Anthurium magnificum
splendid flamingo plant
A species from wet tropical forests of Colombia, where it grows as an epiphyte, perching on tree branches and climbing or creeping along them, using its fleshy roots to cling to the bark. The plant produces heart shaped, dark green, velvety leaves, with prominent, pale green veins. In ideal growing conditions in cultivation, the plant can grow to 1.2m and have leaves 90cm across. It resembles some of the other anthurium species in appearance but is identifiable by its four-sided leaf stalks. The plant produces flowers consisting of a pale green sheath-like spathe, surrounding a green spadix or column. The flowers are not especially ornamental, and it is the spectacular foliage that is the main feature of this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - 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
How to grow
Cultivation
A light, open, well-drained growing medium such as a proprietary orchid compost is required, along with warmth, bright, but indirect sunlight and high atmospheric humidity for the plant to do well. Watering the plant with rainwater or filtered water such as by reverse osmosis, at room temperature is beneficial, as it can be sensitive to the build-up of chemicals dissolved in hard tap water, if used. The compost should be allowed to become dry before thoroughly watering again. Plants should not be allowed to sit in water for long periods, which can cause the roots to rot. Feeding with a proprietary orchid fertiliser is beneficial during the growing season April to September. See Anthurium and Houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required,
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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