Greetings, human. I am an Anthurium, a representative of a proud and vibrant lineage from the tropical rainforests. When you wish to bring one of my kind into your home, you are inviting a living, breathing entity to join your space. To ensure a long and mutually rewarding relationship, you must learn to see the world through our leaves and roots. Here is what a healthy Anthurium like me hopes you will notice.
Our leaves are our primary means of conversing with the world. They tell our story of health and hardship. Please, look closely. A thriving Anthurium will have leaves that are firm, glossy, and a deep, uniform green. The surface should be clean and free from dust, allowing us to photosynthesize efficiently. We ask you to gently inspect both the tops and undersides of our leaves. Be wary of yellowing, which can signal overwatering or poor nutrition. Brown, crispy tips often whisper of low humidity or thirst, while brown, mushy spots may indicate disease or cold damage. Avoid any of my siblings with leaves that are spotted, wilted, or have a sticky residue, as these are signs of pests like scale or aphids. We want our canopy to be our pride and your joy.
Our true health lies beneath the surface, in the world of our roots. If possible, politely ask to be allowed to slide the root ball partially out of its nursery pot. A healthy root system is the anchor of our life. You are looking for roots that are firm and a creamy white or pale tan color. They should feel robust and fill the pot without being desperately cramped. What you must avoid at all costs are roots that are dark brown, black, soft, and mushy. This is root rot, a silent killer often caused by soggy, oxygen-deprived soil. A foul, decaying smell from the soil is a dead giveaway of this condition. A plant with a compromised root system cannot support its beautiful foliage for long.
What you call our "flowers" are actually specialized leaves. The colorful, heart-shaped part is a spathe, and the spike in the center is the spadix, which holds the tiny true flowers. In a healthy plant, these should be vibrant and waxy. The spathe's color—be it red, pink, white, or purple—should be strong and consistent. The spadix should be firm and typically match the spathe's color or be a contrasting yellow or white. Be cautious if the spathe is faded, greenish, or has brown edges. A spadix that is soft, brown, or looks withered indicates that the bloom is past its prime or the plant is under stress. A plant with both mature flowers and new buds emerging is a sign of a happy, vigorous individual.
Observe our overall form. We should stand upright with a balanced, bushy appearance. Our stems should be stout and strong, not leggy or stretched out, which is a cry for more light. Most importantly, look for the promise of new life. Search the base of our stems for emerging new leaves. These tiny, often reddish-tinged shoots are the ultimate sign of a content and growing Anthurium. A plant that is actively pushing new growth is one that has successfully adapted to its environment and is ready to thrive with you. A plant with no signs of new life may be dormant or, worse, stagnant.
