (flowers) in the warmer months of the year that almost look plastic. This plant is very well suited to growing in a hydroponic-like set up in a vase or large glass container. They get pink and red roots which make them very interesting to grow in this manner.

Growing conditions

Aspect Anthuriums need high indirect light levels to flower. Place plants as close to a window as possible without allowing any direct sun. In cooler climates they will tolerate winter sun.

Soil Use Seasol Indoor Potting Mix a premium potting mix especially formulated for indoor plants.

Growing You can expect anthuriums to live very happily for many years. They will grow to a very large size if transferred to larger pots over time. However, they will usually only reach this size on a patio, verandah or other protected area outdoors. Flowering occurs mainly in the warmer months, but can continue to flower all year if given enough light and nutrition.

General care

Watering Anthuriums must be allowed to dry out completely between watering. The finger test is always a great idea. Put your finger down into the soil to the second knuckle. If the potting mix is wet, don’t water and check again next week. If the potting mix is dry, water the plant. Always take the pot out of its cover pot before watering. Let it drain and then put it back into its cover pot.

Potting: Leave in the original pot for the first 12 months. Pot up once a year, after that into the next pot size. Pot 2 or 3 together to create a bouquet of colours for interest.

To grow anthurium in a hydroponic-like manner, remove all the soil (as much as possible.) Sit in a vase of water but do not allow water to sit around the base of the stems or they will rot. Use clay or decorative pebbles in the bottom if you need to prop your plant up a little. Replace water every few days for the first week or two until you have clean roots, then on a fortnightly basis. Add a small amount (few drops) of Seasol and PowerFeed liquid concentrate to the water at every water change.

Feeding: A liquid or granular fertiliser can be used on potted anthuriums. Apply granular PowerFeed Controlled Release Pots & Plants for Indoor & Outdoors once every season. It combines a premium mix of nutrients, seaweed, and microbes for all plants in pots. Supplement or apply a liquid fertiliser such as PowerFeed PRO SERIES Pots & Planters or PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives every 2 to 4 weeks from spring to autumn and less often in winter.

For a ready-to-use no mixing formula, apply PowerFeed Indoor & Potted Plants 1.25 Lt trigger spray to the soil. This easy-to-use liquid fertiliser and soil conditioner helps to improve your soil and feed your plants. Apply every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season and monthly in winter if needed.

Watch for Always keep in a plastic nursery pot unless growing outside in garden pots in subtropical and tropical climates. Remove from its decorative indoor cover pot to water.

Leaves may go black. This is often a sign of being watered too frequently. Allow potted plants to become completely dry before watering. The pot should feel noticeably light to lift and the foliage may feel a little softer than normal when needing a drink.