Why is my anthurium (flamingo flower) dropping leaves, and how should I care for it?

Anthurium, also known as flamingo flower, carries the meaning of a grand future and great fortune. Its flowering period is from February to July, and with good care it can bloom continuously all year round. But many people run into the problem of dropping leaves when growing anthurium, so what are the causes of anthurium leaf drop? And how should it be cared for?

1. Why does anthurium drop leaves?

1. Improper watering

If too much water is given or watering is too frequent, keeping the soil wet and waterlogged for a long time, the roots rot easily. Once the roots rot, their ability to absorb nutrients is affected, so the leaves lack nutrients, turn yellow and drop. If this happens, drain the water promptly, and water properly in future, not too much.

2. Improper fertilizing

If no fertilizer is applied for a long time, the plant lacks nutrients, the leaves wither from lack of nutrients and finally drop, and the stems become very thin. In this case, replace the soil promptly and apply fertilizer to the soil. Too much fertilizer is also bad: the leaves thicken, gradually turn yellow and drop. If you notice this, stop fertilizing, replace the soil, wash the roots clean with water, and replant them in new soil.

3. Unsuitable soil

For gardeners in the north, the soil and water in many places have a higher salt and alkali content, and most northern soil is alkaline, with very little soluble iron. Iron deficiency causes leaves to drop, so it is best to prepare slightly acidic soil and add some iron to it.

4. Unsuitable temperature

Everyone knows what the weather in the north is like. In the north it is hard to keep it alive even indoors, because indoor temperatures in northern winter are very low and its leaves die and drop. If the home is very hot in summer, water also evaporates quickly, so replenish water in time.

5. Improper light

Anthurium is a plant that naturally prefers shade. If it is placed in an unsuitable spot for a long time, exposed to blazing sun, or given no light at all and kept in a dark area, it becomes very weak, the leaves cannot grow normally and will fall off.

6. Pests and diseases

If pathogens invade, diseases such as leaf spot and mosaic virus will cause spots to appear. If pests attack it, such as scale insects, red spider mites and aphids, the leaves fade, shrivel and may even drop directly. In this case, buy the corresponding pesticide and spray to kill them.

2. How should anthurium be cared for?

1. Control the temperature

Many indoor potted plants fail after just one winter, and the main reason is temperature. Anthurium is very intolerant of cold. If the home does not use air conditioning often in winter, or has no heating, then overwintering really needs special attention. Generally, once the temperature falls below 10°C, frost damage can occur at any time, especially in early spring. Remember, many flowers do not die in winter but in the alternately cold and warm early spring.

2. Suitable light

All things grow by the sun, but sometimes too much light is not a good thing. For anthurium, note that the light must not be too strong. Anthurium is a shade-loving plant and should be placed in a bright spot indoors, ideally with some scattered light. Strong light must be avoided, otherwise the leaves easily discolour and get scorched, seriously harming their ornamental value.

3. Keep it moist

Anthurium likes moisture. Water it once the surface of the potting soil is dry, about once every 2-3 days. Anthurium also has certain requirements for air humidity, so mist around the leaves regularly. This keeps the flowers bright and full. If the temperature is on the low side, anthurium grows more slowly, so watering should be controlled to avoid root rot.

4. Light fertilizer, applied often

Anthurium likes fertilizer fairly well. Fertilize once every 2 weeks, which can be done together with watering, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer as a top dressing before flowering. The best time to fertilize is morning or evening. In winter, fertilize once a month. In addition, anthurium also needs some liquid fertilizer; drip one or two drops in when watering, once every 3-5 days is enough, and once every half month in winter. Do not use foliar fertilizer on anthurium, because its surface has a waxy layer that hinders absorption.

5. Keep the aerial roots

Anthurium sometimes has part of its roots exposed above the soil surface. Many gardening fans worry this is bad for the plant and hurry to bury them back. Never do this. These exposed roots are called aerial roots, and they exist to better absorb nutrients and breathe. Burying them is like blocking their breathing, and it also leads to poor flowering.