Urban Sprouts Complete Guide to Anthurium (Flamingo Flower) Care
Anthurium Care At A Glance
Sunlight Requirements: Bright, indirect light is best, but it can adapt to medium, indirect light.
Watering Requirements: Let the soil dry about three-quarters of the way to just fully dry before watering.
Is this plant pet-friendly? Keep your Flamingo Flower out of reach of potential chompers—it can cause oral irritation if ingested.
Communication Style: May lose some vibrancy when dry, and leaves might droop. Anthuriums can be a bit stoic, showing only subtle signs of stress such as wrinkling, drooping, and later yellowing.
Caretaker Fit: Forgiving of neglect but rewards attentive care with stunning growth.
About Anthurium
Anthurium, more commonly known as Flamingo Flower, is loved for its vibrant, waxy “blooms.” These upright tropical plants tolerate a range of lighting conditions and are forgiving if you forget to water them once in a while. If you love the look of Alocasia but want more flexibility in your care routine, Anthurium makes a great alternative.
The colorful “flowers” Anthurium are known for are actually made up mostly of a modified leaf called a spathe. The true flower is the long, thin white or yellow cone at the center. Flamingo Flowers can bloom multiple times a year, and their blossoms last much longer than a true flower.
There are over 1,000 species of Anthurium. They symbolize hospitality, happiness, and abundance in many cultures, and their heart-shaped spathes make them popular symbols of love and friendship.
Products for Anthurium Care
Type: Essentials
Organic Bacterial Inoculant Fertilizer
Type: Substrate
Rainforest Blend - Specialty Soil
What Should I Plant My Anthurium In?
Your Flamingo Flower will thrive in a ceramic pot with a drainage hole that’s about two inches larger than the root mass. We recommend ceramic pots because they help insulate the roots from temperature and moisture extremes, making it easier to keep your plant healthy.
Specialty soil can also help you tailor your plant’s home to its environment or your care preferences. A well-draining specialty mix mimics the plant’s tropical environment and ensures the roots receive the right balance of moisture, nutrients, and oxygen.
How Often Should I Water My Anthurium?
Check the soil regularly using a wooden chopstick or your finger. When the soil is about three-quarters dry to just barely fully dry, water your Anthurium thoroughly. For ideal care, plan to water your Flamingo Flower once or twice a week. However, depending on size and environment, most Anthuriums can go one to two weeks between waterings.
How Much Light Does My Anthurium Need?
Flamingo Flowers thrive in bright, indirect sunlight—the kind you’d find near an east-facing window or through a sheer curtain by a south- or west-facing window.
Medium light, such as what you’d find a few feet back from a window or in a well-lit room without direct sunbeams, also makes a good placement for your Anthurium.
What’s the Best Temperature for Anthurium?
Flamingo Flowers prefer warm, consistent temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. They aren’t particularly sensitive to drafts, but it’s best not to let the temperature drop below 60°F for an extended period.
Ongoing Care for Anthurium
What Do I Need to Know Before Re-potting or Propagating My Anthurium?
Flamingo Flower roots aren’t sensitive to handling, making them a great candidate for home re-potting. While they can be propagated from cuttings in water, propagation has only a moderate success rate and can take some time.
What Are Some Signs My Anthurium Needs Help?
Flamingo Flowers are somewhat stoic and don’t always show early signs of stress the way other varieties do. Keep an eye out for wrinkling, drooping, or yellowing. If your plant seems to have lost some of its vibrancy, it may be ready for water.
What Ongoing Care Will My Anthurium Need?
We recommend scheduling a yearly root exam to help keep your Flamingo Flower flourishing. Checking the roots regularly can catch early signs of stress before they appear in other parts of the plant. It also ensures your plant has the space and resources it needs to continue thriving.
Shop Anthurium
Type: Plant
Flamingo Flower 'Oaxaca - Orange' 6"
Type: Plant
Flamingo Flower 'Purple - Narrow' 6"
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