Anthurium plants, known for their beautiful foliage and bright flowers, can thrive indoors even during the winter months. Their striking appearance makes them a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts. However, with around 1,000 species, these Central American, South American, and Caribbean natives have particular care needs, especially when temperatures drop. This article will discuss essential tips to keep your anthurium healthy and vibrant during the winter season.
During these cold months, anthuriums require a few adjustments to their typical care routine to stay strong and beautiful. Paying close attention to their watering schedule is crucial, as overwatering is one of the most common problems anthuriums face. The ideal humidity level for these plants is around 80%, which can be maintained during winter by placing them in a room with high moisture, such as a bathroom, or by using a humidifier. Furthermore, monitoring the temperature is of utmost importance. It’s vital to ensure that the living space is warm enough for the plant to flourish.
Apart from meeting their watering, humidity, and temperature requirements, anthuriums need proper light exposure to grow strong and healthy. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which could damage their delicate leaves. Instead, find a well-lit spot that maintains a steady temperature. By following these winter care guidelines, your anthurium will thrive, showcasing its gorgeous foliage and flowers throughout the season.
Anthurium Basics and Winter Care
Temperature Requirements
Anthuriums are tropical plants that typically thrive in warm environments, so it’s important to maintain proper temperatures during colder months. Their optimal temperature range is at or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with foliage types preferring even warmer conditions. Protect your anthurium from drafts and abrupt temperature changes, and consider providing extra warmth during winter by placing it near, but not directly touching, a heating vent or radiator. Remember, too much heat can cause damage or stunted growth, so find a balance that supports the health of your plant.
Light Conditions
To help your anthurium thrive during winter, provide it with adequate lighting that replicates its natural habitat. Position the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and flowers. In the winter months, your anthurium may tolerate more direct sunlight than during the rest of the year, so monitor your plant’s response to changes in light exposure.
During winter, days are shorter and sunlight may be limited. Consider using artificial light sources, such as grow lights, to supplement the natural light and support your anthurium’s growth. Adjust the light exposure to mimic the plant’s preferred conditions, making sure it receives enough light without being exposed to excessive heat or direct light for extended periods.
Adequate lighting and temperature control are crucial for keeping your anthurium healthy during the winter months. By understanding and addressing these factors, you can ensure your plant thrives even in colder conditions.
Watering and Humidity
Moisture Level
Anthuriums need proper care and attention, especially during winter, to keep them thriving. One crucial aspect to consider is the moisture level of the soil. Check the moisture levels of your soil every day and only water your plant when the top layer starts to dry up. Instead of sticking to a rigid schedule, it’s better to respond to your plant’s needs by testing the soil and ensuring the top inch has dried out before watering. When it’s time to water, give your Anthurium enough to make it drip out of the hole at the base 1.
Humidity Maintenance
Another critical factor for your Anthurium’s well-being in the winter is maintaining the ideal humidity levels. Anthuriums thrive best with air humidity between 70-80%, but they can grow at lower levels as long as the humidity stays above 50%2. Lower than 50% can lead to slow growth and brown, crispy leaves3.
To maintain proper humidity levels for your Anthurium during winter, consider placing a humidifier nearby or setting a tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant. This method helps to increase the surrounding air’s humidity as the water evaporates. Keep in mind that during winter, the air tends to be drier than usual, so make sure to monitor humidity levels consistently to make adjustments when needed.
Remember, it’s essential to keep your Anthurium’s moisture level and humidity well balanced during winter, as they’re vital factors for the plant to grow healthy and produce more flowers in the subsequent spring and summer seasons4. Keep these simple tips in mind, and your Anthurium will be well-prepared to thrive even in the colder months.
Fertilizing and Pruning
Feeding Requirements
During winter, Anthurium plants generally require less fertilization as they enter a resting period. However, you should still provide some nutrients to support their health. Feed your Anthurium every four to six weeks, with a water-soluble, high-phosphorus fertilizer such as a 10:30:20 ratio. Remember to dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter strength before applying it to avoid over-fertilizing.
Winter Pruning Tips
Pruning your Anthurium in winter is essential to maintain a healthy and attractive plant. Here are some tips for effective winter pruning:
- Remove yellow, brown, or diseased leaves: Regularly inspect your plant and trim any unhealthy leaves to improve growth and reduce the risk of pest or disease problems. This will make your plant less susceptible to pest and disease issues.
- Prune spent flowers: During winter, remove any faded flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant’s overall appearance.
- Shape your Anthurium: Once a year in spring, you can shape your Anthurium by removing no more than one-third of the plant at one time. This will promote healthy, bushy growth during the upcoming growing season.
Remember to always use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid introducing diseases to your Anthurium. By following these winter pruning tips, your Anthurium plant will remain healthy and beautiful throughout the cold months.
Dealing with Pests
Common Winter Pests
During winter, anthurium plants may face a few common pests. These unwanted visitors include aphids, brown scales, thrips, and white mealybugs. It’s essential to keep the pests under control to maintain the health of your anthurium plants. Since our beautiful flamingo flowers grow indoors, it is even more crucial to keep a keen eye on potential infestations.
Control Measures
To manage these pests effectively, follow these simple yet effective steps:
- Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the anthurium plant for any signs of pests. Look for discolored leaves, irregular growth, or the presence of small insects. Early detection can make a significant difference in dealing with pests.
- Water Spray: For pests like aphids and white mealybugs, you can remove them by shooting a strong stream of water onto the affected leaves. This process will dislodge the pests and help keep their population under control.
- Horticultural Soap: Another useful measure is to gently scrub the affected leaves with a soft brush and horticultural soap. This treatment assists in removing pests and preventing further damage to the plant. Ensure you rinse the plant leaves thoroughly after using the soap.
- Beneficial Insects: If you’re growing anthuriums in a greenhouse or with other houseplants, you can introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, or green lacewings. These insects help control aphids and other sap-sucking pests by preying on them.
- Proper Watering and Humidity: Maintaining optimal watering and humidity conditions can prevent pest infestations by keeping your anthurium plant healthy and resilient. Ensure the plant doesn’t sit in standing water and avoid overwatering.
By implementing these control measures, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your anthurium plants from pesky winter pests. Remember, a healthy and well-maintained plant is less likely to attract pests and can better withstand the challenges they present.
Repotting and Root Care
During winter, Anthuriums require particular care, as they may suffer from low temperatures and decreased light. This section will provide guidance on repotting your Anthurium and maintaining healthy roots.
When to Repot
It is a good idea to repot Anthurium plants every 2-3 years. It is preferable to do it during the spring or summer months when the plant is in its growing phase. However, if you suspect any root diseases or pests, you should repot your Anthurium immediately, even during winter. When repotting, gently slide the plant from its current pot and place it into a new container with fresh potting soil1.
Root Health
Healthy roots are essential for Anthuriums to absorb water and nutrients effectively. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of root rot, mold, or other issues that may indicate a problem. Symptoms may include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor near the soil surface. If you find any issues, address them promptly.
The following tips will help you maintain healthy roots for your Anthurium in winter:
- Watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot in Anthurium plants. Be sure to decrease the watering frequency during winter months, as the plant’s growth rate slows down, and it requires less moisture. A general rule of thumb is to water only when the top layer of the soil feels dry.
- Drainage: Make sure your Anthurium is planted in a pot with adequate drainage holes. This will help prevent water buildup, which can cause root rot.
- Air circulation: Adequate air circulation is essential for the roots to remain healthy. Ensure the plant is positioned in a well-ventilated area, with enough space for the air to circulate freely around the pot.
- Fertilization: During winter, reduce the frequency of fertilizing your Anthurium. Over-fertilization can lead to root burn, which will damage the roots and make them vulnerable to diseases.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Anthurium stays healthy during the winter months, with strong roots that will allow the plant to thrive when spring returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Winter watering frequency
Anthurium plants prefer soil that is consistently moist, but not overly wet. In winter, it’s important to find the right balance when watering your plant. Depending on the humidity and temperature in your home, you may need to water your Anthurium once a week or every 10 days. Make sure to check the soil regularly to ensure it doesn’t become too dry or overly saturated.
Ideal indoor temperatures
Anthurium plants are tropical in nature, but they can still adapt to indoor conditions during winter months. The ideal temperature range for Anthuriums is between 60°F and 85°F (16°C and 29°C). To ensure your plant remains healthy, avoid placing it near drafts or in areas where the temperature fluctuates drastically.
Using pots for anthurium
Selecting the right pot for your Anthurium is crucial. Choose a pot with good drainage to prevent standing water, which can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot is spacious enough for your plant to grow but not overly large, as this can cause the soil to retain too much moisture.
Light requirements
These plants require indirect but bright sunlight in order to flourish. The leaves may be damaged by excessive exposure to direct sunlight flowers, so make sure to provide ample light without exposing the plant to harsh sunrays. You may need to reposition your plant during winter to ensure it receives enough light as the days become shorter.
Handling dormancy
During the winter months, Anthuriums may go through a period of dormancy. To help your plant rest during this time, lower its exposure to light and maintain cooler temperatures. This six-week rest period can help the plant recover and prepare for the upcoming growing season.
Anthurium growth rate
Anthurium plants grow rather slowly under the right conditions, but with proper care, they can thrive for years. During winter, it’s normal for the growth rate to slow down, but by following appropriate watering, temperature, and lighting guidelines, your Anthurium will return to its normal growth pattern once spring arrives.
Footnotes
- How to Get the Right Watering Habits and Humidity for Your Anthurium ↩ ↩2
- The Ideal Anthurium Humidity & 11 Signs it is Not on Point ↩
- Anthurium 101: How to Care for Anthuriums | Bloomscape ↩
- 3 Anthurium Winter Care Tips ↩
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
