An Anthurium is an easy houseplant to care for, but sometimes brown spots or edges can suddenly appear on the leaves. Luckily, this doesn’t necessarily mean your Anthurium is dying. Brown leaves can have several different causes. In this article, we’ll explain the most common reasons and what you can do about them.

This is what causes brown leaves on an Anthurium

Too much or too little water

One of the most common causes of brown leaves is either too much or too little water. If you give your Anthurium too much water, it can collect at the bottom of the plant pot, which can lead to root rot. As a result, the plant may struggle to absorb water properly, causing the leaves to turn brown. However, if you don’t give your Anthurium enough water and the potting compost remains dry for a long time, the leaf edges can also become brown and dry.

That’s why it’s a good idea to check the potting compost regularly. Is the top layer dry? Then it’s time to water your Anthurium. Also make sure any excess water can drain away properly.

Too much direct sunlight

An Anthurium likes a bright spot, but preferably not in direct sunlight. In particular, strong midday sunlight can damage the leaves and cause brown or scorched patches.

Is your Anthurium standing close to a window where it receives lots of direct sunlight? Move it a little further away from the window or choose a spot with plenty of indirect daylight instead. This way, the plant gets enough light without its leaves becoming scorched.

Also read: Explained: the difference between direct and indirect sunlight

What should you do with brown leaves?

Unfortunately, once part of a leaf has turned brown, it won’t turn green again. You can carefully trim away the affected part with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Then, focus on finding the cause. Adjusting the watering, position or humidity can hopefully help prevent new brown spots from appearing.

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