Are you interested in introducing a flowering houseplant to breathe new life into your home? Your sole alternative ought to be the tropical plant, Anthurium, one of the most appealing and simple-to-grow houseplants. So, in this article let’s talk about Anthurium care.
The Anthurium is a well-known and stunning indoor plant and is often known as the flamingo flower, flamingo lily, or painter’s palette. Your home will be decked in vivid colors since its flowers are some of the world’s most long-lasting.
You’re interested in learning more about this lovely plant, right? To learn more and to see the plant’s growing guide, continue reading the article. Who knows, maybe after you read this, you will be on your way to getting your very first Anthurium.
1. Anthurium Profile
General Information
Anthurium andraeanum is an epiphytic evergreen, perennial herbaceous plant in the Araceae family. This magnificent tropical plant is native to South America and belongs to the genus Anthurium.
They are epiphytes, which means they grow in tree crevices. Common names for the plant include Anthurium, Tailflower, Flamingo Lily, and Flamingo Flower.
Flamingo Lily has simple, glossy, large, leathery, deep green leaves that are arranged spirally on its extremely short stem, forming a rosette. Its leaves are glossy and heart-shaped.
On the other hand, the inflorescence is composed of a tail-like spadix that is cream yellow and a spathe that is waxy red. It will mature to about 14–18 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Etymology
The genus name Anthurium comes from two Greek words, “anthos,” which means “flower,” and “oura,” which means “tail,”. So, literally, it means “a flower with a tail.” It is called as such due to a long, succulent inflorescence that resembles an animal’s tail.
Additionally, they are called flamingo flowers because of their bright, waxy, red flowers that resemble the colors of flamingos.
Flowering
Anthurium andraeanum blooms and produces fruits. It has monoecious (hermaphrodite) flowers that grow on an axillary inflorescence called the spadix. The spadix is white with a yellow top.
Its length ranges from 8 to 12 cm, with a width of 0.4 to 0.6 cm at the top and 0.6 to 0.9 cm at the bottom. It produces brightly colored flower spathes, modified leaves on the base of the spadix.
Anthuriums flower in such a way that the female parts (protogynous flowers) mature first, followed by the male parts after about 20 to at least 30 days. Insects, primarily bees, ants, and beetles, pollinate flowers in nature.
After 5 to 6 months, when the flowers have been pollinated, the plant produces fruits that are berries that grow from top to bottom along the spadix. The berries are red and contain 1 to 2 seeds each. They are approximately between 0.08 and 0.15 cm long.
Season of Interest and Purchasing
Flamingo flowers bloom in the summer or spring and can be planted as a vase filler for other flowers. It also produces beautiful plants for gardens.
It has low maintenance requirements for those who enjoy houseplants and want to grow tropical plants indoors for decorative purposes.
Its fluffy, alluring appearance improves both home decor and air quality. These incredible houseplants are available at nurseries, Amazon, rare plant shops, Etsy, and Neverland.
Growth
Anthurium andraeanum grows at a moderate rate. It is a small herbaceous plant that grows upright to 40 cm in height. Some plants may develop adventitious roots.
It will mature to be about 14-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The dark, green glossy, heart-shaped foliage with an entire leaf margin can grow up to 20 centimeters in length.
Flamingo Flower Overview
| Scientific name | Anthurium andraeanum |
| Common name/s | Anthurium, Flamingo Lily, Flamingo Flower, Tailflower |
| Family | Araceae |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous, Hemiepiphytic |
| Height and Spread | up to 14-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide |
| Classification based on life cycle | Perennial |
| Origin and Distribution | Originated from South America |
| Climate Zone | Generally mild climate |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | USDA Zone 11-12 |
| Color | Dark, green glossy, heart-shaped foliage with distinct red spathe and yellow spadix |
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2. Anthurium Care Tips
Light Requirements
Flamingo flowers prefer medium to bright but indirect light. If the light is too low, they may struggle and become straggly, slowing their growth and preventing them from blooming. When exposed to direct sunlight, they turn yellow and wither.
Meanwhile, extremely low light levels do not prevent Anthurium from growing, but they do so slowly and with stunted growth.
The Anthurium plant can be grown in a semi-shaded or a fully shaded area of the garden. However, when they are grown as an indoor house plant, it is recommended that the plant be placed in medium-to-bright indirect light areas to promote abundant flowering.
Temperature Requirement
Anthurium andraeanum is a tropical rainforest plant that tolerates cold temperatures. However, your anthurium plant prefers temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Due to its temperature preferences, this plant can often be found outside in some areas during the milder summer months. These plants can be grown outside in zones 11 to 12 but will likely die if temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take care not to place these plants too close to radiators or in areas where drafts can be very cold.
Water Requirement
Like most indoor plants, Flamingo flowers require moisture to thrive. These plants prefer moist but not soggy soil. Therefore, they require a lot of moisture in the soil and the air around them during months with warm temperatures.
Due to its growing season, the plant will require more water during the summer. In addition, they, like mature ones, require more nourishment, which includes both hydration and nutrients.
You must learn to assess the soil’s moisture level. Insert your index finger into the soil until you reach the first or second knuckle. If the soil is wet, return in a few days. Only water when the topsoil is dry. To keep the plant moist until the next watering, water it once or twice every 7 to 14 days.
Humidity Requirement
For Anthurium andraeanum plants, a high level of humidity is ideal. The humidity requirements for this plant are roughly in line with what you may expect for a plant that originally flourished in a tropical rainforest. A humidity level of between 60% and 70% for these tropical plants is optimal.
You may adjust the humidity in your Anthurium in a few different ways. A small humidifier that moistens the air around plants can be put near them.
Alternatively, they might be placed on a tray with water and pebbles as well. The simplest method is to just water the leaves sparingly every few days.
Soil Requirement
Any soil type that drains effectively while also holding onto the necessary moisture will allow you to grow Anthurium andraeanum. Anthuriums prefer a granular potting mixture. They thrive on soil made from an orchid mix with more sand, and peat moss added. The ideal pH range for soil is 5.5 to 6.5.
Fertilizer Requirement
Anthurium andraeanum is a sluggish feeder. Therefore, fertilizer is only required for the plant during the growing season. As a result, it is strongly advised to avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter.
To support healthy foliage development and color during the growing season, use a liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen (3:1:2) NPK ratio at half the recommended dosage.
Space Requirement
Plants thrive in ceramic, terracotta, or hanging pots with large drainage holes. Anthuriums can endure a smaller space than some other plants, but only to a point. Their health will suffer if the Anthurium roots get overcrowded. Plant them two to three feet apart for lush foliage.
3. Growing and Planting Tips
Propagation
Anthuriums cannot be grown solely from their leaves. However, stem cuttings are tough and resilient. It is the most efficient method of propagating flamingo flowers. Cutting stems from a mother plant is the most basic method.
Below are the proper steps to propagate your Anthurium plant using the stem-cutting method.
Propagation by stem-cuttings
- Select a healthy parent plant from which to take cuttings. Remove a stem from the plant and trim all of the leaves close to the stem. Then, cut the stem into several pieces, each with at least one eye. The best cutting specimens will have a lot of new growth. Immerse the stem with the rooting hormone where you cut it.
- Fill a clean pot or container halfway with soilless potting mix to hold the stem cutting for roots. A soilless mix drains well and keeps the cutting moist, which encourages rooting.
- Begin carefully tugging on the cutting after two to three weeks to look for roots. Keep the potting soil moist and at a temperature of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius until the roots appear.
- Within a few weeks, the cuttings should begin to develop roots and leaves. Once the small plants are large enough to handle, transplant them to larger pots.
Pruning
Anthuriums don’t require regular pruning. However, trimming away dead or dying leaves and blossoms, on the other hand, might boost the plant’s health and encourage more vigorous development. This way you can direct the plant focus toward the production of new leaves and blossoms.
Any yellowing or dying flowers or leaves should be pruned as soon as possible to avoid nutrient depletion and promote the growth of new flowers and foliage.
Potting and Repotting
Anthurium spp. will grow in any container as long as there is a good-sized drainage hole at the bottom to prevent water buildup.
On the other hand, terracotta, ceramic, or clay pots may help remove excess moisture and prevent waterlogging. Even though anthuriums are prone to root-bound circumstances, it is typically advised to choose anything with holes.
Repotting your Anthurium once every two years, in the spring and early summer, is ideal. Usually, by that point, a larger pot is required. This provides the roots with all of the space they require to thrive. Repot the plant as soon as you observe roots poking out of the drainage holes to keep the roots from becoming congested.
Anthurium Plant Care
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Temperature | Intermediate to warm, 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water | Once a week, increased in summer, decreased in winter |
| Soil | Airy, well-draining, granular soil; not too loose |
| Fertilization | Regular household fertilizer, during the growing season |
| Space | Minimal space |
| Propagation | Via stem cutting propagation |
| Blooming | Blooms on schedule |
| Pruning | Regular pruning not necessary, can be done to promote lushness |
| Potting | Regular potting mix, use of horticultural charcoal, perlite and coco coir, sphagnum peat moss |
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4. Problems And Troubleshooting
Overwatering
An excessive amount of water might cause root rot, loss of flowers, and eventual death of your anthurium plant. In addition, you must quickly correct your routine for caring for plants if their leaves start to turn yellow. Only water your Anthurium once the top 2 inches or so of soil are completely dry.
Underwatering
A frequently underwatered plant becomes dry and crispy. The leaves and flowers may also shrivel and turn brown, giving the impression that the plant is more like a dead leaf than a living one.
Always check your plant to make sure it has a proper watering routine to keep the surface of the soil moist but not wet.
Nutrient Deficiency
If your plant has brown spots, dullness, or yellowed leaves, it may indicate that your plant lacks nutrition.
If you suspect a nutrient deficiency in your Anthurium, start treating it with nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium to increase the number of flowers, stem length, and spathe size. Feeding your Anthurium will keep it happy and healthy, as well as promote flowering.
5. Flowering Problem
A lack of flowers could mean that the plant needs to be replanted, isn’t getting enough light, or isn’t getting enough phosphorus in the fertilizer. This plant is particular about its environment; it has problems like damp, soggy soil, or inadequate lighting.
To encourage blooming, provide your plant with proper amount of indirect sunlight, a high level of humidity, proper watering, and weekly fertilization with diluted phosphorus rich fertilizer or plant food.
Diseases
Any plant can be susceptible to diseases if not properly taken care of. Particularly, plants of this family are affected by Septoria Leaf Spot and Alternaria Leaf Spot, which result in fungal growth.
Usually, these are also due to over-watering the plants. Therefore, take action immediately when you see yellowing (Septoria) or brown spots (Alternaria).
You can treat your plants with a copper-based fungicide, and make sure to be attentive to the watering conditions for it not to happen again.
Pests
Houseplants are also susceptible to pest problems; unfortunately, your Anthurium is not an exception.
If you observe the presence of pest infestation, the best thing to accomplish is to remove that plant and separate it from the other plants in your collection to avoid further infestation. These pests love to spread from plant to plant, so it is best to be proactive and isolate the infected plant.
The next thing to do, and frankly the easiest and simplest method, is to spray your plant with neem oil. Mix two teaspoons of neem oil and a teaspoon of soap in a spray bottle to make this spray.
Add water to fill the bottle and shake properly. Spray the plant lightly, including its undersides, and repeat the treatment every 5-7 days.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that makes it difficult for these bugs to respirate.
Flamingo Flower Pests and Diseases
| Common Pests/Diseases | Symptoms | Treatment and Prevention |
Common diseases include crown rot, stem rot, root rot, leaf spot, fungal diseases, and Xanthomonas infection | Yellowish rimming around black or dark brown spots on leaves | Avoid overwatering. Keep soil dry. Avoid too high humidity. Proper ventilation is needed around the plant. Remove infected parts of fungal infections to avoid spreading |
| Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scales | Visible insects on the surface | Spray plant with warm, soapy water. If infestation is present, use insecticide or neem oil. Use diatomaceous earth. |
Problems With People And Animals
Toxicity
Like other plants in the Araceae family, the Flamingo Flower contains a harmful substance called insoluble calcium oxalates in all of its parts. If accidentally consumed, it can cause excruciating burning of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Although it is an attractive plant, be careful about keeping it. Place it somewhere that children and pets cannot access it.
6. Anthurium Meaning And Symbolism
According to Feng Shui, Anthuriums are lucky plants that bring luck to your relationships and positive energy. Furthermore, it symbolizes hospitality, happiness, and abundance.
Flamingo Flower Symbolism and Meaning
| General Meaning | Luck to relationships and positive energy |
| Symbolism | Hospitality, happiness, abundance |
7. Landscaping And Gardening Ideas
Companion Plants
Anthurium adds beauty into any lush, green space, especially when it is paired with African Violet and Aglaonema.
African violets are a simple plant to grow in your home since they may flourish in the exact same conditions as people. However, when combined with Anthurium andraeanum, it attracts greater attention since it features clusters of white, blue, or purple flowers that boost its appeal.
On the other hand, Aglaonema is a lovely plant that grows on tall, occasionally branching stems and has thick, elliptic, lance-shaped, dark green leaves with elegant silver-gray spots. It will look best when grown with Anthurium andraeanum.
Landscaping Ideas
This plant creates a cool, tropical ambiance in your house and can be grown in a container and set on a desk to add a peaceful touch of nature. A study also found that plants’ air-purifying abilities have a positive impact. Furthermore, putting your plant on a windowsill or in the bathroom provides a tropical-style environment, and boosts the humidity for the plant.
| What to plant with | African Violets, Aglaonemas and other tropical plants. |
| What NOT to plant with | Basically nothing |
Conclusion
Anthurium andraeanum, often known as the flamingo flower, is a flowering plant species endemic to Colombia and Ecuador in the Araceae family. Flamingo flowers bloom in the summer or spring and have glossy green leaves and bright red blossoms.
The pleasing appearance of this plant enhances both the house design and the air quality. Definitely, the Anthurium plant is one fo the most beautiful and easy-to-grow indoor plants that you must have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anthurium good as an indoor plant?
Definitely, yes! The Anthurium plant thrives in normal room conditions and is an undemanding indoor house plant.
Does Anthurium like sun or shade?
Your Anthurium plant thrives best in medium to bright indirect lighting. However, it can also survive low light conditions but expect it to never flower in this light set-up.
Are Anthuriums easy to care for?
The Anthurium plants are undemanding plants that do not require technical skills to grow. Because Anthurium care is pretty straightforward, they are good for beginners in gardening.
Why is Anthurium toxic?
The Anthurium plants are toxic when ingested due to the presence of the calcium oxalate crystals in all its plant parts. These crystals can cause inflammation, vomiting, nausea, and damage to the mouth and digestive system.
Is Anthurium a lucky plant?
According to Feng Shui, Anthuriums are lucky plants that bring positive energy and good luck in relationships.
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