Anthurium

Bring a touch of exotic, tropical elegance into your home with the Anthurium. Renowned for its stunning, heart-shaped "flowers"—which are actually waxy, modified leaves called spathes—this plant provides a bold splash of long-lasting colour. Whether you choose the classic vibrant red, soft pink, or pure white varieties, the Anthurium is a true showstopper. With its glossy, deep green foliage and architectural form, it serves as a sophisticated focal point that brings the lush feel of the rainforest indoors while remaining surprisingly easy to care for.

Plant Placement Area:

• Bright, humid rooms: Thrives in locations with plenty of light and moisture, such as a well-lit bathroom or kitchen.

• Away from drafts: Keep it away from cold windows, air conditioning units, or radiators, as it prefers stable, warm temperatures.

• Stable environment: Ideally kept in a room where temperatures remain between 18°C and 25°C.

• Indoor only: In most climates, Anthuriums are strictly indoor plants.

Benefits:

• Incredible longevity: The colourful spathes can remain vibrant for several weeks or even months.

• Air-purifying properties: NASA research suggests Anthuriums help remove household toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air.

• Year-round interest: With the right care, they can bloom sporadically throughout the entire year.

• Architectural beauty: Its bold, heart-shaped leaves and upright stems provide a modern, structural look to interior décor.

Watering Tips:

• The "top-inch" rule: Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. They prefer to stay slightly moist but never waterlogged.

• Drainage is key: Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Anthuriums are prone to root rot if left sitting in water.

• Use lukewarm water: They are sensitive to cold shocks; using room-temperature water is best.

• Mist regularly: Being tropical plants, they love high humidity. Misting the leaves (avoiding the flowers) helps them thrive.

Care Tips:

• Soil: Use a very well-draining, chunky potting mix. An orchid mix or a blend of potting soil with plenty of perlite and orchid bark is ideal.

• Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer growing season.

• Deadheading: Snip off spent flowers at the base of the stem to encourage the plant to produce new blooms.

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe and photosynthesize.

Light Level:

• Bright, Indirect Light: Essential for flowering. A spot near a bright window with a sheer curtain is perfect.

• Avoid Direct Sun: Intense, direct afternoon sun will scorch the leaves and bleach the vibrant colours of the spathes.

• Low Light Warning: While it will survive in lower light, it will grow much slower and likely stop producing flowers.

Toxicity:

• Toxic to pets and humans: All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause significant irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to swelling and difficulty swallowing. Keep well out of reach of children, cats, and dogs.