Hello, it's me, your new Anthurium! The journey from the greenhouse to your living room has been quite a shock to my system. The light levels, temperature, and humidity here are all different. Please, place me in a spot with bright, indirect light—think near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west one. Direct sun will scorch my beautiful, glossy leaves, leaving unsightly brown burns. Avoid placing me near heating or cooling vents, as I despise sudden drafts and temperature fluctuations. Give me about two to three weeks to quietly adjust to your home's environment before you even think about repotting me; I need this time to settle in without any additional stress.
My relationship with water is a delicate one. I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I am absolutely terrified of sitting in waterlogged conditions, which will quickly cause my roots to rot and decay. The best way to check on me is to feel my soil. Insert your finger about an inch or two into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it's time for a deep, thorough drink. Please water me slowly and evenly until you see water begin to drain freely from the holes at the bottom of my pot. Crucially, empty the saucer underneath me after 15 minutes. I would much rather be slightly too dry than drowning. In the lower light of winter, I will need much less frequent watering.
As a native of the tropical rainforests, I thrive in warm, humid air. Your home is likely much drier than I prefer, especially with air conditioning or heating. Ideally, I would love a humidity level of 60% or higher. You can help by placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure my pot is on the pebbles, not in the water), grouping me with other plants to create a humid microclimate, or occasionally misting my leaves with lukewarm water. Please keep me in a room where the temperature stays consistently between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). I will become very unhappy if I experience temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
After about a month in my new home, once I'm fully acclimated, I will appreciate some nourishment. Feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Please do not over-fertilize me, as salt buildup can burn my roots. In autumn and winter, I am mostly dormant and do not need to be fed. As for grooming, my glossy leaves work hard to photosynthesize. You can gently wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust, which allows me to breathe and absorb more light. If you see a flower (the colorful spathe) or a leaf start to fade and die, you can snip it off at the base of its stem to help me direct energy to new growth.
