Flamingo Flower
Anthurium andraeanum
A tropical plant famous for its glossy, heart-shaped red 'flowers' (actually spathes) with a protruding spadix. Long-lasting blooms make it a popular gift plant.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Let topsoil dry; keep lightly moist
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
The Flamingo Flower is a tropical evergreen grown for its striking, waxy, heart-shaped spathes and dark, glossy foliage. What looks like a single brilliant petal is actually a modified leaf (the spathe) surrounding a finger-like flower spike called the spadix.
The spathes, most commonly red but also pink, white, orange, or purple, last for weeks and can appear nearly year-round in good conditions. This long-lasting, exotic display makes anthurium a favorite houseplant, gift plant, and cut flower.
How to identify it
Identify it by:
- Spathe: waxy, glossy, heart-shaped, brightly colored (red, pink, white, orange); flat and almost plastic-looking
- Spadix: a straight, finger-like spike (often yellow or white) rising from the spathe, bearing the true tiny flowers
- Leaves: dark green, glossy, heart-shaped, on long stalks
- Habit: upright clump, typically 12-18 in tall indoors
- Bloom: spathes are very long-lasting and may appear most of the year
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light encourages blooming; avoid direct sun, which scorches leaves. Too little light reduces flowering.
Water: Let the top inch of soil dry, then water; keep lightly moist but never soggy. Sensitive to overwatering and root rot.
Soil: Loose, chunky, very well-draining mix (orchid-style bark blends work well), reflecting its semi-epiphytic roots.
Temperature: 65-80F (18-27C); warmth-loving and frost-sensitive.
Humidity: High humidity promotes lush growth and blooming.
Feeding: Diluted, phosphorus-containing fertilizer during the growing season to support flowering.
Propagation: By division or stem cuttings with aerial roots.
Habitat & origin
Anthurium andraeanum is native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador, where it grows as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant in warm, humid, shaded conditions.
It is grown worldwide as an indoor flowering houseplant and is cultivated commercially, notably in Hawaii and the Netherlands, as a long-lasting cut flower.
Uses & benefits
Primarily ornamental, valued as a colorful flowering houseplant and as a premium, long-lasting cut flower in floral arrangements.
It is also commonly listed among air-purifying houseplants. Its bold, exotic blooms make it a popular gift and decorative plant, though all parts are toxic if eaten.
Frequently asked questions
Is the colorful part of an Anthurium really a flower?
Not exactly. The bright, waxy 'flower' is a modified leaf called a spathe; the true tiny flowers are clustered on the finger-like spadix in the center.
Why isn't my Flamingo Flower blooming?
Most often too little light. Move it to bright indirect light and feed with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage spathes.
Is the Flamingo Flower toxic to pets?
Yes, anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats and dogs and can irritate the mouth and throat.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Browning often comes from low humidity, overwatering, or fertilizer/salt buildup. Raise humidity, let the topsoil dry between waterings, and flush the soil occasionally.
Flamingo Flower guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Flamingo Flower.
Flamingo Flower identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
