It happens to the best of us: you water your Anthurium, only to realise you’d already done it not long ago. Suddenly, you notice a layer of water sitting at the bottom of the pot. Oops! Sounds familiar? In this article, you’ll learn how to save your Anthurium if you’ve overwatered it.

Anthurium rescue project

How to recognise the signs

You might realise yourself that you’ve overwatered your Anthurium, but the plant will also give clear signals. The most common symptom is yellowing leaves that eventually drop off. This happens because the roots are sitting in water for too long and can no longer get enough oxygen.

Sometimes, the opposite happens: the leaves may dry out and develop brown edges. This can be confusing, as it looks like the plant is thirsty, when in fact the issue is too much water. Damaged roots are unable to absorb moisture properly, causing the plant to dry out despite the wet soil.

The consequences of overwatering

The biggest risk of overwatering is root rot. This occurs when the roots remain in soggy soil for an extended period. Fungi thrive in these conditions and attack the roots, turning them soft, brown, and mushy. Healthy roots, on the other hand, should be firm and light in colour. If root rot isn’t addressed, the plant may eventually die.

How to save your Anthurium

Carefully remove the Anthurium from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any rotten, brown, or soft sections using clean pruning shears. Only keep the healthy roots. If needed, gently rinse the roots so you can clearly see what you’re doing. Then repot the plant in fresh, airy potting mix and choose a pot with proper drainage holes. Water sparingly at first, allowing the soil to dry slightly before watering again.

Also read: How to take care of an Anthurium pot plant