Anthurium Complete Guide: From Buying to Growing With Confidence

Anthuriums do best in rooms that offer consistent warmth, humidity, and bright but indirect light. A naturally lit bathroom is an ideal space, as the humidity from showers helps keep the plant happy while the light remains diffused. If your bathroom lacks windows, a kitchen with a bright corner away from direct sun can also work well. Bedrooms or living rooms with large east- or north-facing windows provide just the right balance of light without risking leaf scorch. Just be sure to avoid placing the plant near radiators, air conditioners, or drafty spots where temperature and humidity fluctuate.

To buy anthuriums online in New Zealand, look for dedicated indoor plant retailers that ship nationwide and clearly state growing conditions for each plant. Prioritize shops that offer healthy, established plants (not just cuttings), and check whether they provide care instructions, pot size, and return policies. It’s also helpful to choose a seller with good reviews and transparent shipping practices—especially when dealing with more delicate tropical plants like anthuriums. You’ll often find better variety and plant quality through specialist houseplant nurseries rather than general garden centers.

To propagate an anthurium, wait until the plant forms a new crown at least an inch away from the main one. During repotting, gently pull this offset away and place it in a small pot with fresh soil. With consistent care, the division should establish itself and begin flowering after about a year.

Fungus gnats are the most common pest you’ll encounter with Anthuriums. These tiny insects hover around the soil surface and lay eggs in overly moist conditions. To control them, allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil, and make sure the pot has good drainage.

Overfertilization can lead to lower leaves turning yellow with brown tips. To remedy this, leach the soil with clean water and resume feeding after a month using diluted fertilizer. Yellowing leaves alone may point to overwatering or poor drainage—ensure excess water can escape and use a well-aerated, peaty potting mix with perlite.

If your Anthurium refuses to bloom, the issue is often not disease but environment: either the plant is too young, not receiving enough light, or is being fed a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. Adjust light exposure and fertilizer type to encourage flowering.