Anthurium Plant – Vibrant Tropical Grace

The Anthurium plant belongs to the Araceae family, and is a tropical genus of over 800 species. Anthurium flowers (also called Flamingo Flower or Tailflower) are popular houseplants, and a favorite addition to tropical flower arrangements.

They are known for their brightly colored flower bracts (spathes) that come in various shades of red, white, pink, orange, and green.

A common species of the anthurium plant is the Anthurium Andraeanum. This plant produces continuous blooms, approximately four to six flowers throughout the year.

Flowers will last up to six weeks on the plant. Cut blooms will last several weeks in a tropical floral arrangement or in a vase of water.

The anthurium plants grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet wide. Their evergreen leaves are lance-shaped, three to four inches wide, eight to twelve inches in length, and shiny dark green in color. The colorful, arrow-shaped flower bracts have a protruding yellow tail-like spike (spadix), and are wrinkled and waxy in appearance.

Anthurium plants grow in USDA hardiness zones 10B through 11. In Hawaii, anthurium flowers are grown for use as a long lasting cut flower, and have become a symbol commonly associated with Hawaii.

Anthurium Care - Indoors

You can buy tropical anthuriums at home and garden centers. They are usually potted in 5 - 8 inch containers, and are available in a variety of exotic colors, such as red, white, pink, orange, and green.

Anthurium house plants will thrive and produce colorful, lasting flowers when cared for properly.

Tips for Anthurium House Plant Care

Light – Place your potted anthurium in bright, indirect light.

Watering – Anthuriums require low to medium amounts of water. Let the soil dry out in-between watering. Stop watering when water runs out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the container.

Humidity – Keep potted plants on trays of moist gravel or spray several times daily with water.

Temperature – The ideal temperature for anthurium plants is 70 to 90°F.

Repotting – It is not necessary to repot anthuriums. This plant thrives when root bound.

Fertilizer – Fertilize about once every other month, using slow release pellets or a liquid fertilizer.

Note: Remember to remove dead foliage and faded or brown flowers. 

Tips for Anthurium Exotic Flower Arrangements

• Unpack your flowers immediately. Avoid bruising or tearing the bracts. Remove any damaged leaves or flowers.

• Use a clean vase. Fill it with water at room temperature. If you can add a floral preservative solution, follow the instructions provided.

• Cut off all the leaves that would be below the water level when stems are placed in the vase.

• While stems are under water, cut off about 1 inch from the bottom of the flower stems (make an angled cut).

• Arrange your flowers in the vase so that they are attractively displayed.

• Keep them in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, and away from air conditioning and heating vents.

• Check the water level frequently and fill the vase with lukewarm water. Keep flowers humid by spraying them with clean, warm water daily.

• Remove damaged or dying flowers and foliage daily to prolong the life of the flowers.

• Remove flowers from the vase every 4 to 5 days. Cut off about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the flower stems under water and at an angle.