Flamingo flower, Anthurium

The Flamingo flower or Anthurium comes to the forefront of fashionable plants at regular intervals. Find out how to care for this unique houseplant here.

Jul 23, 2021 03:20 pm
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Growth type
  • Perennial plant
Growth height (from)
from 40 cm to 100 cm
Growth width (from)
from 30 cm to 60 cm
Growth characteristics
  • upright
  • horst-forming
Flower color
  • yellow
  • orange
  • red
Flowering time (month)
  • May to June
Flower shape
  • Pistons
Leaf color
  • green
page format
  • ovate
  • heart-shaped
  • lancéolées
  • oval
Sheet properties
  • evergreen
Fruit shape
  • Berry
Fruit characteristics
  • toxic
  • unimpressive
Light
  • scattered light to semi-shade
Soil type
  • sandy to loamy
Soil Moisture
  • moderately dry to moderately humid
ph value
  • neutral to acidic
Lime compatibility
  • sensitive to lime
Nutrient requirements
  • moderately nutritious
Humus
  • rich in humus
Decorative or utility value
  • Flower Decoration
  • Leaf ornaments
Toxicity
  • toxic
Climate zones according to USDA
  • 10
Use
  • Single position
  • Interior greening
  • Planters
  • Winter garden
Garden style
  • Pot garden
Origin

The Flamingo flower or anthurium originates from the tropical rainforests of central and south America and belongs to the botanical Araceae family. As a houseplant it enjoys massive popularity and advances again and again as ato the forefront of fashionable plants. However, to be more precise, the intended houseplants are anthurium hybrids that have resulted from intensive cross-breeding and are largely based on the two species Anthurium andreanum (large flamingo flower) and Anthurium scherzerianum (small flamingo flower).

Growth

The Flamingo flower grows to heights between 15.75 and 39.37 inches and an average width of 11.81 to 23.62 inches. The evergreen and clump-forming houseplant impresses in particular with its colorful foliage ornamentation, which is often mistaken for ornamental flowers.

Leaves

The long stemmed flowers of the Flamingo flower are either lanceolate (Anthurium Scherzerianum hybrids) or elongated cordate (Anthurium Andreanum hybrids), depending on which parent part is stronger. The precise differentiation today has become difficult, even for botanists. So the lamina are green, partly matt and partly shiny. The part that is mistakenly described as the Flamingo flower are also actually leaves, known as spathaceous bracts. They are either oval to ovate or cordate with bulges. The color palette ranges from white to pink and dark red. Some are also flecked or have an interesting color gradient. The spathaceous bracts of the anthurium scherzerianum hybrids are not generally shiny.

Spathaceous bract of the Flamingo flower
The spathaceous bracts of the Flamingo flower have conspicuous colors and are therefore often mistaken for flowers
Flowers

The actual flowers of the Anthurium are the spadices found in the center of the spathaceous bracts. These can be yellow, orange, or red. It grows straight or arched, however it can also be slightly twisted, which is why the plant is also known by the less romantic name ‘tailflower’. The flowering period for Anthurium Scherzerianum hybrids lasts from May to June. Anthurium Andreanum hybrids flower all year round in suitable household conditions.

Fruit

The infructescences of the Flamingo flower are inconspicuous berries.

Location

Anthurium likes a bright to semi-shady location out of direct sunlight and protected from drafts all year round. It thrives in temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, on the other hand, the flamingo flower should be placed somewhere cooler - at 60.8 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important for Anthurium Scherzerianum hybrids in particular, as the cold stimulates flower formation. High humidity is absolutely recommended.

Substrate
Potting a Flamingo flower
The Flamingo flower can be kept in both flower soil or in hydroponic cultivation

Anthuriums are perfect for hydroponic cultivation and are extremely resilient and long-lasting when kept in this way. However, they can also be placed in slightly acidic to acidic flower soil that is loose, crumbly, and highly permeable. It should have a high humus content.

Watering

The Flamingo flower is very sensitive to lime. So you should only use decalcified water rain water. It should also be at room temperature. The Anthurium substrate should never fully dry out, however it should also not be permanently wet. This causes root rot. The amount of water used is reduced in the winter, but the root ball should be kept permanently moist.

Fertilizing

Anthurium is fertilized regularly but moderately. Add a half dose of liquid fertilizer to the water weekly throughout the summer. Once a month is enough in the winter. Caution: The plant is sensitive to too much salt.

Repotting
Flamingo flower in a tub
The older they become, the less frequently Flamingo flowers require a new pot

Younger Anthuriums are repotted every year. For larger specimens that have already reached the final pot size of 9.84 inches in diameter are, only the top layer of soil is exchanged for new substrate once a year. If the Flamingo flower is grown in hydroponic cultivation, it must be repotted less frequently.

Pruning

The plant does not need pruning.

Additional Care

In lower humidity the leaves should be sprayed several times a day. Use room temperature, decalcified water for this. It is also important that the Anthurium flowers do not get wet. Caution: As an Araceae plant ,the flamingo flower is poisonous, which is why gloves should be worn for safety when carrying out care measures. Furthermore, the large leaves should be regularly dusted.

Propagation
Propagating Flamingo flowers
If the section has at least one leaf and sufficient roots, it can be used to propagate the Flamingo flower

The most reliable way to propagate Flamingo flowers is through division. Use the opportunity when repotting in the spring to carefully separate the ball into sections with at least one leaf and extensively formed roots. Place the pot with the offspring in a warm, bright place. You can keep the humidity high, particularly at the start, by simply placing a transparent plastic film over the pot. However, this must be regularly lifted for ventilation, to prevent mold forming.

Diseases and Pests

Anthurium is sensitive to cold locations and the wrong amount of water. If the plant remains flowerless for a longer period of time, it may not have enough fertilizer. Rolled up leaf margins are an indication that the room air is too dry. This also leads to more cases of spider mites and scaly insects.