The Anthurium andraeanum is a heart-shaped indoor plant known as Flamingo Flower or Tailflower. Anthuriums are native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The andraeanum is native to Colombia. It belongs to the Araceae genus and the order Alismatales. The aroid family of plants has over 1000 Anthurium species.
One species that is often confused with andraeanum is Anthurium scherzerianum.
I will tell you how you can best care for this houseplant in this article.
Anthurium Plant Care Indoors
Anthurium andraeanum is a blooming plant that grows best in bright indirect light indoors. Use well-draining soil consisting of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.
Grow Anthurium Outdoors
According to the University of Florida, Anthuriums grow best in low-light conditions outdoors. But low light outdoors is not the same as indoors. The sunlight is very strong, even in the shade.
You can grow this tropical plant ins USDA hardiness zones 10 and above.
Anthurium Plant
Anthuriums are perennial herbaceous plants that produce a spathe and spadix. The spathe is a modified leaf. The spadix is upright and contains tiny flowers. These are the blooms and not the spathe and spadix itself.
The blooms emerge from the axillary bud or lateral buds. These buds have the potential to grow new stems and branches or flowers.
When the inflorescence is pollinated, it will produce berries that contain seeds.
Anthuriums grow in humid forests.
Temperature
The optimal daytime temperature is 78-90°F (25-32°C). Ideal Nighttime temperature is 70-75 Fahrenheit (21-24° Celsius), says Akatsuka Orchids.
Soil
Anthuriums prefer loose well-draining soil is best. Avoid dense soils. Sandy and loamy soil work well.
Anthurium andraeanum Light
Anthuriums indoors prefer bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage. Therefore avoid direct sun for more than 4 hours.
Watering
Water every seven days on average. Stick your index finger into the soil before watering. Only water once the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid soggy soil. This can lead to root rot.
You can water from the top or bottom. I prefer top watering.
Humidity
A humidity between 50-70% is best. The higher the humidity, the better. You can use a humidifier to increase the humidity indoors. I use a humidifier from Levoit. It works much better than using a pebble try.
I am not a big fan of spraying plants with water, either. It often leads to fungus. Foliage can wilt and die if wet for a prolonged time.
Fertilizer
Fertilize in spring and summer. About once a month is ideal. Dilute regular houseplant fertilizer to 1/2 strength. Use a fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus for better blooms.
Nitrogen is also important for organic matter, such as leaves and stalks.
Do not feed your plant in autumn and winter. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots.
Potting
Drainage is key. Use a pot with potting holes.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests are mealybugs, scales, fruit flies, and thrips, spider mites, whiteflies, and fungus gnats.
Anthuriums are not very prone to diseases. A common occurrence is yellow leaves due to overwatering. Underwatering often leads to brown leaves.
Hard water can lead to brown leaf tips. Let your tap water sit for 24 hours if your plant develops brown tips.
Growth rate
The Anthurium is a slow upright grower. It can grow up to 4″ a year. A leaf once a month is what you can expect in the main growing season. They spread 2-3 feet.
The plant itself grows up to 16” tall.
The leaf blades are drooping and grow 8-12 inches long. The leaves are green.
Bloomings
These plants bloom throughout the year. The larger and more mature they get, the more flower spikes they carry.
The flower stems are upright. The blooms are usually red. But there are different cultivars with green, pink, white, and creme flowers available most people say the flower is the spathe. It is e lacquered and shiny.
The flowers last up to 6 weeks. Once they are over, they become brown, wilt, and die.
Cultivars
The most common cultivars according to Researchgate are:
- A. andraeanum Linden
- Anthurium Hort. ‘Princess Aiko’
- Anthurium Hort. ‘Regina’
- Anthurium Hort. ‘Purple Passion’
- Anthurium Hort. ‘Miss June Purple’
Anthurium plant care tips
- Never let the soil dry out too much
- Keep humidity high to avoid brown leaves and brown edges
- Fertilize monthly for more leaves and flowers
Read more about Anthurium care.
How to Grow and Care for Anthurium plants
Anthuriums are slow-growing plants that are easy to care for indoors.