How to Grow Anthurium Anthurium
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Anthurium Anthurium
Anthurium antioqueanum
flowerAnthurium antioqueanum, commonly known as Anthurium or Flamingo Flower, is a tropical perennial flowering plant native to Colombia. It is prized for its distinctive heart-shaped spathes (modified leaves) that come in shades of red, pink, white, or salmon, alongside a prominent spadix (spike). This epiphytic plant thrives as an indoor houseplant in temperate climates and produces long-lasting, exotic flowers year-round.
When should you plant Anthurium Anthurium in your zone?
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Example Anthurium Anthurium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Anthurium Anthurium
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Anthurium Anthurium blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12; best grown indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Anthurium Anthurium timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Young Plant
4-8 weeksSmall cutting or division with 2-3 leaves, developing roots in moist medium
Maintain high humidity (70-80%), warm temperatures (70-80°F), and bright indirect light. Keep medium consistently moist.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant establishes root system and produces new leaves, gradually increasing in size
Continue high humidity and warmth. Feed monthly with balanced, diluted fertilizer. Support with stake if needed.
Flowering Initiation
2-4 weeksPlant matures and begins producing flower buds at leaf nodes
Maintain temperatures 70-80°F, high humidity, and bright indirect light. Apply bloom-boosting fertilizer with higher phosphorus.
Flowering
4-8 weeks per flower; successive blooms year-roundDistinctive heart-shaped spathes unfurl with prominent spadix; flowers last 4-8 weeks
Maintain humidity and warm temperatures. Continue regular watering and feeding every 3-4 weeks.
Post-Bloom/Rest
2-4 weeks between bloomsSpathe fades and may drop; plant continues producing new leaves and buds
Remove faded spathes. Reduce feeding slightly but continue regular watering and humidity.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil or miticide if severe
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Manually scrape off, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Isolate plant, increase humidity, use sticky traps, apply insecticidal spray if needed
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Reduce watering, improve drainage, repot in fresh medium, remove affected roots
Uses
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdAnthurium antioqueanum is recognized by NASA studies as an effective air-purifying houseplant that removes ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air. Its large leaves and active transpiration contribute to improved air quality in homes and offices. [source]
Decorative Tropical Flowers
CulinaryThe striking red, pink, or white spathes are widely used in high-end floral arrangements and tropical wedding decorations. Cut anthuriums remain fresh for 2-4 weeks, making them prized by florists worldwide. [source]
Traditional Tropical Medicine
MedicinalIn native Colombian and Central American cultures, Anthurium species have been traditionally used in folk remedies for inflammation and skin irritation. Modern research is exploring potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe complex spadix structure attracts insects and provides a protein-rich resource for pollinators in tropical habitats. Indoor plants may attract gnats and other small insects to the flower. [source]
Exotic Tropical Houseplant Specimen
CraftAnthurium antioqueanum is a collector's plant prized by tropical plant enthusiasts and houseplant hobbyists for its striking, sculptural flowers and lush foliage. Growing a specimen plant from a young cutting is a rewarding long-term project. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Anthurium flowers are long-lasting and do not require harvesting for indoor enjoyment. For cut flowers, cut the spathe with 4-6 inches of stem once fully unfurled; they last 2-4 weeks in a vase with fresh water changed every 3-4 days. Individual spathes emerge continuously from mature plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Anthurium flowers are technically composed of a modified leaf (spathe) and a spike of tiny flowers (spadix); the colorful 'flower' is not the true flower at all.
- 🌱 A mature Anthurium antioqueanum can produce flowers continuously year-round indoors, with successive spathes emerging every 4-8 weeks under ideal conditions.
- 🌱 The plant name 'Anthurium' derives from Greek words 'anthos' (flower) and 'oura' (tail), referring to the distinctive tail-like spadix.
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