Description
- Common names:
- Painted Anthurium, Flamingo Flower, Tailflower, Painter's Palette, Laceleaf, Anturio, Flor de Flamenco
- Botanical name:
- Anthurium andraeanum
- Description:
- Exotic tropical houseplant with glossy heart-shaped leaves and vibrant pink blooms. Thrives in humid environments and can flower year-round with proper care, bringing rainforest beauty indoors.
Features
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Rarity:
- Common Household Favorite
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Flowering, Architectural, Glossy Foliage
- Air Purifier:
- Good Air Purifier (7/10)
- Origin:
- South America
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Bedroom, Office, Bathroom, Modern, Tropical, Contemporary, Bohemian, Scandinavian
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
Requires consistent attention to humidity, watering, and light conditions to thrive and bloom. Not ideal for beginners, but rewarding for those who can maintain its tropical environment needs.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or north-facing window with filtered bright light, avoiding direct sun which can scorch the leaves. If leaves turn yellow or blooms fade, the plant may need more light; brown spots indicate too much direct sun.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, typically every 5-7 days. Ensure thorough drainage as Anthuriums are susceptible to root rot from waterlogged soil.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Native to rainforests, this plant thrives in humidity above 60-80%. Place on a pebble tray, use a humidifier, or mist regularly to prevent brown leaf tips and encourage blooming.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-29°C / 65-85°F, mimicking its tropical origins. Avoid cold drafts, temperatures below 15°C / 60°F, and placement near air conditioning vents.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 10-12+
Hardy outdoors only in USDA Zones 10-12 where temperatures remain consistently warm year-round. In cooler zones, grow as a houseplant or move outdoors only during warm summer months.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during spring and summer growing season. Reduce feeding to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter when growth slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots emerge from drainage holes, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix with orchid bark or perlite to maintain the aeration these epiphytic plants require.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth every 2-3 weeks to remove dust, allowing the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and maintain its attractive shine. Avoid leaf shine products which can clog pores.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by division during repotting by carefully separating offset plants with roots attached from the mother plant. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining soil and keep warm and humid until established.