Anthurium Brown Leaves: Epiphyte Care (Not Soil Plant)

Kay's anthurium (few months): leaves all turning brown, curling. Clueless about houseplants. Asks for book recommendation.

Critical Fact: Anthuriums Are Epiphytes

• Grow on tree branches in nature (like orchids/bromeliads).
• Cannot grow in pots of soil – roots rot.
• Need porous mix: sphagnum moss, bark chips, lava rock, vermiculite/perlite.
• Stay in same pot indefinitely.

Care

• Bright indirect light, no direct sun.
• Monthly fertilizer if new growth.
• Blooms several times/year in good conditions.
• Weekly thorough soak (assumes proper light/pot).

Long-Term

• Become tall/leggy → cut back, new growth below cut.
• Promote flowers: brightest indirect light, high-phosphorus fertilizer (15-30-15), 4–6 weeks cool (55°F), stay potbound.

Book Recommendation

Expert has searched 30 years – will have to write it. Detailed info above not in existing books.