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What is causing the leaves on my anthurium to turn brown? #235202

Asked April 06, 2015, 7:31 PM EDT

My anthurium has developed brown leaves. I water it once a week with 6 ice cubes, and it sits in a east window. My house is about 68° during the day. A new leaf comes in and then it gets brown edges and then becomes all brown. Can this plant be saved?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Anthuriums are popular, and rather easy plants to grow, even in our cool, dark Minnesota homes.  I'm not sure how long you've had this plant but it may be ready for a re-potting, using fresh potting soil and a larger, clean pot.  They aren't heavy feeders so a new soil mix with a timed release fertilizer may be a good choice.

The browning leaves suggest that this plant may not be getting enough moisture. It may be that the root ball has become too compacted and dry - causing the melting water to run around - rather than through the roots.

If you do want to repot, soak the plant first, knock it out of the pot, shake off the old soil and then gently tease out the white roots.  Anything that has blackened, or withered badly should be cut out.

Rather  than using ice cubes, you can consider thoroughly soaking the plant, and then allowing all of the water to drain out.  Do not re-water until the soil gets pretty dry.  This is a good way to water plants that prefer a drier soil because the root ball tends to dry out too much, and shed water.

As daylight becomes stronger, and longer, and the temp.s warm up, I think this plant will do just fine.  You may chose to trim out the leaves that have browned - sometimes this encourages new growth, and this is just the time of year for that to happen.

Good luck, and contact AaE again if you have further questions.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 06, 2015, 7:56 PM EDT

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