How to Grow Coral Anthurium
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Coral Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
flowerCoral Anthurium is a tropical flowering plant prized for its distinctive waxy, heart-shaped spathes in coral, pink, or red tones paired with prominent yellow spadices. Native to Colombia, this epiphytic aroid thrives as an indoor houseplant, producing long-lasting exotic blooms that can persist for weeks. The glossy, deep green foliage adds ornamental value even when not flowering.
When should you plant Coral Anthurium in your zone?
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Example Coral Anthurium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coral 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 Coral 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 10b-12 outdoors; grown indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Coral Anthurium timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 monthsYoung plant with 3-6 leaves, developing root system. Plant is acclimating to growing environment.
Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Water moderately; avoid overwatering young plants. Keep in shallow pot with excellent drainage.
Vegetative Growth
3-8 monthsPlant produces multiple new leaves with increasing stem thickness. Leaf size gradually enlarges. No flowers present yet.
Provide consistent warmth and humidity. Support with moss pole or stake if plant exceeds 12 inches. Feed monthly with balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Ensure air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Flowering Initiation
2-4 weeks for developmentPlant produces inflorescences (flower spikes). Waxy spathes emerge in coral, pink, or red coloration with yellow or orange spadices.
Maintain consistent temperatures between 70-85°F; fluctuations can abort buds. Continue high humidity and bright light. Do not move plant once buds appear. Support heavy flower stems gently.
Blooming
4-8 weeks per flowerFully opened spathe displays peak coloration. Spadix receptive to pollination. Flowers remain vibrant for 4-8 weeks.
Maintain ideal conditions: warmth, humidity, bright light, and consistent moisture. Avoid touching spathes as oils can damage waxy coating. Remove any spent flowers at base of stem to encourage reblooming.
Post-Bloom & Rest
4-8 weeks before next bloom cycleSpathe fades in color and may develop greenish tones. Energy redirects to vegetative growth and fruit development (if pollinated). Plant may have brief slower growth period.
Remove spent spathes by cutting stem at base. Reduce watering slightly if plant enters rest period. Maintain warmth and humidity. Resume regular feeding to support next bloom cycle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks. Isolate affected plant. Use rubbing alcohol on cotton swab for small infestations.
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Increase humidity to 70%+ which discourages mites. Spray with water mist. Use miticide or neem oil if infestation persists. Repeat treatments every 7-10 days.
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Yellow sticky traps to monitor. Remove heavily infested flowers. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
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Remove by hand with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab. Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil every 7-10 days for 3-4 weeks.
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Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage; water at soil level only. Apply fungicide if severe. Reduce humidity slightly if needed.
Uses
Interior decoration and air purification
HouseholdCoral Anthuriums are popular ornamental houseplants prized for their exotic, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage. Studies suggest Anthuriums help filter indoor air pollutants including formaldehyde, ammonia, and xylene. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CulinaryThe waxy, long-lasting spathes are premium cut flowers in floral design, prized for their glossy appearance and ability to last 2-3 weeks in water. They are commonly used in tropical and contemporary floral arrangements. [source]
Exotic floral design
CraftCoral Anthurium flowers are highly sought in the professional floral industry for wedding bouquets, tropical arrangements, and high-end event decorations due to their unique heart-shaped form and vibrant coloration. [source]
Traditional uses in tropical medicine
MedicinalIn some tropical regions, Anthurium species have been used traditionally in folk medicine, though scientific evidence is limited. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and should never be ingested. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeIn tropical regions where Coral Anthuriums grow outdoors, the flowers attract pollinators including insects and potentially hummingbirds, contributing to garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Coral Anthurium flowers do not require harvesting in traditional sense. For cut flower arrangements, cut flower stems at an angle just below the base where spathe meets stem, using sterilized shears. Flowers last 2-3 weeks in a vase with fresh water. Cut blooms immediately after full opening for longest vase life. Wear gloves when handling as plant contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coral Anthurium flowers are not actually flowers—the colorful 'spathe' is a modified leaf, while the true flowers are tiny and arranged on the yellow or orange 'spadix.' The plant can produce hundreds of individual flowers on a single spadix.
- 🌱 These plants are epiphytes in their native Colombian rainforest habitat, growing on trees rather than in soil, which is why they thrive in loose, bark-based growing media that mimics their natural environment.
- 🌱 A mature Coral Anthurium plant can produce flowers almost continuously (blooming every 4-6 weeks) for many years with proper care, making it one of the longest-blooming tropical houseplants.
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