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Anthurium Lily Care: 5 Reasons You Should Grow Them

If you are looking for an easy-care, low-maintenance houseplant that blooms and is hard to kill, look no further than an anthurium lily. Learn how to grow and care for these beautiful flowering tropical houseplants with these simple tips.


Anthurium lilies are so fun to grow. They have beautiful waxy flowers, require minimal effort from you, and aim to please you.

When my daughter Shana and I went shopping several years ago at one of my favorite local nurseries, she was immediately drawn to this pretty little houseplant and wanted to grow it.

Since then, he’s moved around a bit and has adapted to the different environments from our former home to our current home.

And he took a bit of a beating this summer during the extreme heat as I kept it on the front porch that kept toppling over in the wind and busting his pot. Because it was so hot, I was a little lazy about repotting it.

But you know what?

This little plant is tough as nails and can take almost anything you throw at it. He’s been recovering nicely in my sunroom and is doing quite well.

So if you think you can’t grow houseplants, I encourage you to try growing an anthurium lily. Because it is a great starter plant.

Read on to learn how to care for them and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible flowering houseplant that’s easy care and fun to grow.

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Anthurium Lily Care

Anthurium Andraeanum, the common name Flamingo Plant, is a popular type of flowering tropical plant that is native to the tropical regions of the Americas.

They are indoor plants that are known for their bright, heart-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors.

Anthuriums are relatively easy to care for, but they do have specific needs that must be met in order to thrive and flower well.

And while that may sound scary, it’s pretty easy. Here’s what you need to know.

Light

One of the most important things to consider when caring for a flamingo lily is its light requirements.

These tropical plants prefer bright indirect light. They should not be placed in direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to scorch.

And if your anthurium is not getting enough light, its flowers may become pale or its leaves may become smaller.

So the plant will pretty much tell you when it’s not happy and you can make the proper adjustments. I’ve come to learn its a very forgiving plant.

close up of anthurium with red flower

Watering

Anthuriums also requires well-draining moist soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings.

This means, don’t water your anthurium on the same day of each week. Instead, check the soil for dryness on the same day each week in an effort to avoid soggy soil that will rot the roots.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s really important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

When we water on the same day each week without actually checking the soil, we do more harm than good.

And the surface of the soil is not telling with regard to how soggy it actually is. You can learn how to check for soil dryness with this easy test.

close up of front porch swing with vintage flower pillows, potted plants and an outdoor area rug on the front porch in my outdoor living spaces home tour
Anthurium on the front porch

Fertilizing

These plants also benefit from regular fertilization but don’t need much to flower. During the growing season, I use a slow-release fertilizer that lasts a few months instead of a liquid fertilizer that lasts a few days to a week. It’s an easier approach to houseplant care when you set and forget.

Be sure not to give anthuriums too little or too much fertilizer as it can burn the roots and cause plant decline. Always follow the label recommendations with whatever fertilizer you choose.

Remember, more fertilizer does not mean better.

Humidity

To provide the best anthurium care, try to give it humid environment if you can.

While they are tropical plants that thrive in high humidity, they can also handle less humid conditions too. But low humidity levels can be easily corrected too.

If you have dry air in your home, the best way to increase the humidity level around your anthurium is by placing it on a humidity tray of pebbles filled with water, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves regularly.

Pro-tip: if there is a lack of humidity in your home, you can group several houseplants together to create their own microclimate.

close up of anthurium plant with red flower

Room Temperature

The ideal conditions for anthuriums are warm environments, with temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

They can tolerate cooler temperatures, but should not be exposed to frost or freezing temperatures. So keep your anthurium lily away from cold drafts, particularly during the cold winter months.

During summer months, I bring my anthurium plant outdoors where it can enjoy warm temperatures and humid conditions in a protected area on the front porch.

When you move them outdoors, make sure you keep them out of direct sunlight or the leaves will scorch.

Overall, anthuriums are low-maintenance plants that are easy to care that will reward you with beautiful, long-lasting flowers.

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5 Reasons You Should Grow an Anthurium

Since I started growing these pretty houseplants a few years ago, I can tell you how resilient anthuriums are making them a great easy-care plant to grow.

Anthurium lily care is minimal, but the plant does have some needs to be met.

Here’s why you should grow an anthurium lily.

Bright, Colorful, and Beautiful Flowers

One of the most appealing features of anthuriums is their bright, colorful flowers.

The flowers are long-lasting and can add a pop of color to any room or outdoor living space in warmer climates.

If you are looking for a houseplant that blooms with ease, look no further than the flamingo plant.

Pink anthurium by the sill
Pink Anthurium by the Sill

Anthurium Lily Care Is Low Maintenance

Anthuriums are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners or those with busy schedules.

For best results, keep this tropical houseplant in a warm, environment with relative humidity, bright light that is indirect, and well-draining soil.

I’ve found them to be resilient houseplants that can bounce back after stress without succumbing to serious plant decline making it the perfect plant for beginners or those that want to grow houseplants with little time for coddling.

As an aside, if you’ve got a plant that needs to be revived, you can check out my best tips here.

Houseplants in greenhouse getting lots of sunlight

Air Purifying Plant

Anthuriums have been shown to have air-purifying properties and can help improve the air quality in your home or office.

They are particularly effective at removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and ammonia from the air.

Since embarking on my houseplant journey several years ago, I’ve noticed my family and I suffer from less colds and touches of flu since before growing them.

So I believe that houseplants improve the quality of our indoor air. And since the anthurium is an easy-care plant that has air-purifying properties, it’s totally worth growing in your home.

Red Anthurium by the Sill

Long-Lasting Flowers

Anthuriums are known for producing long-lasting waxy flowers that can remain vibrant for several weeks or months.

This makes them a great choice for adding splashes of color without the need for frequent replacements to brighten up indoor spaces.

Versatility

Anthuriums are versatile plants that can be grown in a variety of settings.

Whether you grow them indoors or outdoors, they can be grown in pots or planters with the perfect potting mix, making them a good choice for those with limited spaces too.

terracotta and clay planters at the nursery

How to Repot an Anthurium

Repotting these popular houseplants is a simple process that can help provide the plant with fresh soil and a larger pot as it grows.

Here’s how to repot an anthurium:

  1. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.
  2. Gently remove the plant from its current container. You may need to gently loosen the roots or use a knife to carefully cut the pot away from the root ball if the plant is pot-bound.
  3. Place a layer of course, well-draining soil in the bottom of the new pot.
  4. Then place the anthurium in the pot and fill in around the root ball with more soil, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between the top of the soil line and the rim of the pot.
  5. Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to grow.
  6. Keep the plant in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light and water regularly.

Be gentle when removing the plant from its current pot and handle the roots carefully to avoid damaging them.

close up of anthurium flower that is red

Are Anthurium Plants Poisonous to Cats?

Anthurium plants are not considered to be poisonous to cats, but they can cause digestive issues if ingested.

The plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested.

In severe cases, ingestion of anthurium plants can cause difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms.

It’s important to keep anthurium plants out of reach of pets, especially cats, to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect that your cat has ingested part of an anthurium plant, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

vintage wood chess table in the library overlooking the plant room

More About Anthuriums

Have you grown and anthurium before? And if so, do you have a favorite variety? Do you have any anthurium lily care tips and tricks? I would love to know more in the comments below.

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4 Comments

  1. I enjoyed this post, would these suggestions also apply to a Peace lily? Maybe, that could be a post, also. I cannot seem to entice my peace lily to bloom, in the 8 or more years I have had it, it was a gift.
    I have been enjoying the posts on making you new to you home, yours, swoon over older homes.

    Kim

    1. I am def doing a post on the peace lily too! They are gorgeous indoor plants!!!! I’ve had mine for several years now too. And thank you so much Kim – I truly appreciate you being here. Have the best weekend!!!