A long-flowering anthurium with glossy heart-shaped leaves and waxy red spathes that hold their colour for weeks at a time.
The flamingo flower is one of the most dependable flowering houseplants you can grow. Each red spathe is a coloured bract rather than a petal, which is why it lasts so long, and a plant that is kept warm will produce them through much of the year, most freely in spring and summer. Between flowers the dark green foliage keeps the plant looking smart on its own, and the blooms can be cut for a vase.
Give it a warm room in bright, indirect light and keep it out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves. It enjoys humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen suits it well, or stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles and mist the foliage now and then. Water when the top few centimetres of compost have dried and never leave the pot standing in water, because the roots rot. Keep it above 15C, away from cold draughts, and feed with a balanced liquid houseplant feed every two to four weeks in spring and summer.
Supplied as one plant with a 17cm root ball, ready to pot into a decorative container of your choice. Anthurium is harmful if eaten and its sap can irritate skin and eyes, so keep it away from children, cats and dogs.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Flamingo flower, flamingo lily
Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30 to 50cm x 30 to 40cm indoors
Growth Habit: Compact, upright and clump forming
Perfect For: Living rooms, bathrooms, bright desks and windowsills out of direct sun
Foliage: Glossy, dark green, heart-shaped evergreen leaves
Flowering Time: Much of the year, most freely in spring and summer
Planting Position: Bright to medium indirect light indoors
Soil Type: Open, free-draining houseplant compost with added bark
Hardiness: Tender, indoor only; keep above 15C
Maintenance: Moderate; needs humidity, careful watering and feeding in the growing season
Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer, autumn and winter
Type: Evergreen flowering houseplant
