Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
A tropical aroid famous for its glossy, heart-shaped, waxy bracts in red, pink, or white surrounding a slender flower spike. With bright light and humidity it can bloom nearly year-round.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch dries; high humidity
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Anthurium is a large genus of tropical plants, with Anthurium andraeanum being the iconic 'flamingo flower' grown for its lacquered, heart-shaped spathes. What looks like a single colorful petal is actually a modified leaf (spathe) wrapped around a finger-like spadix bearing the true tiny flowers.
The genus also includes spectacular foliage species like Anthurium clarinervium, grown for velvety, vein-patterned leaves. Flowering anthuriums are popular for long-lasting color, both as houseplants and cut flowers.
How to identify it
Recognize it by:
- Spathe: Glossy, waxy, heart-shaped bract in red, pink, white, purple, or green
- Spadix: A straight or curved finger-like spike (often yellow or white) at the center, holding the real flowers
- Leaves: Dark green, leathery, heart-shaped, on long stalks
- Bloom time: Can flower repeatedly through the year in good conditions
- Habit: Clumping, upright; typically 1-2 feet tall as a houseplant
Care & growing
- Light: Bright indirect light; too little reduces flowering, direct sun scorches leaves
- Water: Water when the top inch dries; keep evenly moist but never soggy
- Soil: Loose, chunky, well-draining aroid or orchid-style mix
- Temperature: 65-80F (18-27C); dislikes cold
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity (60%+)
- Feeding: Diluted phosphorus-containing fertilizer every 1-2 months to support blooming
- Propagation: Division of clumps or separating offsets
Habitat & origin
Native to the tropical Americas, particularly Colombia and Ecuador, where many species grow as epiphytes or terrestrial plants in warm, humid rainforests.
They are cultivated commercially in tropical regions (notably Hawaii and the Netherlands) for the cut-flower and houseplant trade and grown worldwide as indoor plants.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my anthurium bloom?
Insufficient light is the most common cause. It needs bright indirect light, warmth, and a little phosphorus-rich feeding to flower well.
The colorful part is a flower, right?
Not exactly. The showy heart-shaped part is a spathe (a modified leaf), and the true flowers are the tiny ones along the central spadix.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Brown tips often indicate low humidity, mineral buildup from tap water, or inconsistent watering. Raise humidity and water evenly.
Anthurium guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Anthurium.
