Diseases and parasitic pests of Anthurium: identification, treatment and prevention

How to grow Anthurium in a pot indoors?

For healthy indoor potted Anthurium cultivation and to prevent diseases, it is essential to provide it with an adequate environment:

• Ideal location : place the Anthurium in a bright spot, with no direct sun, away from draughts.
• Temperature : it prefers a temperature between 18°C and 25°C, and dislikes cold below 15°C.
• Substrate : use a well-draining, airy potting mix, such as special houseplant compost.
• Watering : water moderately, about once a week, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings.
• Humidity : maintain good hygrometry by misting the leaves or placing a saucer with clay beads and water under the pot.
• Fertiliser : apply a liquid fertiliser for green plants every 15 days in spring and summer.
• Repotting : repot every 2 to 3 years, in spring, to keep the substrate fresh and well-draining.
• Cleaning : wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote photosynthesis.
• Pruning : remove yellowing leaves and faded flowers to encourage new shoots.

→ For everything you need to know about this magnificent plant, read Anthurium – Flamingo Flower: growing and caring.

Common Anthurium diseases

1. Root rot (caused by overwatering)

   • Symptoms: yellowing leaves, black and soft roots.
   • Treatment: repot the plant into a well-draining substrate after removing rotten roots. Limit watering and ensure good drainage.

2. Leaf spots (bacterial or fungal)

   • Symptoms: small brown or black spots on the leaves, which may spread.
   • Treatment: prune the affected leaves, apply a suitable fungicide and avoid excess humidity on the foliage.

Photos Flickr and Wikimedia Commons (©Scot Nelson)

1. Downy mildew and powdery mildew

   • Symptoms: white powdery growth on the leaves or oily spots.
   • Treatment: use a natural fungicide (such as a solution of sodium bicarbonate) and improve ventilation.
   • Read Powdery mildew or white disease: prevention and treatment for more information.

Parasitic pests of Anthurium

1. Aphids

   • Symptoms: distorted leaves and presence of small green or black insects.
   • Treatment: spray diluted black soap or a garlic infusion on the leaves.
   • Read Aphids: identification and treatment for more information.

2. Mealybugs

   • Symptoms: small white cottony masses or brown shell-like coverings on stems and leaves.
   • Treatment: dab with a cotton pad moistened with 70% alcohol or apply neem oil.
   • Read Mealybugs: identification and treatment for more information.

3. Red spider mites

   • Symptoms: yellowing leaves and fine webs beneath the foliage.
   • Treatment: increase ambient humidity and spray soapy water onto the plant.
   • Read Red spider mites: identification and treatment for more information.

Prevention of diseases and parasitic infections in anthurium

• Moderate watering: let the potting mix dry out slightly between waterings.
• Good ventilation: avoid stagnant moisture and place the plant in a well-ventilated spot.
• Regular cleaning: wipe the leaves with a damp sponge to limit infections and inspect them regularly.
• Natural preventive treatments: spray nettle manure to strengthen the plant.