How often should I water an anthurium?

Water when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out, typically every 1–2 weeks depending on light and humidity. Always let excess water drain fully; never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water.

Why are my anthurium's leaf edges turning brown?

This is almost always low humidity, which is common in Canadian homes during winter heating season. Raise humidity around the plant with a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping with other plants.

Plant care guide

Anthurium Growing Guide

Anthurium andraeanum

An anthurium that isn't blooming almost always needs more light, not more fertilizer — it's the single most common care mistake.

Light

Bright, indirect light; no direct sun

Soil

Chunky, fast-draining aroid mix (bark, perlite, peat)

Water

When top 2 in. of soil is dry; never let it sit wet

Humidity

60%+ ideal; use a humidifier or pebble tray in dry Canadian homes

Hardiness

Houseplant everywhere in Canada; outdoors only in zones 11–12

Bloom

Repeat-blooms year-round indoors under good light

Anthurium's glossy, heart-shaped flower bracts (technically a spathe, not a true flower) can bloom nearly year-round indoors, but only with enough light — this is a plant that tolerates low light without dying, yet refuses to bloom without brightness. Canadian winter homes also run drier than anthuriums like, so humidity is the second thing to get right.

Light and placement

Place within a few feet of an east- or west-facing window, or a few steps back from a south-facing one
Bright, indirect light is essential for blooming — low light keeps the plant alive but flowerless
Avoid direct midday sun, which scorches the leaves and bleaches the flower bracts
Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two so growth doesn't lean toward the light source

Watering and humidity

Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
Never let the pot sit in standing water — anthurium roots rot quickly in soggy soil
Aim for humidity above 60%; group with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier, especially during dry forced-air winters
Brown, crispy leaf edges are usually a sign of humidity that's too low, not underwatering

Soil and feeding

Use a chunky, fast-draining aroid mix — orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir — never dense potting soil
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Repot every 2 years into a pot only one size up; anthuriums bloom better slightly root-bound
Aerial roots that appear above the soil are normal — tuck them back into the mix or leave them be

Common problems

Not blooming: almost always insufficient light — move it closer to a bright window before troubleshooting anything else
Yellow leaves: typically overwatering or a pot without drainage holes
Brown, crispy edges: low humidity, especially common in heated Canadian homes in winter
Few or small new leaves: often means the plant needs more light or a light feeding, not repotting
Root rot (mushy, dark roots, sudden wilting): remove from wet soil, trim rotted roots, repot in fresh dry mix

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Frequently asked questions

Insufficient light is by far the most common cause. Anthuriums survive in low light but need bright, indirect light to produce their signature waxy blooms — move it nearer a window before adjusting anything else.