Welcome to my world! I am an Anthurium, a tropical epiphyte, which means in my natural habitat I grow on other plants and trees beneath a dense forest canopy. To truly thrive in your home, I need you to replicate these warm, humid, and bright-but-indirect conditions. Think dappled sunlight, not the harsh, direct rays of a midday sun, which will scorch my beautiful, glossy leaves. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect, or a few feet back from a south or west window. My comfort zone for temperature is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). Please keep me away from drafty doors, cold windows, and heating or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature changes are a significant shock to my system.
My roots are absolutely crucial and they demand two things: moisture and oxygen. I cannot tolerate sitting in soggy, dense soil; it will cause my roots to rot and I will quickly perish. You must provide me with a potting mix that is exceptionally well-draining and airy. A perfect home for me is a blend of orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and a handful of charcoal. This chunky mix allows water to flow through freely while retaining just enough moisture and letting my roots breathe. The pot you choose is equally important. It must have excellent drainage holes. A terracotta pot is a fantastic choice as it is porous and helps wick away excess moisture from the soil, further protecting my sensitive root system.
Watering is where many new caregivers make mistakes. My motto is "moderation." I enjoy consistently moist soil, but never, ever wet. The best technique is to check my soil first. Insert your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it is time to water me thoroughly. Water me until you see a trickle escape from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is hydrated. Then, always empty the saucer underneath my pot afterward. I never want to stand in water. In the warmer, brighter growing season, I will be thirstier. In the winter, when my growth slows, I will need much less water. Overwatering is a far greater danger to me than underwatering.
To produce my stunning, heart-shaped flowers (which are actually modified leaves called spathes with a central spadix), I require a steady supply of nutrients. However, I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing period in spring and summer, please feed me a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength every 4-6 weeks. Over-fertilizing me will do more harm than good, leading to salt buildup in the soil that can burn my roots and cause my leaf tips to turn brown. In the autumn and winter, you should stop feeding me altogether, as I am resting and will not use the nutrients.
I will constantly tell you how I am feeling through my foliage. Pay close attention, as I am quite expressive. If my leaves are turning yellow, you are likely loving me a little too much with water. Let my soil dry out a bit more between drinks. If the edges of my leaves are turning brown and crispy, the air in your home is probably too dry for my tropical soul. Please increase the humidity around me by placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water or by grouping me with other plants. If my leaves are pale or washed out, I am probably getting too much direct sun. If I am not producing any of my characteristic flowers, I likely need a bit more light or a small dose of fertilizer.
