Anthurium (Flamingo plant) - Care tips

Anthurium

There are many species of Anthuriums that have brightly-coloured waxy spathes (modified leaves) that look like flowers. Other varieties of Anthurium plants have striking foliage with big and deep green heart-shaped leaves and amazing veined patterns. All varieties of Anthurium plants are tropical plants and mostly come from South and Central America. Anthurium is a genus of about 1000 species and therefore one of the largest genus of the Araceae family. Although they are tropical plants, with the right care, you can easily grow those plants indoors. The Anthurium species, also called the Flamingo plant, produces beautiful, long-lasting ''flowers'' all year round. Flowers in parentheses because they are actually modified leaves. They are heart shaped with finger like spikes and look like a peace lily, they come in many different colours.

The other populair Anthurium species are the velvety Anthuriums. They are also a flowering species, but their flowers are unnoticeable. The flowers and flower plumes grow at the end of long stems. Most experts recommend cutting of the flowering stems to give more energy to leaf growth.

Anthurium Care Tips

As we have already mentioned, Anthuriums are beautiful but easy care plants. You just have to know the best way to take care of it and then this plant will shine for a long time. Isn't that nice?

Light and placement for Anthuriums

The Anthurium likes light, but not bright sunlight. If the plant is placed in a place that is too dark, fewer flowers will appear. Make sure that there is no draught around the plant or that there is a heater nearby. The Anthurium does especially well in bathrooms, because they like high humidity. It is advisable to put the plant in a window facing north. For an east or west-facing window, it is advisable to keep 1 to 2 meters distance.

Water

Water your Anthurium when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry. Water until the water runs through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and throw away the water that has accumulated in the saucer!

Nutrition

Feed your Anthurium once a month during spring and summer. The best way to do this is with liquid fertilizer that you add to the water. Choose of course fertilizer especially for houseplants..

Propagating an Anthurium

Some Anthuriums can be propagated with stem cuttings. Take a cutting with at least two nodes on the stem, preferably in spring or early summer. Dust the cut end with cutting powder and then put it in sterile potting soil. Water and put the pot and the cutting in a plastic bag to increase the humidity around the leaf. Place the cutting in a warm place with bright, filtered light and water as much as necessary to keep the potting soil moist but not soggy.

Another and simple way to propagate Anthuriums is by simply splitting two or more plants growing in the pot, each with its own root system. Make sure that each section has at least one leaf, but more is better, if possible. Split each part and make sure that as many roots as possible remain intact. Repot each newly split plant in its own pot of the right size and water them well.

If you have more than one Anthurium plant, they can pollinate each other and you can get berries that contain seeds. You can use these seeds to grow new plants. However, it can take several months to a whole year before the berries develop and ripen. This is therefore the most difficult and time-consuming propagation method.

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Most common pest on Anthuriums

The main pests and diseases that can affect your Anthurium are mealy bugs, aphids, thrips, scale insects and spider mites. Anthurium pest control starts with recognizing the insects that attack the plant and then taking timely measures to get rid of them. The PLNTS Doctor helps you with that! On this page you will find all the tips and tricks you need if your Anthurium shows signs of pests.

Are Anthuriums toxic for pets or children?

Anthuriums are toxic to pets and humans. Swallowing them usually causes mouth and skin irritation, stomach ache and irritation with possible vomiting. So keep an eye on your Anthurium, your pets and little ones.