Underwatering
Dry soil and yellow lower leaves usually mean it went too long without a drink.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Anthurium likes to dry out a bit between waterings, but if the mix goes bone dry the plant can't keep its oldest leaves hydrated. Those leaves yellow and go limp, often with crispy edges, while the soil shrinks and pulls away from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. If a chunky, bark-heavy mix has gone water-repellent and the water runs straight through, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then let it drain fully. Then settle into a rhythm of checking the soil weekly and watering once the top inch or two is dry.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water deeply and evenly down into a chunky, fast-draining mix.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Anthurium care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this