How to Grow Anthurium Red Champion

Anthurium Red Champion

Anthurium andraeanum 'Red Champion'

flower

Anthurium Red Champion is a tropical flowering houseplant known for its striking deep red, heart-shaped spathes (modified leaves) and yellow spadices that bloom year-round in proper conditions. This cultivar is prized for its vibrant color intensity and long-lasting flowers that can persist for 2-3 months per bloom. It's an epiphytic plant native to rainforests, making it well-suited to warm, humid indoor environments.

Looking for a specific variety?

Red Champion Pink Champion White Gemini Midori Tropical Pink Nicoya Red

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 12,000-16,000 lux recommended; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in winter; prefer distilled or rainwater

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms continuously when mature (6-12 months to first flowers from young plants)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery pot; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining, airy orchid or anthurium mix with bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Orchid bark Perlite Coconut coir Sphagnum moss Charcoal for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 11-12; best grown as a houseplant in cooler climates

11 12

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 months

Young plant focuses on root development and leaf growth; may have limited or no flowers

Maintain high humidity (60-80%), stable warm temperatures (70-85°F), and bright indirect light; do not fertilize heavily; allow roots to establish in airy soil medium

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Plant develops larger leaves and fuller canopy; aerial roots may emerge along the stem

Support with moss pole if desired; fertilize monthly with balanced, diluted fertilizer; maintain consistent warmth and humidity; increase pot size when roots fill container

Flowering

8-12 weeks per flower (continuous with mature plants)

Deep red spathes with contrasting yellow spadices emerge from leaf axils; flowers are waxy and long-lasting

Maintain bright light and consistent warmth (75-85°F); continue regular watering and humidity; support heavy flower stems if needed; remove dead flowers at base to encourage new blooms

Post-Bloom Maintenance

Ongoing; cycle repeats every 4-6 weeks

Spent flowers drop; plant continues producing new foliage and flower buds in succession

Remove spent spathes to redirect energy; maintain stable conditions; continue regular fertilizing during growing season; watch for pest issues in warm conditions

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Philodendron Monstera Pothos Aroid palm Fern Calathea African violet

Avoid planting near:

Drafty areas Heat vents Cold windows Direct heating sources

Common Pests

Increase humidity; mist leaves regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plant
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil; improve air circulation
Increase humidity; use blue sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; remove affected flowers
Remove manually; treat with horticultural oil; isolate plant and monitor regularly
Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, sterile soil; remove affected roots

Uses

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Floral arrangements and cut flowers

Culinary

The striking red spathes are highly valued in floral design and as long-lasting cut flowers for arrangements. They are popular in tropical-themed bouquets and decorative displays. [source]

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Indoor air purification

Household

Anthurium is recognized by NASA for removing toxins like ammonia, xylene, and formaldehyde from indoor air, contributing to cleaner home environments. [source]

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Tropical houseplant decoration

Household

With year-round flowering and vibrant red coloration, Red Champion serves as an ornamental focal point in living spaces, offices, and conservatories. [source]

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Traditional tropical medicine

Medicinal

In some cultures, Anthurium is used in traditional remedies, though scientific evidence is limited; primarily valued for ornamental rather than medicinal purposes. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The spadix produces nectar and pollen that attracts tropical insects in outdoor settings; provides food for beetles and other pollinators in humid climates. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flower stems at base when spathe is fully unfurled and colored; use sharp, sterile knife; cut above a leaf node; flowers can last 2-3 months in vase with fresh water changed every 3-4 days

Fun Facts

🌱 The red 'flower' is actually a modified leaf (spathe) surrounding the true flowers, which are tiny and located on the yellow spadix spike—a botanical cleverness that evolved to attract pollinators in rainforests.
🌱 Anthurium means 'tail flower' in Greek, derived from anthos (flower) and oura (tail), referring to the distinctive spadix appendage.
🌱 The Red Champion cultivar can produce flowers year-round indoors in stable, warm conditions, potentially yielding dozens of blooms annually with proper care and mature plant establishment.

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