Question
QUESTION: I bought and repotted my anthurium, then I noticed after a week the new flowers started to turn brown and the leaves has brown spots too. Is this a sign that my anthurium is dying? Please help.

ANSWER: Dear Mark,

Well if it's not dying it's crying out for help!

Since your plant is so new I would take it right back to where you bought it and ask either for their help in identifying the problem - could be insects,disease or underwatering - or request a new plant.

It's quite usual for a plant to shed a leaf or two after repotting but anthurium flowers should each bloom for several weeks.  Anthuriums are not the easiest of plants to grow but you don't expect problems after just one week.

It may be that the surrounding air is too dry so you could mist the plant to keep it cool.  I am assuming that although it is situated in a light spot it is not receiving any hot summer sun as they don't like that.

BUT if you are going to return it to the store don't cut off anything - return it as it is now so they can see it for themselves.  I used to sell plants for a living and I much preferred my customers to return a plant that they were not happy with, for whatever reason, rather than the customer telling all their friends not to come to my store! Of course if you bought it in a supermarket they won't care one way or the other, but a specialist plant store or garden centre should be concerned and interested.

Do let me know how you get on.

Diana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Diana,
Thanks for your reply. I repotted my anthurium more than a week after I bought it. So most probably I was the one who caused the problem, before I repotted it, it looked healthy. Before I got your response I already cut off all the dead flowers, except for the brown spotted leaves and I don't have the receipt anymore, so I presumed I couldn't return it anymore but just to deal with the problem. I moved my anthurium near the glass door to the balcony so that it gets more light but not direct sunlight. And I'll try misting it. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Mark,

I do hope your prompt actions will help save your plant.  But in any case there will be no harm in going back to the store and asking for some advice.  Don't worry about not having the receipt - just ask if they can help you out and if it is a professional establishment they will be happy to do so.  And if not, don't ever go there again!!

Good Luck

Diana