Flamingo flower, Anthurium

The Flamingo flower or anthurium originates from the tropical rainforests of central and south America and belongs to the botanical Araceae family. As a houseplant it enjoys massive popularity and advances again and again as ato the forefront of fashionable plants. However, to be more precise, the intended houseplants are anthurium hybrids that have resulted from intensive cross-breeding and are largely based on the two species Anthurium andreanum (large flamingo flower) and Anthurium scherzerianum (small flamingo flower).

The Flamingo flower grows to heights between 15.75 and 39.37 inches and an average width of 11.81 to 23.62 inches. The evergreen and clump-forming houseplant impresses in particular with its colorful foliage ornamentation, which is often mistaken for ornamental flowers.

The long stemmed flowers of the Flamingo flower are either lanceolate (Anthurium Scherzerianum hybrids) or elongated cordate (Anthurium Andreanum hybrids), depending on which parent part is stronger. The precise differentiation today has become difficult, even for botanists. So the lamina are green, partly matt and partly shiny. The part that is mistakenly described as the Flamingo flower are also actually leaves, known as spathaceous bracts. They are either oval to ovate or cordate with bulges. The color palette ranges from white to pink and dark red. Some are also flecked or have an interesting color gradient. The spathaceous bracts of the anthurium scherzerianum hybrids are not generally shiny.

The actual flowers of the Anthurium are the spadices found in the center of the spathaceous bracts. These can be yellow, orange, or red. It grows straight or arched, however it can also be slightly twisted, which is why the plant is also known by the less romantic name ‘tailflower’. The flowering period for Anthurium Scherzerianum hybrids lasts from May to June. Anthurium Andreanum hybrids flower all year round in suitable household conditions.

The infructescences of the Flamingo flower are inconspicuous berries.

Anthurium likes a bright to semi-shady location out of direct sunlight and protected from drafts all year round. It thrives in temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, on the other hand, the flamingo flower should be placed somewhere cooler - at 60.8 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important for Anthurium Scherzerianum hybrids in particular, as the cold stimulates flower formation. High humidity is absolutely recommended.

The Flamingo flower is very sensitive to lime. So you should only use decalcified water rain water. It should also be at room temperature. The Anthurium substrate should never fully dry out, however it should also not be permanently wet. This causes root rot. The amount of water used is reduced in the winter, but the root ball should be kept permanently moist.

Anthurium is fertilized regularly but moderately. Add a half dose of liquid fertilizer to the water weekly throughout the summer. Once a month is enough in the winter. Caution: The plant is sensitive to too much salt.

The plant does not need pruning.

In lower humidity the leaves should be sprayed several times a day. Use room temperature, decalcified water for this. It is also important that the Anthurium flowers do not get wet. Caution: As an Araceae plant ,the flamingo flower is poisonous, which is why gloves should be worn for safety when carrying out care measures. Furthermore, the large leaves should be regularly dusted.

Anthurium is sensitive to cold locations and the wrong amount of water. If the plant remains flowerless for a longer period of time, it may not have enough fertilizer. Rolled up leaf margins are an indication that the room air is too dry. This also leads to more cases of spider mites and scaly insects.