PLANT GUIDE:ANTHURIUM

Have you heard of anthurium? If you don’t recognise it, you might perhaps know it as its more common name, the flamingo plant. If you’re a little curious like us,  join us to dive deep into the world of anthuriums. We’ll uncover the beauty behind these exotic plants and share some essential care tips, so you can keep your flamingo looking gorgeous all year-round. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or looking to add a splash of tropical elegance to your home, you’re in the right place!

Anthurium Meaning

The name of this houseplant comes from two Greek words, ‘Anthos’ which means flower and ‘Oura’ which means tail. Combine these two words and you’ve got a common name for this plant – tail flower. But the Anthurium doesn’t stop there, did you know this plant is also known as boy flowers, oilcloth flower, laceleaf, flamingo lily and flamingo flower? Phew!

Have you ever wondered why anthuriums are often called flamingo plants? It may come from the shiny flowers on this plant which come in a rainbow of colours like red, pink, lilac, and even spotted. Let’s be honest, they do look a little bit like the vibrant hues seen on the body of a flamingo. Or maybe it’s the spiky bit in the centre that looks like the bird’s graceful neck? Or perhaps, combine the two and there is a definite resemblance to the shape of a flamingo.

But wait, did you know that the colourful part we’re admiring isn’t actually the flower? A bit like that other houseplant favourite, the peace lily, those ‘flowers’ we’re admiring are actually spathes. These are designed to protect the real flowers on the plant which appear on the spiky bit in the middle. This part is called the spadix and is packed with lots of tiny blooms. What we do know is that the bright colours of this plant are certainly welcoming, its no wonder its often given as a gift to say thank you for looking after us.

Types of anthurium

If you like the look of anthuriums then you’re in good company, these houseplants belong to the Araceae family which makes them a close relation of other favourites like the calla lily among others. What’s truly fascinating is that they are one of the largest groups in this family, boasting around 1,000 species!

Anthurium Andreanum 

This is the most commonly available type of anthurium and the one you are likely to buy for your home. It features glossy, heart-shaped spathes which are available in a range of white, pink and red hues. This one grows best as a houseplant although it can be moved to a sunny, sheltered patio during the summer months.

Anthurium Scherzerianum

Another popular variety you can easily get your hands on is the anthurium scherzerianum. Although these look very similar to anthurium andreanums, they have a few distinct differences. The most noticeable one is the spadix which forms a tight curl – it’s no wonder they’re often called ‘pig tail plants’. Their spathes are also less glossy and more funnel-shaped, and the overall plant is typically smaller.

Anthurium Clarinervium

Next up is the captivating anthurium clarinervium. These hidden gems are quite rare and prized for their unique foliage and jungle aesthetic. They are loved for their velvety dark green spathes that can easily become the centrepiece of any home. Unlike other anthuriums, they don’t have a spadix but instead feature striking white veins that run through the leaves, making them truly stand out.

Anthurium care

When looking to bring Anthurium into your home, the first thing you have to remember is where they grow naturally - the rainforest. To keep them at their happiest and blooming all year round, you ideally need to replicate this environment.

The hardest part is to find the ideal spot for this plant to live - they can be a little picky! You need to choose a room which is high in humidity, so somewhere like a bathroom or a steamy kitchen is ideal. Along with the humidity, you need to give the plant access to bright but filtered light which ideally means using curtains or blinds to shield them from direct sunlight. This is an important part because too much light can bleach the leaves, while too little will prevent them from flowering altogether. Last but not least, keep them away from the heat of a radiator and away from draughts. We told you they were fussy!

Once you’ve found the flamingo plant happy place, it’s time to think about watering. Overwater these plants and it can lead to leaf spots and root rot. For the best results, you want to give it a drink when the plant is completely dry. You can check this by putting your fingers a few centimetres into the soil. As a rough guide, your plant will need more watering in the spring and summer but not so much over autumn and winter. When watering, always use room-temperature water and let it drain away completely. Keep the leaves glossy and shiny by wiping them with a damp cloth.

Are anthurium toxic to pets?

Be extra careful when bring anthuriums into the home because this plant is toxic to pets and humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can be harmful, and it can also cause allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It’s probably best to keep this one high up out of reach from any pets or small children. You might also want to take the extra precaution of wearing gloves when handling and keep them away from your face.

We hope we’ve been able to give you a better understanding of these stunning plants and made it a little easier to select and look after your own at home.