Question
Hello.  I have an anthurium plant that I received a few months ago.  The leaves are all turning brown and curling up.  I think it's definitely in trouble and I am pretty clueless about houseplants so I have no idea what to do.  I would like to learn more about plants because I love having them around and want to take care of them.  Can you recommend a good book on houseplants?  

Answer
Hi Kay,

Anthuriums are epiphytes or air plants. That means that they don't grow in the ground like most houseplants. In nature their roots attach themselves to tree branches, as do Orchids and Bromeliads. Why is this important? Because epiphytes cannot be grown in pots of soil or their roots will rot. They should be grown in a mix of very porous material such as sphagnum moss, bark chips, lava rock or vermiculite & perlite. These mixes do not retain water very long so the roots will not rot.

Anturiums will stay in the same pot indefinitely, so just leave yours in the pot it came in. Give your Anthuriums lots of bright indirect light, but avoid direct sun rays. Fertilize monthly if it is putting out new growth. In good conditions, it will bloom several times per year.

In general, a thorough soaking once per week is about right for an Anthurium. But that assumes proper light and pot size.

Over time, Anthuriums become tall and leggy. They can be cut back and new growth will emerge just below the point of the cut.

To promote Anthurium flowers, try to provide the brightest possible light while still protecting it from direct sun. Use a dilute fertilizer with a high middle number (15-30-15, for example). You can also try providing about 4 to 6 weeks of cooler temps (55 degrees) to help promote flowers. Finally, keep your Anthurium potbound.


I wish I could recommend a plant book for you. I have been searching for one for 30 years and have decided that I will have to write it. The detailed information I provided above is not available in any existing plant book.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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