Introducing...
Anthuriums
Botanical name: Anthurium
Common name: flamingo flower
Anthuriums add a splash of tropical colour to any bright, warm room, producing vibrant, long-lasting displays of flower-like ‘spathes’ above their glossy leaves.
Looks
The showy flower-like ‘spathes’ can be red, orange, pink or white, depending on the cultivar, and have a central spike, or spadix, that’s often cream or yellow. The leaves are lush, green and glossy. A few species are grown purely for their attractive foliage, boldly veined with silver. Compact but spectacular, anthuriums usually grow to about 30cm (1ft) tall.
Likes
Anthuriums like warmth (16–30°C/60–85°F), bright but indirect light and high humidity. They need an open, fast-draining, acidic compost mix, and rainwater or filtered water. Feeding with a weak orchid fertiliser will boost leaf and flower production.
Dislikes
The leaves will scorch in direct summer sunlight, while too little light will prevent flowering. Anthuriums can be damaged or killed by temperatures of 10°C (50°F) or lower, or by cold water – let it warm to room temperature before applying. Anthuriums dislike hard (alkaline) tap water – rainwater is best to keep them thriving. Leaving them in soggy compost for long periods will cause the roots to rot.
Did you know?
All parts of anthuriums are toxic, so wear gloves when handling them and keep plants out of reach of children and pets.
Growing guide
How to grow anthuriums
All the information you'll need to grow and care for anthuriums in your home.
Anthuriums we recommend
Anthurium scherzerianum
flamingo flower
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Anthurium (Andraeanum Group) Zizou ('Anthevex'PBR)
flamingo flower [Zizou]
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Anthurium (Andraeanum Group) Red Champion ('Anthbnena'PBR)
flamingo flower [Red Champion]
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Anthurium scherzerianum
flamingo flower
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Anthurium (Andraeanum Group) Zizou ('Anthevex'PBR)
flamingo flower [Zizou]
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Anthurium (Andraeanum Group) Red Champion ('Anthbnena'PBR)
flamingo flower [Red Champion]
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful growing advice
Choosing the best houseplants
Houseplants for cleaner air
How to grow houseplants
Humidity for houseplants
Get involved
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