Anthurium, or flamingo flower, prized for its colourful bracts and glossy foliage, is an indoor plant that needs an airy substrate and good drainage to stay in top condition. Repotting every two to three years boosts flowering and reduces risk of root rot. Here’s a simple guide to give your plant the best growing conditions.

Why repot an Anthurium?

Over time, substrate becomes depleted, compacts and will drain less well, which can lead to excess moisture harmful to roots.

In addition, roots, often vigorous, eventually lack space, which slows growth, weakens foliage and reduces flowering. Repotting renews potting mix, aerates root system and gives your plant optimal conditions to grow again.

When to repot an Anthurium?

Best time is spring, when growth restarts. On average, repotting every two years is enough to keep an Anthurium healthy.

If you see roots emerging from under the pot or signs of slowed growth, it’s the right time to intervene.

Fallen Anthurium pot. Pot is broken, but roots are clearly visible.
Oops! Cat knocked over your Anthurium! Now’s a good opportunity to repot it and give it a fresh substrate.

Which pot and substrate to use?

Anthurium prefers a plastic or terracotta pot with drainage holes. Choose a container slightly larger than current one, without excess.

For substrate, favour a very airy mix: a potting mix for tropical plants or orchids, enriched with perlite, fine pine bark or coconut fibre to mimic rich, well-draining forest soils.

Steps to repot an Anthurium

  • Slightly moisten substrate a day before, this will make extraction easier without damaging roots.
  • Gently remove your Anthurium from its pot, supporting base of stems to avoid breakage.
  • Carefully loosen roots if very tangled, or trim dead roots if necessary.
  • Add a drainage layer (clay pebbles or gravel) to bottom of new pot, then add some substrate.
  • Place rootball in centre of pot, so base of stems sits just above substrate level.
  • Fill gaps, firm lightly and adjust height if needed.
  • Water moderately, avoiding waterlogging, to moisten the mix evenly.
Repotting an Anthurium into a new pot.

After repotting

Place your Anthurium in a bright spot, out of direct sun, at a stable temperature and away from draughts.

Maintain a humid atmosphere by regularly misting foliage or setting the pot on a tray of damp clay pebbles.

Avoid adding fertilisers for about a month while the plant settles in.

An Anthurium in a pot in a living room.
Choose location for your Anthurium carefully: provide light, no direct sun and keep away from draughts.