So Your Anthurium is Growing Up - Is it Time to Repot?
If your personality is more of a Max then you are one that appreciates bright pops of color when it comes to the decor or plant life in your home. You can’t get much brighter than the bold and beautiful blooms of the anthurium plant. Often called the “flamingo flower”, in honor of its fun and colorful blooms, the anthurium plant is also celebrated as the world’s longest blooming plant! With proper care (and this plant is easy to care for) your anthurium can bloom year-round!
If you are already the lucky owner of an anthurium and you’ve been dutifully caring for it for some time, there is a good chance that your plant has done some growing up and may be in need of more space! We’ve gathered all the info you need to know about anthurium repotting.
When to Repot
Anthurium repotting should typically take place every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its pot. If your anthurium is currently in a pot with a five-inch diameter and has grown to 20 inches tall, it is time to prepare for repotting. Other signs that your anthurium has outgrown its pot are roots growing through the drainage holes or circling the surface of the potting mixture. If you’ve been dragging your feet on repotting, know that keeping a plant in a pot that’s too small for it can stunt its growth and negatively affect its overall health.
How to Repot
When it’s time to repot your anthurium, choose a pot that is about 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Carefully remove your plant from its current pot and trim away any wilted flowers or brown leaves. Place your plant into its new home and fill the pot with a light, aerated soil blend. We recommend a blend that is 50% peat moss and 50% coconut fiber. Fresh potting soil will also help provide an influx of nutrients for the plant.
After anthurium repotting has taken place you will need to provide your plant with more water than usual. Water about three times the normal amount needed (18 ice cubes, or 1 1/2 cups) a week until new leaves grow. It may be easier to water more throughout the week rather than tripling the water in one day. Drain any excess water to keep your plant’s roots from getting soggy or root rot forming. Once you notice new leaf growth, you can resume your normal watering routine of six ice cubes or ½ cup of water a week.
Growing up can be hard to do but not when you’re a plant that gets repotted at the right time! Follow these anthurium repotting tips to enjoy a happy, healthy plant for years to come.