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Anthurium andraeanum, also known as Flamingo Flower, Painter’s Palette or Tail Flower, is a flowering plant with large, heart-shaped leaves and flower spathes.
Latin name
Anthurium andraeanum
Pronunciation
(“an-THOO-ree-um and-ray-AH-num”)
Common name
Flamingo Flower
Origin
Columbia and Ecuador
Anthurium spathes are usually red, but white, pink or even deep maroon varieties are available. The spathes have a slightly rippled, or puckered surface. The spadix is usually creamy-yellow and up to eight centimetres long.
Anthuriums bloom over a long period with each flower lasting for two months or more, and modern varieties are prolific bloomers.
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause burning sensations in the mouth, swelling of the lips and tongue, excessive drooling and digestive upset.
caring for your plant
Light
Low to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Watering
The soil should be kept moist, but not wet.
Pruning
Dead leaves and spent blooms should be cut off with a sharp knife or secateurs. Otherwise, no pruning is necessary.
Feeding
Anthuriums benefit from regular feeding when they are flower. Modern varieties flower almost constantly, so add some good quality fertilizer to the water whenever you water the plant.
pest & diseases
Anthuriums are generally pest free, although you may see the occasional mealybug. If that happens, remove it by cleaning the leaf with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.
According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.
Find out more about Ecoponic here.
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