When is the Right Time to Water Anthuriums? 6 Signs of Dehydration


A plant requires many things for its survival. The soil gives it support, provide nutrient and keep the root structure safe. Water is one such important thing that keeps a plant alive. Just like any other plant Anthuriums also need a regular water supply. Their requirement is much less than other house plants Although you can’t ignore it. You should know when is the Right Time to water Anthuriums. They prefer a moist humid environment but strangely Anthuriums don’t like their roots dipped in soggy soil. 

In wilds, anthurium plants prefer a moist environment, especially with loose humus on the topsoil. They always grow alongside big trees with help of their aerial roots. These areal roots help them in climbing as well as in moisture absorption from the moist tree bark. In this way, Anthuriums never dig deep in damp soil even in tropical rainforests.  So at home, these plants prefer the least care with moderate watering. 

The right time to water Anthurium is when the Topsoil feels dry. The soil dryness and droopy leaves are the initial sign that indicates your Anthurium needs water.

Anthurium plant depends completely on the manual water supply inside your house. So it’s your job to determine the optimum moisture retention of the soil in the container. Always keep an eye on the signs of Dehydration in Anthurium plants. If the soil is too dense then add sand or perlite to loosen up the soil. Else mix some compost and cocopeat to increase moisture retention. 

Right Time to Water Anthuriums
Right Time to Water Anthuriums

How to Propagate Anthurium by Division?

6 Signs of Dehydration in Anthurium Plants

Every gardener must aware of the basic Signs of Dehydration in their plants. These signs can be pretty basic like occasional drooping of leaves. It seems simple but the effect of continuous dehydration in any plant is bad. Even big trees respond badly to underwatering or overwatering. Every plant has a different water need so do the Anthuriums.

Anthuriums don’t prefer soggy soil or too much dryness. Overwater is not good in any way and it causes the most damage. In tropical forests, Anthurus grow as a climber with moist tree barks. They use their aerial roots for support and moisture absorption. Even on the ground, they root in light topsoil, especially in humus and peat moss. This is it is really very important to understand the right time to water Anthuriums. 

Don’t worry it’s easy, just lookout for the signs of dehydration in your Anthurium plant.  

1. Dry Soil

Dry Soil is the first sign to identify your Anthurium needs water. It’s not that difficult to observe just look for any change in the color of the soil. Dry soil is usually light in color than the rest.  Sometimes colors change is not that significant. If it is o then use your finger to determine if the soil is dry or not. Put your finger deep in the soil up to first knuckle depth. 1 or 2-inch depth is sufficient to determine if there is some moisture or not. If the soil feels dry and loose then pour some water and if it’s not then wait a couple more days. You can also use a soil moisture meter to ensure adequate moisture in the soil mix

Usually underwatering is not that harmful to Anthuriums. Instead, your urge to pour water every time you see your plant will definitely cause problems. Therefore look out for dryness before watering your anthuriums. Amend soil with compost and cocopeat if it dries too quickly. To resolve sogginess add sand or perlite to the soil mix. 

Soil dryness can only damage an Anthurium plant if its loose entire moisture. Keeping anthuriums in completely dry soil will lead to dry roots and eventually the death of the Anthurium plant. So never let the soil dry beneath 2 inches of the surface. 

How to Grow Anthurium in Water?

2. Slow Growth

Anthurium is naturally a slow grower. Even in ideal conditions, this plant grows only a few inches in a month. Although if the plant doesn’t show any new growth in the summer season then it may be a sign of dehydration. 

The summer season is the growth and flowering time for Anthuriums. If the plant lacks water during this time then it will not grow properly. The water deficiency during the growing season can result in shunted growth or no growth at all. If you see anything like that then it’s time to water your Anthuriums. 

There are many rather reasons that can stop growth in anthurium. Therefore always check the soil along with the plant foliage to determine whether it’s the right time to water Anthuriums or not.  

How to Grow Anthurium by Stem Cutting?

3. Droopy Leaves

Droopy levels in dry soil are a clear indication of Dehydration. Water maintains the turgidity in plant stem and leaves. If the pressure in xylem tissues drops too much then the last post in the line will start drooping. Usually, the leaves and tips are the last in line with water conductivity in the plant. 

Sometimes Anthurium leaves can also droop due to root rot, especially during overwatering. Check for the soil in this case. If it feels wet then clear the clogged drainage holes, lose the topsoil, and let it drain properly. Once the situation is under control, amend the soil with extra sand, perlite, and fungicide. This will ensure no further sogginess or root rot in Anthurium.

If sogginess is not a problem then add water to save your Anthurium from dehydration. Also if the Anthurium plant is in bright sunlight for long then it’s time to move it indoors. 

4. Dry Foliage

Anthurium leaves are big and crunchy. Drooping is not very common with these leaves. They don’t show signs of dehydration at once. If you doubt your plant’s lack of water then touch the leaves to see if it feels dry. Dry leaves crumble on edges and snap off on a little press. If this is the case then it is the right time to water Anthuriums. Waiting too long to see more signs will not do any good. 

How to Grow Anthuriums from Seed?

5. Leaves Turning Brown

Anthurium leaves usually turn yellow and then brown due to acute dehydration. This will happen if you ignore dry or droopy foliage and soil for too long. The Anthurium leaves start yellowing from the outer edges due to dehydration. Simultaneously these levels will dry and crumble in scarcity of water. 

 This situation is not good for any plant. It can be solved although if you wait a couple of more days for observation then the Anthurium plant will die. 

Yellowing or Browning of Anthurium foliage is the last sign of dehydration. The plant will die if you ignore this condition. 

Sometimes pest attacks and diseases can also cause the browning of Anthurium leaves. Also, the foliage turns brown on maturity. Therefore make sure the problem is due to dehydration. Check soil condition for confirmation. 

Is Ozone Water Safe for Plant?

6. Reduction in Foliage Size

If the Anthurium plant stays dehydrated for long then the foliage size will reduce. This happens only when you water these plants just enough for survival. If you wait too long to water your Anthuriums and they start dry each time before watering. Then this may happen. The plant will remain alive but produce smaller leaves and flowers due to dehydration.  Continuous stress on the Plant will result in poor growth and inferior bloom quality. 

This condition is not good, nor for the plant or the gardener. You must understand the watering needs of your Anthurium and the soil condition to determine the right time for watering. If you don’t want to harm your ANthuriums then water at least once every week and keep an eye on the soil moisture retention. 

When is the Right Time to Water Anthuriums?

Dry Soil, dull foliage, dryness, yellowing or browning of leaves, and reduced foliage size are all signs of dehydration in the Anthurium plants. You should water the Anthuriums when the soil starts drying. A Finger knuckle test is sufficient to determine the soil moisture. If it’s dry and grainy then pour some water else wait a few more days. 

Instead of watering your anthuriums frequently, You should mist the foliage to maintain moisture and humidity. Misting is more beneficial for Anthurium plans and simple watering. These plants can absorb moisture from the air and surrounding objects with their aerial roots. Therefore keep the Anthurium plant moist but don’t pour too much into the soil. 

Sukant

Hi, My name is Sukant. I am an I.T professional. Gardening for me is not just a hobby, it's a way of living life with nature. My Ancestors were Commercial farmers: So I personally feel attached to the green. I am not an expert, I'm here only to share my gardening experiences. It's always Refreshing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts