Anthurium veitchii: how to correct burnt edges and dry leaves

Quick diagnosis

This is likely Anthurium veitchii Mast. The plant shows mild leaf stress: burnt margins and dry areas, along with slight yellowing on some edges. No localized spots, visible pests or signs of rot are observed, which points to environmental or care factors (light, humidity, watering) rather than diseases or pests.

Most likely causes

• Exposure to intense direct sunlight or daytime heat that scorches the margins.
• Low ambient humidity causing leaf margin desiccation.
• Irregular watering or a poorly draining substrate, causing alternating water stress.
• Salt buildup from hard water or recent excessive fertilization.
• Dry drafts (near windows, heaters) that dry out the leaves.

Immediate measures (what to do today)

• Move the plant to a spot with bright indirect light. Avoid strong direct sun; if next to a sunny window, place a sheer curtain or move it 1–2 m away.
• Increase ambient humidity as soon as possible: use a humidifier or place a tray with pebbles and water without letting the roots sit submerged.
• Check watering: do not water until the top layer of substrate (2–3 cm) is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
• Suspend fertilizing for 2–4 weeks and, if you suspect salt buildup, flush the substrate with low-salt water (filtered or rested) to rinse it.

Care adjustments (routine for the coming weeks)

Light and placement

• Keep bright indirect light, avoiding midday direct sun.
• If the room is very bright and without curtains, consider a filter (sheer) or move the plant about 1–2 m further inside.

Humidity

• Target: 60–80% relative humidity for Anthurium veitchii.
• Options: humidifier, tray with pebbles and water (pots should not touch the water), or gentle misting in the morning 2–3 times per week.

Watering and substrate

• Consistent watering: allow the top layer (2–3 cm) to dry between waterings.
• Use a well-draining, airy substrate (mix with bark, perlite or coconut coir) to avoid waterlogging.

Fertilization and water quality

• Use low-salinity water (filtered or rested); avoid very hard water.
• Suspend fertilization for 2–4 weeks. If resuming, apply mild, balanced doses during the growing season.

Temperature and drafts

• Maintain temperatures between 18 and 28 °C.
• Avoid cold drafts or direct heating airflow that dry the leaves.

Follow-up: practical checklist (7–14 days)

• Note changes in margins and color every 3 days.
• Check substrate moisture before each watering.
• Watch for new burns, spots or signs of rot.
• If you notice significant worsening or rot, take photos and carefully inspect the roots to check their condition before applying additional treatments.

What not to do

• Do not increase fertilization to “stimulate” growth; this could worsen salt buildup.
• Do not expose the plant to direct sun or cold/heater drafts.
• Do not water blindly: avoid waterlogging the substrate.

Prognosis

With the described adjustments in light, humidity and watering, mild symptoms usually stabilize and do not progress. Already damaged leaves will not recover, but the plant will produce healthy new leaves if optimal conditions are restored.

If after 2 weeks there is no improvement or new spots, rot or pests appear, recheck the roots and consider a deeper evaluation of the substrate and the water used.