Anthurium (Flamingo Flower) Care and Growing Guide

Anthurium is a genus of about 1000 species. It can be found in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. The name comes from the Greek word “anthos,” meaning flower, and “oura,” meaning tail. So the literal translation of this is ‘flowering tail.’ That’s because it has a strange-looking spathe that looks like an animal’s head or muzzle. Some people think it looks more like a flamingo than other flowers do!

The spathe is very similar to a lily flower. These flowers are incredibly vibrant and have an assortment of appearances due to their shape-changing depending on the species. Usually, they are oval or heart-shaped, with long leaves that grow in clusters around them.

Anthurium Main Characteristics

Common Name	Anthurium; Flamingo Flower; Flamingo Lily; Tailflower
Scientific Name	Anthurium andraeanum
Family	Araceae
Genus	Anthurium
Type	Herbaceous perennial
Native Range	Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuelan Antilles, and Windward Islands
Common Cultivars	Oaxaca, Champion, Zizou, Livium, Purple Miss June, Simba, Black Beauty
USDA Hardiness Zones	10B through 11
Mature Size	1.00 to 1.50 feet height; 0.75 to 1.00 feet width
Bloom Time	year-round flowering (Yellow spadix with red spathe)
Foliage	evergreen
Propagation methods	By division, by seeds
Sun	Part shade
Soil tolerance	sand; acidic; loam
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

How to Care for Anthurium Plant

The Flamingo Flower Plant is an excellent addition to any room. As a tropical plant, Anthuriums are not hard to grow indoors. Given proper care and conditions, the Anthurium can thrive for years. To help you keep your flower healthy and happy, we’ve put together this handy guide about how to grow an Anthurium plant indoors.

Light and Location

In their native habitat, Anthurium plants grow in filtered light. This means they will tolerate most indoor conditions but require a lot of indirect sunlight each day to keep their attractive foliage from becoming pale and leggy. In most homes, south or west windows are perfect for an Anthurium plant. A south-facing location may be preferred as the sun won’t be shining directly into the plant, keeping its foliage from drying out.

Watering

The best time to water is when the soil feels dry as your finger pushes down about 1 inch into it. If the soil feels moist, wait another day before watering. Water your plants immediately if the soil is dry for more than two days. Do not overwater your plants. This can lead to root rot and kill them quickly. After watering, the soil should be moist to the finger but not soaking or soggy.

Temperature

While anthuriums are tolerant of cool temperatures, they do best in warmer conditions. When grown indoors, anthuriums prefer temperatures between 68 ºF and 86º F with relatively high humidity. 

Humidity

Flamingo flowers prefer relatively high humidity. To help maintain a suitable humidity level, mist the leaves regularly with a spray bottle of room temperature water or purchase a humidifier. Also, keep the plant away from cold drafts from windows, dry heat from fireplaces, and the hot, dry air from central heating Furnaces.

Fertilizer

Anthuriums do not need a lot of fertilizer. An adequate amount of water and humidity is their best friend. Fertilizers are only required when the plant has stopped growing, or its growth has diminished. You may want to use high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more bloom.

Propagating and Repotting Flamingo Flowers

One reason for dividing anthuriums is that the plant has thrived and grown too big for the current container. You can either repot it or split it and create two new plants. The anthurium needs to be divided when the roots start coming out of the pot or circling at the top of where there should be soil. If you see your leaves wilting or water going straight through your pot, these are both signs that your plant has outgrown its container.

Simply take the plant out of the pot and separate some of the roots with a sharp knife, scissors, or even your fingers. Make sure to keep the biggest (healthiest) plant in its container and cut off any dead roots you find during this process. If there is mold on the roots, it’s best to get rid of that too.

Now take some new planting soil and put it in an empty pot. Place your new plant inside. Fill up the pot with more planting soil and give the plant some water right away.

You should repot your plants pretty much every two years; otherwise, they will suffocate themselves. So now you have two healthy plants (or more) instead of one!

Toxicity

Flamingo flower plant is toxic for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses, if eaten. The common signs of anthurium poisoning are excessive salivation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Anthurium plants can also be poisonous to humans if ingested in high quantities. It may cause severe pain in the mouth, irritation of the mouth, and digestive symptoms.

Common Pests

Flamingo flower plants do not have a serious pest problem. However, watch out for mealybugs and red spider mites. 

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves?

Usually, the leaves turn yellow due to overwatering or overfeeding. Make sure not to use too much water and keep the soil moist but not soggy.  Decrease the frequency of feeding or stop feeding for a few months.

Anthurium does not bloom?

The most common reason for anthuriums not blooming is the lack of light, underfeeding, or the pot size (too large). Make sure that the plant is getting plenty of light (indirect light). You can try adding high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more bloom.

Leaf Tips Going Brown?

Is your plant getting too much sun? Brown leaf tips are a sign of getting too much direct sun or the lack of humidity. Keep your plant away from the unfiltered sun. Increase humidity by misting leaves regularly.

How to Grow Anthurium Plants: The Complete Guide (Video)

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