Anthurium is grown for its brightly colored flower petals and decorative dark green leaves. They are a classic and lovely houseplant, especially when given as a gift. How to take care of anthurium in your home!

Look for varieties with flower colors beyond the usual red. Purple, lavender, pink and hot orange flowers cover plants 10 months of the year. There can be dozens of flowers on the plant at a time!

PLANTINGHow to plant anthuriumUse well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.Anthurium prefers bright but indirect light. In direct sun they can dry out too much and the leaves can develop brown, burnt tips.The plant prefers a location with temperatures between 60° and 85°F (15.5° to 29°C).GROWINGHow to care for anthuriumAnthurium likes moist conditions. Store the pot on a tray of moist gravel or mist with water several times a week.Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry slightly between waterings.Fertilize with a pot plant fertilizer with a high phosphorus content every two weeks in the spring and summer.Replant every two years, or when the plant becomes pot-bound.Keep away from pets and children, as parts of the plant may cause mouth irritation and stomach upset if ingested.RECOMMENDED VARIETIESAnthurium andraeanum has large heart-shaped waxy spathes with a pointed white flower in the center.A. andraeanum ‘Hookuloa’ has bright white spades with a pale yellow center flower.A. andraeanum ‘Purple Plum’ is completely purple, even the stems.A. scherzerianum has arrow-shaped leaves and a curly orange flower spike.