Why is My Anthurium Plant Dying
My Anthurium plant had tiny worms throughout the soil. I picked all the worms I could see out of the soil and loosened the root ball to pick them off the roots. I used bleach and hot water to sterilize the pot and fresh potting mix and a systemic insecticide for houseplants to repot. That was about three weeks ago. The spikes have turned black at the tips and the black is moving down the spike. Leaves yellow, darken, and dry crisp one by one. Can this plant be saved? I think I have given it too much water.
Hi,
An anthurium plant can survive insect infestations, but when they get root rot due to over watering it’s more serious. Sorry to say, you need to take the plant out of the pot again and shake off all of the soil so you can examine the roots. If you see any worms, rinse the roots in warm, soapy water. Cut off any dead or rotten roots you see. When the ends of the roots are dead, the roots can’t absorb water and send it to the leaves and flowers. Remove yellow leaves and blackened stems. Repot the plant into a container only 1″ larger than the root ball. Use a very light, airy, potting soil that drains quickly.
Place your anthurium plant in bright, indirect light but no direct sun. Do not water until you see the healthy, remaining leaves get a little soft and droopy; this could be 2 weeks or so. When you do water, water well, until the water comes out the drip holes in the bottom of the pot. Do not water again until the top two or three inches of soil has dried out. You can read all my care tips for an anthurium plant in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.
https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/anthurium-plant-tips-on-how-to-how-to-grow-and-care-for
An anthurium is plant is toxic to small children, dogs, cats, and other pets. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in my book Don’t Feed Me to Your Cat: A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants