How to Grow Anthurium in Water in 2025: A Complete Guide

 

Anthurium, known for its glossy leaves and striking, heart-shaped flowers, is a popular houseplant cherished for its aesthetic appeal and easy care. While most anthurium plants are traditionally grown in soil, there's a rising trend of growing these tropical beauties in water. Growing anthurium in water not only creates an attractive, low-maintenance way to enjoy these plants but also allows them to thrive in a unique hydroponic environment.

In this 3000-word guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about growing anthurium in water in 2025—from understanding the plant’s needs to setting up a water-based growing system, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring long-term success. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast looking to try something new or an experienced gardener interested in hydroponic systems, this guide will provide you with the detailed steps to grow a thriving, healthy anthurium in water.

What is Anthurium?

Before diving into the details of how to grow anthurium in water, let’s first understand the plant itself.

Anthurium, often called the "flamingo flower" or "laceleaf", is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family, native to the tropical Americas. Known for its glossy, deep green foliage and vibrant flowers, anthurium is prized for its ornamental beauty. The flowers are typically red, though there are also varieties with pink, white, and purple flowers. Anthuriums are relatively easy to grow and maintain, making them a popular choice for home decor.

The plant thrives in humid, warm environments and is typically grown in soil with a good balance of drainage and aeration. However, anthuriums can also thrive in water when provided with the right care, making them perfect for hydroponic growing.

Why Grow Anthurium in Water?

Growing anthurium in water has gained popularity for several reasons, including its aesthetic appeal, ease of care, and versatility. Here are a few of the primary benefits:

1. Low Maintenance

Water-growing anthuriums require less frequent attention than soil-based plants. There’s no need to worry about overwatering or the messiness of soil. As long as you maintain the water level and quality, anthuriums can thrive in this environment.

2. Beautiful Aesthetic

Anthurium’s glossy leaves and vibrant flowers look even more striking when grown in water. The plant can be displayed in glass vases or containers, making it a stunning decorative addition to any room. The clear water also provides a clean, modern aesthetic, allowing the plant’s roots to be part of the visual display.

3. Hydroponic Growth

Growing anthurium in water offers the benefits of hydroponic systems. In water, anthuriums can access a steady supply of nutrients, and growing them hydroponically can result in healthier, faster-growing plants with improved root systems.

4. Space-Saving

Water-based plants, especially in clear glass containers, are compact and ideal for small spaces. Whether you're growing them on a windowsill, a countertop, or as part of a plant display, they’re perfect for small homes or apartments.

Choosing the Right Container for Growing Anthurium in Water

The first step in growing anthurium in water is choosing the right container. While you can grow them in just about any container with enough space for the roots, there are a few things to consider:

1. Transparent Container

A transparent container is ideal because it allows you to monitor the water level and check for any algae growth. The clear container also adds to the aesthetic value, showing off the plant’s roots and creating a modern, minimalist look.

2. Size and Depth

Anthurium plants typically have large, spreading roots, so ensure that the container has enough depth and space to accommodate the roots. Choose a container that’s about 6 to 8 inches deep to allow the roots to grow comfortably. The container should be large enough to hold the root system while also providing enough space for the plant to continue growing without being cramped.

3. Stability

Since anthuriums can get top-heavy, it's essential to choose a container that will provide stability to prevent the plant from tipping over. A glass vase or jar with a sturdy base is ideal for this purpose.

4. Drainage Hole (Optional)

Although growing in water eliminates the need for drainage holes, having a small hole at the bottom of the container can help with water circulation and aeration. However, it’s not necessary when using a water-only setup.

Preparing Your Anthurium for Water Growth

Now that you’ve selected your container, it's time to prepare your anthurium plant for its new water-based home. You can grow anthuriums in water using either cuttings or a mature plant.

1. Growing from Cuttings

To propagate anthurium in water, you’ll need to take a healthy cutting of the plant. Follow these steps:

  1. Choose a Healthy Stem: Select a healthy, mature stem with at least one node (the point where roots will emerge).

  2. Make the Cut: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to make a cutting just below the node. Ensure the cutting is around 4–6 inches long.

  3. Remove Excess Leaves: Trim away any excess leaves or flowers on the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This helps the plant focus on root development.

  4. Place the Cutting in Water: Place the cutting in a clear glass container filled with room-temperature water. Ensure that the node is submerged in water but that the leaves are not touching the liquid.

  5. Change the Water Regularly: For the first few weeks, change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh and free of bacteria.

  6. Wait for Roots to Develop: Over time, the cutting will begin to develop roots. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the conditions.

Once the roots are around 1 to 2 inches long, you can transplant the cutting into a larger container for better growth.

2. Growing a Mature Plant in Water

If you already have a mature anthurium plant, you can easily transition it to a water-based growing system:

  1. Remove the Plant from Soil: Gently remove the plant from its soil and shake off any excess dirt from the roots.

  2. Clean the Roots: Rinse the roots under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soil.

  3. Trim Damaged Roots: If you notice any broken or damaged roots, trim them away with a clean pair of scissors.

  4. Place the Plant in Water: Position the plant in a transparent container with enough room for the roots. The water should cover the roots, but the base of the stem should not be submerged.

  5. Provide Stability: Use small rocks, pebbles, or a stake to keep the plant stable in the container.

Maintaining Your Anthurium in Water

Now that your anthurium is settled in its water-based environment, maintaining its health requires attention to water quality, light, and nutrient levels. Here’s how to ensure your plant thrives:

1. Light Requirements

Anthuriums need bright, indirect light to grow well. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can slow growth. Place your plant near a window with filtered light or use grow lights to provide the proper amount of light.

  • Ideal Light Conditions: Place the plant where it can receive bright, indirect light for 12-14 hours a day. Avoid placing it directly in the sun.

  • Artificial Lighting: If natural light is insufficient, use LED grow lights or fluorescent lights to ensure proper photosynthesis.

2. Water Quality

Water quality is one of the most important factors in growing anthurium in water. Follow these water maintenance tips to keep your plant happy:

  • Water Temperature: Keep the water at room temperature, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid using cold water as it can shock the plant.

  • Water Changes: Change the water regularly (every 7-10 days) to prevent algae growth and to ensure fresh nutrients. You can also rinse the roots gently when you change the water.

  • Water Type: Use distilled or filtered water instead of tap water. Tap water may contain chlorine or minerals that can harm the plant.

  • Water Level: Keep the water level high enough to submerge the roots, but ensure that the stem or base of the plant is above the waterline to prevent rotting.

3. Nutrients for Growth

While water provides hydration, anthuriums still need nutrients to grow. Since they’re being grown in water, you’ll need to supplement with liquid fertilizers. Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (preferably one designed for houseplants) and dilute it to one-quarter strength.

  • Frequency: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and every six to eight weeks during the dormant period (fall and winter).

  • Root Supplementation: If you want to increase root growth, you can add rooting hormone to the water when changing it, though this isn’t strictly necessary.

4. Humidity and Temperature

Anthuriums thrive in high humidity environments. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture in the air. Keep the plant in a room with temperatures ranging between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While growing anthurium in water is relatively easy, there are a few common issues to watch out for:

1. Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or a nutrient deficiency. Check the water level and ensure the plant is receiving adequate nutrients.

2. Root Rot

If the roots begin to rot or turn brown, it’s a sign of poor water quality or stagnant water. Make sure to change the water regularly, and ensure the roots have enough oxygen and aren’t waterlogged.

3. Stunted Growth

If your anthurium is growing slowly, it may not be receiving enough light or nutrients. Increase the light exposure, and ensure you’re using a well-balanced liquid fertilizer.


Growing anthurium in water is a fantastic way to enjoy this tropical beauty while creating a low-maintenance, decorative addition to your home. Whether you’re propagating a new plant from a cutting or transitioning an established anthurium into water culture, the process is relatively straightforward with the right care and attention. With the guidelines in this post, you can successfully grow anthurium in water, keeping your plant healthy, vibrant, and thriving well into 2025 and beyond.

Remember that growing in water has its unique set of needs—maintaining the right water quality, light, nutrients, and temperature will help your plant flourish. Whether you grow it for its beauty, air-purifying properties, or simply as a fun gardening experiment, anthurium in water is a rewarding and visually striking project. Happy gardening!

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