Anthurium Care: Repotting, Combining Plants, and Getting Blooms Back

Two Anthuriums, One Pot? Here's How to Succeed

You have a sun-scorched older plant (recovering with new shoots) and a younger blooming one. Both in regular soil, both in an 8" "Plant Spa" pot. You want to combine them in orchid mix. Here's the expert take.

Key Anthurium Facts

• Flowering types (spathe + spadix) like bright indirect light, constant moisture (not soggy), and high humidity.
• Foliage types (large, velvety leaves) need similar conditions but get much larger.
• Neither needs to be severely rootbound — they thrive when roots fill the pot but have room to expand.
• Aerial roots absorb moisture from air; don't bury them.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Combine in 8" pot? Only if both are flowering types. Foliage types need separate, larger pots.
2. Orchid mix? Yes — excellent drainage. Add perlite or bark for aeration.
3. Slow blooming? Low light (even in south window) and indoor humidity are likely culprits. Flowering anthuriums need 1,500–2,500 foot-candles.
4. Shock from combining? Minimal if done carefully during active growth. Water well after.
5. Handling aerial roots? Lay them on the surface of the new mix; don't bury. Mist daily.

Pro Tips

• Fertilize weakly, weekly (¼ strength balanced fertilizer) during growth.
• Repot only when roots circle the pot bottom.
• Group plants to raise humidity; use pebble trays.

Your older plant will recover fully once light and humidity improve. The younger one will bloom more reliably with consistent care.