Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), the flamingo flower, is a striking tropical houseplant prized for its glossy, heart-shaped waxy spathes in red, pink, white, orange or purple, each centred by a colourful spadix. Flowering almost year-round in good conditions, the long-lasting 'blooms' sit above deep-green leathery leaves, making it a top indoor and cut-flower plant. It thrives in bright indirect light, warmth, high humidity and a loose, airy, well-drained mix. Low-fuss but moisture-sensitive, it rewards steady care with continuous colour. All parts contain irritant calcium oxalate and are toxic if chewed, so keep it away from pets and children.
Specifications
| Family |
Araceae |
| Native region |
Colombia and Ecuador |
| Mature height |
30-60 cm |
| Mature spread |
25-40 cm |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Glossy, heart-shaped dark-green leathery leaves |
| Flower colour |
Red, pink, white, orange, purple spathes |
| Flower season |
Near year-round in good conditions |
| Climate zone |
Tropical, warm and humid |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; no harsh direct sun |
| Watering |
Water when top inch dries; avoid soggy roots |
| Soil / mix |
Loose, airy, well-drained orchid-like mix |
| Temperature |
Warmth 18-30C; avoid cold and drafts |
| Humidity |
High humidity preferred; mist or use a tray |
| Fertilizer |
Dilute balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Remove spent spathes and yellow leaves |
| Repotting |
Repot every 2 years in fresh airy mix |
| Propagation |
Division or offsets |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, scale and spider mites |
| Toxicity / safety |
All parts toxic (calcium oxalate); irritant |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
Uses
A premium indoor flowering plant for living rooms, offices and bright corners, and a long-lasting exotic cut flower for arrangements.
Growing tips
In India keep anthurium in bright indirect light with warmth and humidity; use an airy, fast-draining mix, water when the top inch dries, and raise humidity in dry indoor air for continuous spathes.