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Often known as the "flamingo flower" for their bold, bright colors, anthuriums are the world's longest-blooming plant and will bloom continuously in proper conditions all year long.
However, like many houseplants, after some time, they do need to be repotted, giving their roots more room to expand and grow.
Repotting your anthurium will give it the space it needs to grow and continue developing healthy new blooms.
Here's everything you need to know about anthurium repotting.
Anthurium blooms usually stay bright and bold for two to three months before those blooms wilt and the plant begins to grow new blooms. This is a normal part of the anthurium life cycle, so don’t be alarmed by blooms dropping or wilting.
Anthuriums should be repotted every two to three years, or once they've outgrown their current pot. When your anthurium has grown to 20 inches tall in a pot with a five-inch diameter, it's time to graduate it to a new pot.
The best time for repotting anthurium plants is during spring or early summer when they’re in their active growth phase. This timing helps the plant adjust to its new environment with minimal stress, encouraging healthy growth. Warmer months promote growth and flowering, making them ideal for repotting. In colder months, growth slows, increasing the risk of shock if you decide to repot your anthurium. By understanding these seasonal changes, you can keep your plant healthy, vibrant, and safe when repotting.
Repotting anthurium plants isn’t just routine; it’s vital for their health. One significant benefit is improved root health and growth. Moving your anthurium to a larger pot allows roots more space to breathe and grow, resulting in a stronger plant.
Repotting also enhances nutrient absorption. Over time, soil can lose nutrients, but repotting with fresh, high-quality potting mix replenishes these, allowing your plant to absorb them effectively, keeping foliage vibrant and promoting blooms.
Additionally, repotting helps prevent root rot and pest issues. Old, compacted soil can retain excess moisture, leading to root rot, while pests thrive in neglected conditions. Regularly repotting anthurium plants creates a healthier environment, reducing these risks and keeping your plant strong and pest-free. Repotting is crucial for any plant lover.
Carefully remove your plant from its current pot, trimming any brown leaves or wilted flowers. After trimming, place your plant into a slightly larger pot (about 1-2 inches larger in diameter) and fill it with a light and aerated soil blend, such as a blend that is 50% peat moss and 50% coconut fiber.
After repotting anthuriums, water three times the normal amount (18 ice cubes, or 1 1/2 cups) until new leaves grow. Make sure to drain excess water so that the roots do not sit in standing water. If you don’t want to water all at once with that extra amount, you can water your plant more often during the week rather than trying to triple water all in one day.
Then you can return to weekly watering with six ice cubes or 1/2 cup of water.
Selecting the right pot is essential for your anthurium's health. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, typically 6 to 8 inches in diameter for an adult plant. Terracotta or ceramic pots are ideal, promoting air circulation and regulating moisture.
Consider the soil mix carefully. Anthuriums thrive in well-draining, lightweight potting mixes. A blend of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite is ideal, offering necessary nutrients while ensuring excess water drains away. This mix mimics their natural habitat, allowing roots to breathe and preventing root rot.
Proper drainage and aeration are crucial for overall plant health. Ensure your pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Using a well-aerated soil mix and a pot with good drainage creates a thriving environment, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms for your anthurium.
Anthuriums are tropical plants that thrive in warmer environments. Keep them in a place where the temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Kitchens and bathrooms are good choices because they typically have more heat and humidity.
One of the biggest anthurium care mistakes is overwatering. Make sure your anthurium has proper drainage and isn't getting more than the recommended amount of water.
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