Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanumalso also called the flamingo flower or laceleaf

Anthurium

Bright indirectModerateToxic to pets
6585°FComfort range
HighHumidity
Background

The anthurium is grown for its glossy, heart-shaped 'flowers' — really lacquered-looking spathes in red, pink, white, or coral, each wrapped around a stubby spike — and a healthy plant carries them almost year-round. It is a tropical epiphyte at heart, so it wants the same things an orchid does: a chunky, airy root run and warmth.

Give it bright indirect light, high humidity, and a coarse mix that drains fast, and it flowers freely. The usual disappointments — no blooms, yellowing leaves — trace back to too little light or roots left sitting in water. Keep it warm and humid, let the top inch dry between drinks, and wipe the leaves to keep that signature shine.

Bright indirect light for the most flowers; it survives medium light but blooms less. No direct midday sun, which scorches the leaves and spathes.

Care at a glance
LightBright indirect
WaterEvery 7–10 days; let the top inch dry
Soil mixCoarse, airy mix — half potting soil, half orchid bark and perlite
HumidityHigh
Temperature65–85°F
DifficultyModerate
HabitUpright
Mature size1–2 ft tall and wide
PropagationDivision of the clump at repotting
Watering & safety
How to water

Water thoroughly and drain — it likes a coarse, airy mix and hates sitting wet

Drought tolerance

Low — keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.

Toxicity

Contains insoluble calcium oxalates — mouth and throat irritation if chewed. Keep away from pets and children.

The routine

Water when the top inch is dry, then drain fully

every 7–10 days

Feed with a dilute high-phosphorus fertiliser to push blooms

every 6 weeksGrowing season

Wipe the leaves and spathes to keep them glossy

No flowers usually means too little light; yellow leaves mean soggy roots

Repot into fresh airy mix when it crowds the pot

every 2 years
Watch for
MealybugsSpider MitesScale