Plant Doctor Archive

Repotting anthuriums

I HAVE a potted anthurium inside which I've had for three years. It has only ever had two flowers on it and each year a few extra leaves appear. The pot is small and I think it needs repotting. When should I do this, what potting mix is best and what fertiliser should I use?

PUTTING your anthurium in a larger pot will definitely encourage more growth which will lead to more flowers, probably larger ones, too. Spring is a good time to do this - if it's in a warm spot indoors you could repot it any time from now on.

Use a good quality general potting mix. One with granulated bark would be best as anthuriums need plenty of air around their roots and good drainage. Choose a brand with slow- or controlled-release fertiliser in it, the type which last six to eight months or more.

When you repot the plant, shake off any old mix that comes away easily, but don't be overzealous. Water well after repotting, then when the weather warms up.

Through the warm months feed every week or so with a liquid fertiliser. Every now and then put the plant outside in the rain to give it a good soaking to clean any dust off the leaves, or give it a good wash with a hose or in the shower.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.