What is an anthurium?
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), also called flamingo flower or laceleaf, is a tropical flowering plant from the arum family (Araceae) native to Colombia and Ecuador. It’s grown almost entirely for its glossy, heart-shaped spathes — the waxy modified leaves in red, pink, coral, white, or bicolour that most people mistake for petals. The true flowers are the tiny bumps along the central spike, the spadix. With enough light and humidity, an anthurium will produce new spathes nearly year-round.
How much light does an anthurium need?
Anthuriums want bright, indirect light — the kind you get a metre or two back from a south or west window, or directly in front of a north-facing one. Direct sun scorches the spathes and leaves. Too little light is the most common reason anthuriums stop flowering; if yours hasn’t bloomed in months, moving it closer to a bright window is usually the fix.
How often should you water an anthurium?
Water roughly every 1–1.5 weeks, letting the top inch of soil dry out first. Anthurium likes consistently moist — not wet — soil. It’s an epiphyte in the wild and roots don’t tolerate being waterlogged; soggy soil quickly leads to root rot. Use a well-draining aroid mix and always empty saucers after watering.
Why does anthurium need high humidity?
Anthuriums come from the rainforest understorey and genuinely need humidity above 60% to thrive. In dry indoor air (below 40%) they produce fewer flowers, develop brown leaf tips, and can struggle to push out new growth. A pebble tray filled with water, a humidifier nearby, or grouping plants together all help raise local humidity without overwatering.
How do you get an anthurium to bloom?
Three levers: light, humidity, and mild feeding. Bright indirect light gives the plant the energy to flower; humidity above 60% keeps the spathes from browning prematurely; a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season (spring–summer) provides the nutrients. Each spathe lasts 6–8 weeks, and a well-cared-for plant will push new ones almost continuously.
Is anthurium toxic to pets?
Yes — the ASPCA lists flamingo flower as toxic to cats and dogs. The insoluble calcium oxalates cause intense oral irritation, burning of the mouth and lips, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing if any part of the plant is chewed. Keep it out of reach of pets.