How to Grow and Care for Anthurium Brownii

Anthurium brownii is a distinctive houseplant from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The plant is characterized by its large, glossy, and leathery arrow or heart-shaped leaves. These leaves have prominent, sometimes yellowish or reddish veins, making the plant a unique addition to indoor collections. It is a terrestrial plant, forming clumps that expand over time.

Essential Care Guide

Light

Anthurium brownii thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. An ideal location is near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window where the light is filtered. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches and crispy edges. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and less vibrant foliage.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s drainage holes and discard any standing water in the saucer to prevent root rot. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows.

Soil

Use an airy, well-draining, and coarse potting mix. A suitable mix can be created by combining orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss. This provides aeration and prevents the soil from becoming compacted. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical native, Anthurium brownii flourishes in warm and humid conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. High humidity levels above 60% will support the plant’s health. You can increase ambient humidity by using a room humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, Anthurium brownii benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly, diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots. An orchid fertilizer can also be used. Suspend fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Propagation Methods

Propagate Anthurium brownii through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one node, which is where new growth will emerge. Using sterilized pruning shears, make a clean cut just below the node. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can encourage faster root development but is not required.

You can root the cutting in water or directly in a potting medium. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of water, keeping the leaves above the surface, and change the water every few days. For soil propagation, plant the cutting in a small pot with a well-draining mix and keep it moist. Roots and new growth should appear in 4 to 8 weeks.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering. To fix this, check the soil moisture before watering and confirm the pot has proper drainage. Brown, crispy leaf edges are caused by low humidity or underwatering. Resolve this by increasing humidity or checking the soil for dryness more regularly.

Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, which can be identified by webbing or visible insects on the plant. If an infestation is detected, isolate the plant to prevent it from spreading. Treat it by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Repotting Guidelines

Repot Anthurium brownii every two to three years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound, like roots growing out of the drainage holes. The best time to repot is during the spring at the start of the growing season.

Choose a new pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. Gently remove the plant, inspect the roots, and trim away any that are brown and mushy. Place the plant in the new pot, fill it with fresh, well-draining potting mix, and water it thoroughly.

Toxicity Information

All parts of the Anthurium brownii plant are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat if chewed or swallowed.

Symptoms of ingestion may include:

• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway can occur, making breathing difficult. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and small children.