Anthurium , also known aslaceleaf or flamingo lily , is a gorgeous plant that can bring some mesmerizing , striking coloring material to your household .
This herbaceous perennial is known for its waxy surfaces and stunning spathes surrounded by huge foliation .
Sadly , a mess of folk are lost about this flora solely . It looks alien and hard to care for , but it ’s not .
The Flamingo plant is in reality a honest pick for those looking for something unique , but does n’t take too much clock time to like for .
Since it does have a middling foul repp because of its poisonous pelage .
While lawful , you could still safely tend to it and enjoy those flowers with care .
countenance ’s plunge in and see how to handle for and grow it !
Last updated : 6/23/22 .
Guide Contents
Quick care guide: Anthuriums (laceleaf)
What is anthurium?
Did you ever want a houseplant that requires barely any care and you may jolly much ignore entirely , yet will continue to produce gorgeous flower for you all season ?
Pardon the test - on question , but that ’s on the nose whatAnthurium spp . is .
It ’s a genus that admit some 800 species that have distinctly shape spathe that add piles of bright color to your house with little precaution .
Anthurium is one of those pretty houseplants that flourish with minimal lighting , so you may enjoy the flowers all year even during winter . It thrives in shadowed household status .
It does n’t need to be next to bright light so you ’re not tied to a specific location for it . The shades of orange , red , yellow , pinkish , majestic , unripened , and everything intercrossed are just magnetise to look at .
With their sheeny and unparalleled flowers , they really look like a charge plate houseplant .
But they ’re actual .
And they ’re spectacular .
Poison warning
Anthurium makes a good houseplant , but they ARE venomous to masses , wiener , computerized tomography , and other species .
The plant will induce burning at the stake , swelling , bother , vomiting , diarrhea , and more if ingested even in small quantities .
This is due to the calcium oxalate , which is found in the plant . Always handle protective equipment and wash your hands upon contact .
When you irrigate , prune , or otherwise contact it , you postulate to be heedful not to channel the poison . The danger is there , so take no risk .
Read upherefor more information . Keep pets out at all fourth dimension .
Types of anthurium
There are many unlike types of anthurium to choose from .
you’re able to mix in and play off unceasingly as their people of sizes , colouring , and spathe human body vary .
Here are some of the most democratic cultivars to get you started :
There are 800 + unlike types in the genus . So it ’s not an easy undertaking !
I ’d suggest rule one that grows well in your zone . Then breaking it down from there by something that complements your garden or household . It ’s hard .
Is it easy to grow?
Yes , these plant are passing easy to grow and worry for . Anthurium requires very minuscule maintenance other than basic watering , pruning , and enjoying !
They ’re a adept option for a beginner seem for a houseplant that efflorescence with ease .
If you want some foliage - oriented indoor colour that grows like crazy with picayune body of work , this is it .
Plus , you may enjoy them all season as they produce those gorgeous heyday for you .
Perennial or annual?
tailflower are perennial plants .
They ’re considered to be herbaceous .
With the right care , they ’ll grow every season whether inside your house or in your garden . For those grow this industrial plant outside in the cold-blooded zones , they can be get as yearly plants .
The cut can be used to regrow future generations . tail-flower will not do well in the winter alfresco , so weigh it annual if you do develop it in the elements .
How to grow anthurium
This discussion section of the pathfinder covers the basics for anthurium ( laceleaf ) care .
Depending on the character of anthurium cultivar you ’re grow , your plant ’s need may alter .
However , apply these guideline as general advice so you could see how difficult or not it is to grow and care for them ( see if they ’re your eccentric of affair ) .
Hardiness zone
Anthurium grows in USDA hardiness zones 10 or mellow . They ’re a warm weather plant life so it ’s idealistic to grow them in a warm atmospheric condition zone .
If you ’re in a tank zone , you could still grow them indoors , within greenhouses , or even in your garden if you mulch it decently .
There are ways around the hapless inhuman tolerance of laceleaf !
Propagation
circularize anthurium is similar to any other tooth root formal industrial plant , such asCuban oregano , or evenbluebells .
The easiest way to get a forefront showtime is to use an be industrial plant and then divide it .
But if you do n’t have one , you could always start from source . Then once you get a nice strong plant life go , you may harvest the root ball and separate it for your next batch .
We ’ll cover both methods below .
Starting from seed takes quite some time and is not for the impatient .
It may be worth your clock time to just invest in a grown one from the nursery if you ’re in a hurry . If not , then sow from seed can be a dandy small project for the wintertime .
First , line up out which strain you care , then read about it .
grease one’s palms a packet of seeds online or topically . translate the software system . It control utile info about that specific cultivar .
Anthurium plants do n’t reliably germinate , so it make it difficult . Use flat or starter kits to sow in . Choose a loose well draining substrate such as vermiculite , peat moss , or coconut coir .
iron the cum into the substrate with 3 ” between each germ with 0.25 inches of profundity between .
position the starter kit somewhere with temperature above 70F at all times .
Humidity should be high with a humidity cover . Water when the soil is nearly teetotal . Keep an eye on the moisture level . It should n’t be to the dot where the industrial plant are always sweating .
sprouting should take 2 - 3 weeks .
When the seedlings sprout , remove the screen . Move each seedling to its own container or your garden , whichever one you plan to grow them in .
spathe will make in about 3 - 4 years , so it ’s not warm . This is why if you ’re in a rush to see those spathes , purchasing is the correct alternative !
Starting off with cut is the easy way to circulate this plant .
It ’s much faster than starting from seed as you already have a baby plant that just needs to settle .
You ’ll also need an live tail-flower , whether it ’s from a ally or from last year ’s leafage .
Keep in psyche that this requires a grown plant for it to work . If you do n’t have any of these imagination , you may grease one’s palms a grown one from your local nursery or online . Or you’re able to just start from seed . It ’s up to you .
For those that have accession to existing anthurium , you ’re in for a treat . You ’re going to see how easy it is to acquire it from cuttings !
First , get a sterile pair of scissors . you’re able to sterilize it by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for a few seconds .
Locate a bow that ’s fully grown .
This is unremarkably at least 7 inches in length , as a ruler of thumb . There should be at least a few foliage on it . If you use a smaller stem , you lay on the line no new tooth root which will be a full waste of time . The longer they are , the higher their prospect of success . more often than not .
Using your pair of scissors , switch off the stem off from the plant . Get rid of all the husks , spathe , or other plant life matter stuck to it . you may allow for a few piece of leafage on it .
Cut the stem into small-scale piece . Each piece should have at least two foliage lymph gland for rooting . If you do n’t be intimate what this is , it ’s where the roots will come out of . They await like small black swelling on the stems .
The leaves should be polar to the nodes . Each cutting should be 3 - 4 column inch in length .
Get your container of alternative . replete it with a half mixture of peat moss and sand . invest the cuttings into the substratum with the leafage nodes 1 inch below the substrate . The leafage should stick up above the territory line .
Space each plant a few inches from each other . It does n’t really matter at this point since it ’s temporary .
Put the pot somewhere that has filtered sunlight . Keep temperature around 75F. Mist often to keep humidness high . stop regularly for mold or pests .
The cutting should root within 4 - 5 week . you may check by lightly tote on the stem and see if it ’s firmly in place . If you incidentally root out it , put it back . It ’s apparently not quick yet or the ascendant are too small .
calculate on the temperature , the rooting may take some clip .
strong temperatures with more sunlight roots quicker .
So if you ’re rooting during the winter , you’re able to add on with a grow light to rush along it up .
When they ’re a few inches in distance , they ’re ready to go to their fresh plantation owner .
For a really nerveless little experiment , try rooting your anthurium in water .
Place the stem cut into a mason jounce filled with 3 inches of distilled water .
They should n’t stand up on their own just by leaning on the edge of the jolt . The small nodes should be deluge underwater , but the parting should be sticking out of the jolt lip . Do NOT submerge the leaves .
This is not bad because you could view the root uprise out of the nodes in real - time .
Well , perchance not all day . Doing it using glass jars makes it easier to learn for etymon .
Transfer when the roots are a few inch .
Soil
utilize a well - run out potting mix made specifically for houseplant .
It should be free draining , but able to reserve water supply for slow eating .
Do n’t use garden soil for indoor plants . It ’s not made for it . If you ’re grow tailflower in a pot or indoors , get a in high spirits timbre potting premix made for blossom plants .
If you ’re produce in the garden , then use well - draining garden grunge with moisture keep back properties . you may make your own intermixture with potting land and perlite to make a well - sustain substrate for your plants to relish .
guarantee that potting container have plenty of drain kettle of fish . you may put a layer of rocks at the bottom of it so it does n’t clump or get clogged . The grease should be water system - keep back , but not all wet . Limit watering .
Do n’t overwater or you ’ll introduce mold , mildew , pests , and other nasties . apply uncouth , porous soil such as pine bark , coconut coir , or peat moss .
pH
These plants prefer a soil pH of 5.0 - 5.5 .
They like acidic soils rather than basic or neutral . you may lower the pH of your soil using soil amendments .
For idealistic development , use a pH time to get your soil ’s metric and adjust it as necessary . tail-flower is very specific with its range .
Though it ’ll still grow outside of it , it wo n’t thrive .
Depth
Seeds should be planted 0.25 dep . Root balls should be set to be all cover with substrate .
Spacing
Plants should be plant in their own container if pot . Or spaced at least 24 ” aside in the dirt so they have deal of room for their theme to get .
Sunlight
Anthurium like collateral sunshine but can put up even broken easy conditions .
Just note that the less light you ply your laceleaf , the ho-hum and smaller it grows .
These plants do NOT care unmediated sunlight , as this will easily scorch their precious pink foliage .
You should only extend dribble sunlight through a window if you ’re growing indoors or in a full shaded region in your garden .
Direct light will ruin the leaves and you ’ll be leave with curled , browning , or dried leaf , which are n’t exactly pretty !
Provide indirect , lustrous sunlight or use a grow light . set up up in a westward - facing dappled window if possible . Bright , but indirect brightness level is key .
site away from HVAC , draughty window , or other area where temperatures vacillate often .
Watering
Water on a even schedule , but never overwater it .
Feel the top 1 - 2 inches of soil with your finger . Water when it ’s completely dry . tail-flower like to be dry out between each tearing session . you’re able to use a wet time or a watering lightbulb if you ca n’t enjoin when it ’s time to water .
Account for rain , drought , and temperature fluctuations . set as needed
Overwatering will stimulate root rot which can vote out your plants .
On the other hand , if it ’s too dry , the works grows slower .
However , that ’s preferable to introducing some kind of rot at the solution level .
The root ball may also exsiccate if you do n’t water enough . If this hap , softly pawn the root ball for 1 hour to kickstart it again .
It needs to be ‘ rewet ’ or else it wo n’t grow in good order .
You ’ll get a feel for how much water it needs by take note the foliage .
If they become droopy , try adding more water supply .
If the soil is constantly wet and take on time to dry out , reduce your lacrimation frequency .
weewee at the stem , not the leaves .
piddle deeply , but do n’t go crazy !
Plant food
For fertiliser , use world-wide - role balanced plant food . 5 - 10 - 5 NPK will do well since anthurium like a good amount of P . This will promote blooming so you may get those colourful productive petal .
Dilute the fertilizer to half drug and use once every 120 days during the grow season .
observe that plant food is optional . If you ’re using alimental - rich perlite or orchid dirt mixture , you ’re hunky-dory .
Do replace the substrate every few years when you move it into a big pot , but a good tone soil should be good enough . That ’s why you do n’t skimp on it .
Temperature
Keep temperatures between 70 - 90F.
If it ’s cooler in your home , you may let the temporary worker douse to the 60 - point range and that ’s all right .
But see to it that daytime temperatures break up up so that it get the warmth it needs to bring out those pretty flowers .
Do n’t allow the temperature vacillate if you ’re planting indoors . pick out a location that does not experience much variety in ambient temperature . The service line temperature should be at least 61F at all times .
Humidity
If you notice curling leaves , mist your plant on a regular basis . Otherwise , there ’s no motivation , or else you’re able to stick in pests if overdone .
Mulching
Putting a bed of constitutive mulch can help oneself insulate your plant from temperature swings . This can be utilitarian for make unnecessary outdoor flora . Indoors can benefit from it too if temperature drop down below 61F.
Pruning
Get your favorite twain of gardening baseball mitt , some sleeved shirt , and other protective gear on . It ’s metre to prune !
I ’d be lie if I say that tail-flower does n’t demand maintenance . Even though it does , it ’s so little that you may cease in just a few minutes a week .
Plus , snip your anthurium is zen - like so it ’s basically meditation . Does that count ?
lop off the spathes after they ’ve been spent and tied up . This will encourage the anthurium to develop more . Cut off any damaged , wilt , or embrown leaves . The same cash in one’s chips for scorched or burn parts .
Next , get a small duster and dot the farewell . Over fourth dimension , the works leaves will accumulate dust that can stunt their growth . Use a dustcloth or cloth to clean it up . Do n’t use a vacuum . This take a chance damage to the spathes or foliage if you incidentally suck it up .
That ’s it ! Other than winter it , you ’re all set . Prune on a regular basis .
You ’ll find that your anthurium will on a regular basis show off its dried spathes on a docket . Prune consequently to your individual plant .
Cutting back for the winter
When the leaves ebb for the wintertime , cut them back to prevent pests from infesting them .
The same should be done for parting or spathes that are dried or spent . The industrial plant will refocus its energy on turn new blooms / leaves rather than trying to relieve the dry out I .
When winter roll around , indoor plant can be pruned . out-of-door plant should be cut back to a few inches above the base ball . Most people only spring up them alfresco for a single season , then collect the seeds to distribute next spring .
Overwintering
winter tail-flower ordinarily can be done with a layer of mulch to protect the solution nut from temperature swings .
Cut it back so that only the stem is left . Make it so you do n’t trample it accidentally until it grows back in the natural spring .
If you plan to garner the seeds , it need to be done before the wintertime come , or else the yield will rot .
Saving seeds
Getting your tailflower to seed is n’t easy .
It involves multiple steps , plants , and sizes of say plants . Let me explain .
You need both distaff and male part flowers .
This means you involve several anthurium works , with at least one of each sex . They also need to be in different exploitation cycle .
If you only have a few plants , it ’s very unlikely that you ’ll get them to fruit . Fruiting is necessary to produce seeds .
You need to get it to fruit to get seeds , does that make sense ?
The flower grow as female then turn into manlike flower , which generate pollen .
You require to collect the pollen from the virile flowers by dusting them with a cotton swob . Put it into a bag , then store it in the fridge .
determine a distaff efflorescence . front for the spadix ( it ’s get tiny slight visible gibbosity ) . Sometimes , the spadix may be give off some liquidity .
Grab the pollen you harvest in the beginning from the manful flowers .
Use a small paintbrush and then “ paint ” the distaff spadix . This will pollinate it , which will beget fruit . Be sure to mix it up . Use different plant at different development time period . Be random .
If successful , the spadix will interchange in shape . Fruits should appear within 8 months or so . They start from the spadix , sour orangish , and can be removed from it when develop .
cut down the yield to harvest the seed .
They are in the pulp , which need to be removed first . It ’s very viscous . Soaking the seed in water helps relax the pulp . Dry seed . storehouse in a dark area or plant immediately .
Here ’s a video that evidence the entire process of pollinating it :
How to plant anthurium in pots
Anthurium is choose to be planted in containers because they generally fare well indoors .
Rather than being scorch in the elements , keeping your anthurium as houseplant is dainty because you’re able to “ enjoy ” them more .
The outgrowth is simple :
That ’s all there somewhat much is to it .
What container should I use?
The container option does n’t really weigh . The main matter is that it needs to have drain holes with a discus so it can easy throw away water .
Use a rolling plant outdoor stage if you ’re commit it outside . Use a dish if you ’re growing it indoors . Plastic , ceramic , or Edward Durell Stone are all good choices .
opt something that complement the colouration of your decor .
When should I repot anthuriums?
If you spot any compacted or leggy roots , that ’s a sign that you need to upgrade your planter size .
Roots that are coming out of the drainage holes are a certain sign that it ’s time to get a swelled container .
When your plant life accomplish about 20″ in height , it ’s metre to repot it .
Repotting anthurium
Transferring your tail-flower between containers is easy :
That ’s it ! repot flaming plant is easy , right ?
Companion plants
These plants go well with bonsai , aglaonema , African violets , ferns , orchids , and nepenthes since they use similar ground types and complement each other .
you may also pair with other anthesis houseplant that sprout pink or white leaves to really impart out their semblance .
Although you’re able to plant different houseplant in the same locoweed , you should n’t . Separating them keeps them from contend for nutrients . And it makes handling gadfly infestation easier .
Don’t plant with
Anthurium should n’t be planted with sunshine - love plants . They ’ll char up and wave their leaf .
Otherwise , there are not many confinement on what you’re able to and ca n’t plant .
Pests
This plant is venerable to mealybugs , aphid , thripid , scurf , spider mites , and more . You ’ll find yellowing , shriveled , or dry parting as a result of their destruction .
alike to most other indoor plants , tail-flower has no defence reaction mechanism . deplorably , the poisonous moving picture on the industrial plant does n’t protect it against bugs . dark .
If you suspect a pest plague , move the works outdoors and then sequester it . key out the hemipterous insect , treat it using home therapeutic if potential , off all infested foliation , and then supervise .
Mealybugs , aphid , and wanderer pinch may require some powerful bug killer to kill . They ’re the more prevalent ones .
Other hemipteron can be supervise by manual removal , pruning , spray with a hose , or DIY essential petroleum .
Diseases
Fungal issues such as leaf blight , root bunk , nematode , anthracnose , leaf spots , bacterial blight , bacterial wilt disease , and stem rot are all common .
You ’ll have to distinguish it by doing some enquiry online . The majority of issues can be fixed by regular pruning and not overwatering .
When you overwater your works , it capture humid which brings in a host of mold , mildew , or fungus . This is why assure that the grime drains well is critical .
Best uses
Putting it in your theatre to brighten up the elbow room is the idealistic purpose , of course of action !
But that ’s personal preference .
you could use this gorgeous flowering perennial as a cosmetic centerpiece , tabletop musical composition , or even out of doors as a foreground plant .
The flamingo flora is meant to be enjoy . The leaves and their spathes are what makes it the one and only laceleaf . You only grow it to see at it , right-hand ? This is why you should put it nearby !
Other common questions about anthurium care
Here are some other usually asked questions from readers about caring for this gorgeous plant .
Do Anthuriums do well indoors?
Yes , they ’re more often grown indoors as a decorative house flora rather than a garden .
Their need for filtered light makes them skillful for habitation that do n’t get much sunlight . And for those that have sunny 24-hour interval , it scorches them , so it ’s dependable to just keep them inside .
With low light requirement , they can still develop those pretty showy peak .
match that with low sustentation , minimal pruning , and no fertiliser demand , these spathe - ride plants are ideal for growing as a houseplant any season you care .
Does anthurium like sun or shade?
Anthurium like a mix of both . Preferably , dappled sunlight .
Too much shade and your works will grow too slow with low flower . Too much Lord’s Day and you ’ll char the leaves .
Filtered , bright light works well . It can be from a grow light or a sunny window .
How do I get more flowers on anthurium?
Give it the right amount of bright light with a balanced fertilizer . It should be high in phosphorus ( the “ P ” in “ NPK ” ) . Water when it almost dries out .
allow ample space in the potter . Use a gamey - quality substrate with plenty of nutrients . They ’re not hard to grow , but can be hard to optimize . Watch for overwatering . Prune regularly to encourage more flowers over sentence . It ’s an art that take metre to learn .
Should I mist anthurium?
This promote the humidity , which can be good if your plate is dry .
Just be careful that you do n’t exaggerate it because it can introduce rot , mold , mildew , or pests . practice a hygrometer to measure the humidness in the neighbourhood . It should be around 60 % or higher .
Is Miracle Grow good for anthurium?
Sure , why not ? But it does n’t have to be Miracle Grow . Any brand that employ a high - tone substrate made specifically for flowering plants should do the put-on .
Get organic if potential . Make certain it ’s a potting mix if you ’re growing potted works . And garden mix if you ’re growing in your garden .
They ’re not the same . you could make your own mix using peat moss with coconut coir in a 50/50 mix . Add some compost , mulch , and balance the pH using limestone .
Then you ’ve stick yourself a DIY grease perfect for anthurium !
Homemade fertilizer for anthurium
you’re able to make your own fertiliser using a few basic compounds . This gives you flexibility in what goes into your plant so you may get the biggest efflorescence potential .
Grass clippings , tangerine peels , and even Mary Jane can all be good fertilizers . There are tons of resources online that you should turn back out for recipes .
Here ’s a good video chock full of tip :
It bet on what you need to supplement in your situation .
If your soil profile lack some nutrients , adding them to your plant food will help . You may need a grime tester to accomplish this . you’re able to get one for cheap and they tell you accurate metrics of the soil profile .
Do you water anthurium with ice cubes?
Yes , you may use cubes to water it slowly . Place the regular hexahedron next to the root word , not touch it .
Why are my anthurium leaves curling?
Curled leave are often triggered by char from visible radiation . Remember that tail-flower does n’t wish too much unmediated light .
It like bright , but not direct sunlight . It should be filtered or lay away from direct windows .
sample move it towards the centre of the way .
The leaves are brown or yellow. Why?
If the foliage of your tailflower turn brownish , this is normally because it ’s in verbatim sunlight or receiving too much light .
Move it somewhere that has less direct Inner Light or dribble it using unsighted , curtains , etc .
adjudicate displace it away from the unaccented source and feed it a balanced plant life nutrient with extra phosphorus .
Yellowing leafage can be a sign of alimental deficiency . Supplement with flora nutrient and water once a week ( half cup ) .
Further reading/references
Anthurium – University of Miami
Now you can grow anthurium at home easily!
Anthurium is super simple , but a super pretty herbaceous perennial that ’s stark for initiate .
If you ’re look to spice up your room by bring some of that signature waxy colour , this plant life take a leak a simple improver to it . It look cracking without requiring a ton of study . Who wants that ?
I ’ve always been concerned in gardening , but I never took it seriously until I was forcefully gifted an orchidaceous plant . This was what draw me into the by-line and I ’ve never looked back . I enjoy writing about it , but not nearly as much as convey into the dirt and sculpting the thoroughgoing decorative ornamental to enjoy for the times .
