Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanumalso also called the flamingo flower or laceleaf

Anthurium

65–85°FComfort range
HighHumidity
Bright indirectModerateToxic to pets
Bloom windowYear-round · indoors, same in every zone
Winter
In bloom
Spring
In bloom
Summer
In bloom
Fall
In bloom
In bloom

Flushes year-round in bright indirect light, each spathe lasting weeks; a plant that has stopped usually wants more light.

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.

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
Care at a glance
LightBright indirect
WaterEvery 7–10 days; let the top inch dry
How to waterWater thoroughly and drain - it likes a coarse, airy mix and hates sitting wet
Drought toleranceLow - keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.
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
Watch for
MealybugsSpider MitesScale