Anthurium 1 to 10 of 10 total
Anthurium 1 to 10 of 10 total
Anthurium
About Anthurium
Genus
Anthurium
Species
1,000+
Family
Araceae
Common Names:
Flamingo Flower, Laceleaf, Pigtail Plant
Native To:
Central & South America, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
Plant Type:
Houseplants
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
10 - 11
Flower Color:
Red, Pink, White, Purple/Orange
Flower Bloom Time:
Year-round
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Upright, Mounded
Attracts:
Pollinators (Outdoors)
Tolerates
Heat, Humidity
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits, Voles, Moles, Diseases
Where To Grow Anthurium Indoors
Anthuriums, known for their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive spathes, add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. The spathes come in hues like crimson, blush, or ivory, and bloom for months under optimal conditions. These tropical natives subtly purify indoor air and are associated with hospitality and endurance.
Elevate humid spaces like bathrooms or kitchens by placing Anthuriums near east-facing windows, where indirect light accentuates their waxy foliage. Plant them in matte ceramic pots in neutral tones to let their bold spathes dominate as living art on mantels or console tables. For modern interiors, cluster smaller varieties alongside ferns or pothos to amplify texture without overcrowding. In garden landscapes, anthuriums serve as striking focal points and provide contrast when paired with ferns or hostas.
Types of Anthurium
| Type | Scientific Name | Native | Flowers (Spathes & Spadix) | Foliage | Special Care | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower / Painter’s Palette | Anthurium andraeanum | Cloud-forest understory of Colombia & Ecuador | Glossy red, pink or white spathe; erect white-to-yellow spadix; blooms | Waxy, heart-shaped, dark-green leaves to 8 in. | Bright, indirect light; keep mix evenly moist but never soggy; ≥60% humidity; repot every 2 yrs to flush salts | Long-lasting cut flower; RHS Award of Garden Merit; toxic if chewed |
| Cobra Anthurium (Bird-Nest group) | Anthurium bonplandii subsp. guayanum | Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, N. Brazil | Green reflexed spathe; pendent purple-brown spadix; berries red-purple | Large, leathery, oblanceolate leaves with dark punctate dots; new foliage reddish beneath | Bright filtered light; chunky aroid mix; allow upper 2–3 in. to dry; high humidity speeds growth | Thick C-shaped petioles; variable leaf colour; often sold as A. jenmanii |
| Fingers Anthurium | Anthurium pedatoradiatum | Lowland forests of S. Mexico (Veracruz → Chiapas) | Green spathe & spadix, not showy | Palmate leaves split into 7–11 deep “fingers”; juvenile leaves less lobed | Medium-bright light; water when top 1–2 in. dry; coarse, airy mix; enjoys warmth & ≥60% humidity | Unusual “hand-shaped” foliage; easier, lower-humidity tolerant anthurium |
| Bird’s-Nest / Ironclad Anthurium | Anthurium superbum | Moist lowland forest of Ecuador & Peru | Infrequent green-purple inflorescence deep in rosette | Stiff, upward-pointing, lance leaves to 3–5 ft; dark-green above, deep-purple beneath | Bright shade; keep evenly moist, never water-log; temps 60–85 °F; very humidity-loving | Dramatic prehistoric look; “ironclad” thick leaves; threatened species |
Anthurium Care
Anthuriums require well-draining soil rich in organic matter; a mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite works well. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the roots don't sit in water to prevent rot. Bright, indirect light is ideal; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Fertilize every two months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth.
In Zones 10–12, Anthuriums can grow outdoors under dappled shade, though sudden temperature dips below 60°F risk leaf damage. Propagate via division during repotting, ensuring each section retains healthy roots, or root stem cuttings in sphagnum moss for higher success. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and use a chunky orchid mix and pots just 1–2 inches larger than the root ball. Repot every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Learn More About Anthurium