How often should I water my Anthurium?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, ensuring good drainage.

What kind of light do Anthuriums need?

They prefer bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.

Why are my Anthurium leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.

How can I increase humidity for my Anthurium?

Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier.

Can Anthuriums be grown outdoors?

Yes, in tropical or subtropical climates where temperatures remain warm and frost-free.

Plant guide

Anthurium.

Anthurium andraeanum

Pronounced an-THOO-ree-um an-dray-ee-num

Also known as Flamingo-Lily, anthurium, flamingo-flower, oilcloth-flower, painter's-palette

The Flamingo Flower is a tropical beauty known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and striking, waxy spathes that come in vibrant colors. It's a popular choice for adding a pop of exotic color to indoor spaces.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Flowering perennial
Light: Bright, indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Spring through fall

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide high humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and watch for yellowing leaves which may indicate overwatering.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves as needed to maintain appearance and plant health.
Repotting: Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound.
Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 6.5)
Temperature: 18 to 24°C
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes.
Water drains very quickly through the pot.
Plant appears to be drying out more rapidly than usual.
Reduced vigor or flowering.

Safety

People: Ingestion can cause oral irritation, swelling, and digestive upset.
Pets: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation and swelling.
Children: Keep out of reach of children as ingestion can cause mouth irritation and swelling.
Contact allergens: Sap can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause respiratory irritation in some people.
Edibility: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

How to identify it

Glossy, heart-shaped leaves
Brightly colored, waxy spathes
Spike-like spadix flower
Upright, arching growth habit
Tropical rainforest origin

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: Green, evergreen
Flowers: Red, Pink, White, Green, Orange, Bicolor, 5 to 15cm

Common problems

Root rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to yellowing leaves and wilting.
Spider mites — Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing.
Aphids — Small insects that feed on plant sap, causing distorted growth and sticky residue.
Leaf scorch — Brown, crispy edges on leaves due to low humidity or direct sunlight.

Growing it

Propagation: Division, Seed
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Overwintering: Indoors, maintain consistent temperatures above 60°F (15°C) and reduce watering slightly. Avoid drafts and ensure adequate indirect light.
In containers: Excellent for containers, thriving in pots at least 6 inches in diameter that allow for good drainage.

Division

Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Locate natural divisions at the base of the plant.
Carefully separate the divisions, ensuring each has roots.
Pot each division in its own container with fresh potting mix.
Water lightly and keep in a warm, humid location.

Seed

Collect fresh seeds from ripe berries.
Remove the pulp and sow seeds immediately in a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
Keep the medium consistently moist and warm (70-80°F).
Germination can be slow and erratic, taking several weeks to months.
Transplant seedlings when they are large enough to handle.

Group Anthuriums with plants that appreciate consistent moisture and high humidity, avoiding those that need dry periods or intense sunlight.

Grows well with

Orchids — Orchids share similar needs for high humidity, indirect light, and well-draining soil, making them compatible companions.
Ferns — Many ferns thrive in the shady, humid conditions that Anthuriums prefer, creating a lush understory effect.
Bromeliads — Bromeliads often have similar light and humidity requirements and can add textural variety to a display.

Keep away from

Cacti — Cacti require dry conditions and direct sun, which are detrimental to the moisture and shade-loving Anthurium.
Succulents — Most succulents prefer drier soil and more light than Anthuriums can tolerate.

Similar species

Anthurium scherzerianum — This species also features a prominent spadix and spathe but typically has a more curled spadix and is smaller in overall size.
Anthurium crystallinum — Known for its velvety, dark green leaves with striking white or silver veins, it offers a different aesthetic but similar care needs.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Anthurium
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical rainforests of Ecuador and Colombia.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows as an epiphyte or on the forest floor, benefiting from high humidity and dappled shade.

Uses: Ornamental, Cut flower

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Anthurium?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, ensuring good drainage.
What kind of light do Anthuriums need?: They prefer bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Why are my Anthurium leaves turning yellow?: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.
How can I increase humidity for my Anthurium?: Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier.
Can Anthuriums be grown outdoors?: Yes, in tropical or subtropical climates where temperatures remain warm and frost-free.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Anthurium' comes from the Greek words 'anthos' (flower) and 'oura' (tail), referring to the flower's structure. 'Andraeanum' honors the French botanist Antoine François André.

Good to know

Also known as the 'Flamingo Flower' or 'Painter's Palette'.
Native to the tropical rainforests of the Americas.
Comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, pink, white, and green.
Prefers warm, humid conditions.

Is your anthurium looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.