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Anthurium andraeanum

flamingo flower

A tender evergreen perennial to 60cm tall, the dark green leaves with arrow-shaped bases, to 30cm in length, and heart-shaped, bright red spathes with a light yellow spike-like spadix, appearing throughout the year

Other common names
tail flower

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Yellow Green
Summer Red Yellow Green
Autumn Red Yellow Green
Winter Red Yellow Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Araceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Anthurium are evergreen perennials, usually epiphytic and sometimes climbing, with large, simple or palmately lobed leaves, and spike-like flowering spadices each subtended by a colourful flat spathe

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Colombia, Ecuador

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in bright, indirect light, using an acidic potting mix of two parts ericaceous peat-free compost, one part perlite and one part orchid bark. Water freely and apply an orchid fertiliser every 2 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Water sparingly in winter, and keep above 18°C. See Anthurium cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division, stem or rhizome cuttings and offsets in spring or summer; or propagate by seed at 24 to 27°C as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required, remove dead leaves or flower stems at the base

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot, and root rot from overwatering

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