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How To Grow Anthurium From Cuttings and Seeds, and In Water

Anthurium can be grown from cuttings in water and soil, and also from seeds, and by root division. In this article, I will explore these various methods of propagating anthurium plant and provide you with step-by-step instructions for each technique. Anthurium is a popular houseplant.

It is known for its beautiful, heart-shaped, glossy leaves and vibrant, colorful Flamingo flowers. These tropical plants can add a touch of elegance to any indoor or outdoor space. 

Anthurium Plant growing in a pot showing flowers, Flamingo Flowers
Anthurium Plant growing in a pot,
See the beautiful Flamingo Flowers

How To Propagate Anthurium From Cuttings

Anthuriums can be propagated successfully using stem cuttings quite easily. The following methods of anthurium propagation are suitable for growing anthurium crystallinum, anthurium clarinervium, anthurium queremalense and all anthurium varieties.

While purchasing new plants is always an option, I prefer to grow them by propagation so I do not forget to take cuttings whenever I see beautiful plants in my neighborhood or at my friends house.


The anthurium cuttings root best at a temperature of 25 to 30ÂșC.  Here's how I plant an anthurium cutting that has no roots and to grow anthuriums with stem cuttings:

Choose a healthy, mature plant and cut a stem with at least two or three nodes using a clean, sharp knife, ensure to make a clean cut just below a node.

Remove all the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top.

Anthurium Cutting for propagation
Anthurium Cutting for Propagation

Rooting Hormone: Apply some rooting hormone at the cut end of the stem to encourage root development. The cuttings will strike without rooting hormone, but will take longer to root. I use Aloe Vera Pulp from a fresh aloe Vera leaf which works as good as chemical rooting powder.

Take a small pot having drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. You can use succulent mix or seed raising mix or make your own by mixing some river sand in the garden soil.

Anthurium Cutting Planted for Rooting
Anthurium Cutting Planted for Rooting


Water the soil thoroughly and place in shade for some time to drain excess water.

Plant the cuttings about 2 inch deep. Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain high humidity and keep the soil slightly moist. Or enclose the pot in a polythene bag to maintain high humidity around the cuttings.

Place the pot in a warm location in bright indirect light. After a few weeks, roots will begin to develop, and new growth will emerge. 

Rooted Anthurium Cutting showing growth of a new leaf
Rooted Anthurium Cutting showing growth of a new leaf



It is also possible to grow anthuriums in water. The steps for growing anthurium cuttings in water is the same as mentioned above instead of putting the cuttings in soil, put them in a glass filled with water such that the bottom of the cuttings are submerged in water. Then place the cuttings in a bright place in shade.

Change the water every 3-4 days to prevent the growth of fungus.

The cuttings will root in a few weeks, depending on the temperature. You can leave the cutting in water to continue them to grow in water, or when there are sufficient roots growth, you can plant them in soil. 

The question is, can anthurium live in water forever? Yes, you can keep your anthurium alive in water alone, but it will need timely addition of fertilizer. However, an anthurium plant growing in water will not grow as large as one planted in soil, but it can bloom in water.

How To Propagate Anthurium From Seeds

Growing anthurium from seeds is not a common method of anthurium plant propagation due to its longer time frame and more complex process. Here are the steps to propagate anthuriums from seeds:

  1. Collect ripe anthurium seeds from a mature plant. Clean the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp.
  2. Fill a small pot with a moistened seed-starting mix.
  3. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil-mix and gently press them down.
  4. Place the pot in a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect.
  5. Keep the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
  6. Open the bag every week and mist the soil to maintain a consistently moist environment.
  7. Germination can take several weeks to a few months.
  8. Transplant the seedlings when they grow two to three leaves.

Anthurium Plant Propagation by Division

One of the simplest methods to grow anthurium plant is through division. This technique is best suited for mature plants that have developed multiple stems. Follow these steps to propagate anthuriums through division:

  1. Select a mature healthy plant which has several stems.
  2. Gently take out the plant from its pot and carefully separate a clump by pulling it apart. Ensure that this division has a few roots attached to it.
  3. Plant this division in a  well-draining potting mix in a container.
  4. Place the pot in a warm, humid location with indirect light. Keep the soil moist.

Anthurium Propagation From Leaf Cuttings

You can root and propagate anthurium from leaf cuttings. Follow the steps as given above to root leaf cuttings, but it is mentioned that although the anthurium leaves will grow roots, but anthuriums can not be propagated from leaves alone, they need a small portion of stem/bud attached of it.

Whether you choose division, stem cuttings, or seeds for propagation and growing anthurium, the joy of watching new anthurium plants thrive and grow is immensely rewarding.

Video on How To Grow Anthurium plant from Cuttings

How to propagate anthurium from cuttings video