To determine the best placement for your anthurium, one must first understand its origins. Anthuriums are tropical understory plants native to the rainforests of Central and South America. In their natural habitat, they grow on the forest floor or as epiphytes on trees, receiving dappled, filtered sunlight through the dense canopy above. They thrive in warm, humid conditions with consistent moisture but in well-draining mediums. This means the plant has evolved to dislike direct, harsh sunlight and appreciates high humidity and stable, warm temperatures. Replicating these conditions as closely as possible indoors is the key to a healthy, blooming anthurium.
The single most important factor for placement is light. Anthuriums require bright, indirect light to flourish and produce their iconic, long-lasting flowers (spathes). A spot near an east-facing window is often ideal, as it provides plenty of gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work well. If you only have south or west-facing windows, you must place the plant several feet away from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, causing brown, crispy tips and faded color. Insufficient light, on the other hand, will result in slow growth, fewer to no flowers, and leggy, stretched-out foliage.
Beyond light, temperature and humidity are crucial. Anthuriums prefer temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C) and are highly sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Therefore, you must avoid placing your plant near frequently opened exterior doors, cold drafty windows in winter, or directly in the path of heating and air conditioning vents. These drafts can cause stress, leaf yellowing, and bud drop. As humidity lovers, anthuriums appreciate a relative humidity level of 60% or higher. Placing them in naturally humid rooms like a well-lit bathroom or kitchen is excellent. Alternatively, grouping it with other plants creates a beneficial microclimate, or you can place it on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity.
Based on these needs, certain rooms and spots are superior to others. A bright bathroom with a window is arguably one of the best locations, as it provides steam from showers to boost humidity naturally. A kitchen spot away from the cooking fumes but near a window is another prime candidate. A living room position a few feet from a large south or west window, or directly in front of an east or north window, is also perfect. You can successfully grow anthuriums in bedrooms or home offices if the light and temperature criteria are met. The key is to observe the plant; vibrant green, glossy leaves and consistent flowering indicate a perfect location, while yellowing or scorched leaves signal a need for adjustment.
