How to Keep Anthuriums Happy and Blooming All Year Long

Anthuriums are among the most eye-catching indoor plants you can grow.

With their glossy green foliage and long-lasting, heart-shaped blooms, these tropical beauties instantly brighten any space.

Often called the “Flamingo Flower” or “Laceleaf,” anthuriums are surprisingly easy to care for when you understand their basic needs.

If you want your anthurium to stay healthy and produce flowers throughout the year, here’s a complete care guide—from watering and lighting to simple tricks that boost blooming.

Taking Care of Your Anthurium

1. Watering

Anthuriums prefer soil that stays lightly moist but never soggy. The key is balance.

Water your plant only when the top inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes and can lead to root rot or fungal problems.

After watering, allow excess water to drain completely. Never let the plant sit in standing water.

2. Light

These tropical plants love bright, indirect light.

Place your anthurium near a north- or east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning light.

Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches. On the other hand, very low light may reduce flowering.

If natural light is limited, bright artificial grow lights can also help maintain steady blooms.

3. Soil

Anthuriums need a light, airy, and slightly acidic soil mix. A combination of:

Orchid bark

Perlite

Peat moss or coco coir

works perfectly.

This type of mix allows air to reach the roots while draining excess moisture efficiently. Repot your plant every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and provide new nutrients.

4. Fertilizer

During spring and summer (the active growing season), feed your anthurium every 6–8 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Dilute the fertilizer to half or even quarter strength to avoid burning the roots. Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.

How to Encourage Anthuriums to Bloom

1. Provide Enough Light

Consistent bright, indirect light is essential for flowering. Aim for at least 6 hours of filtered light daily. Insufficient light is one of the main reasons anthuriums stop blooming.

2. Maintain the Right Temperature

Anthuriums thrive in temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (65°F to 80°F).

Avoid exposing them to cold drafts, air conditioners, or temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as cold stress can prevent blooming.

3. Increase Humidity

Being tropical plants, anthuriums love humidity.

If your home is dry—especially during winter—try:

Placing a tray of water with pebbles under the pot

Using a humidifier

Grouping plants together

Higher humidity levels encourage stronger growth and better flowering.

4. Use Bloom-Boosting Fertilizer

A fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the label) can support flower development. Apply during the growing season for best results.

5. Remove Spent Flowers

Once blooms fade, cut them off at the base. Removing old flowers allows the plant to redirect its energy into producing new buds.

6. Prune Carefully

Trim off yellow, damaged, or old leaves to keep the plant looking fresh and to stimulate new growth. Avoid removing healthy green leaves unnecessarily, as they are vital for photosynthesis.

7. Watch for Pests

Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites. If detected, treat the plant quickly using insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent damage and protect flowering.

Bonus Tips for Healthy Anthuriums

Choose the right pot size: Anthuriums prefer slightly snug pots. Too much extra space can slow flowering.

Clean the leaves regularly: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption.

Monitor stress signs:

Drooping leaves may mean overwatering or underwatering.

Yellow leaves can signal drainage issues or nutrient imbalance.

Be patient: Healthy anthuriums bloom in cycles. With proper care, flowers can last for several weeks to months.

Caring for anthuriums indoors is simple once you understand their tropical nature. Whether grown inside your home or outdoors in warm climates, these elegant plants reward you with long-lasting, vibrant blooms.