Anthurium plants are some of the most stunning and unusual houseplants available, and they come in a variety of shapes. Anthuriums come in a variety of colors and styles, with brightly-colored waxy bracts or spathes (modified leaves) that resemble flowers. Heart-shaped leaves and striking veined patterns are seen in other types of anthurium plants. While all species of anthurium plants are tropical blooming plants, you can successfully cultivate them indoors with the right care.
The most popular types of anthurium:
- The flamingo flower (Anthurium andreanum) The lipstick-red waxy blossom and lustrous heart-shaped leaves give it a sparkly appearance.
- Anthurium scherzerianum The spheroid has a curly spathe resembling a pig’s tail, and it resembles the flamingo flower.
- The velvet cardboard anthurium (Anthurium clarinervium) Vascular patterns and huge deeply lobed leaves.
- Black anthurium (Anthurium watermaliense) Its flowers are almost black in color and are deep purple.
- The bird’s nest (Anthurium hookeri) The leaves are long and dark green in color.
The flowers of many anthurium cultivars are the most appealing feature. The spadix (plural spadices) is a finger-like spike protruding from the spathe, which is a colorful plastic-looking leaf. Similar to a peace lily, the spathe, also known as the bract, may be flattened or bent. The spathes are usually crimson and deep. Red, white, orange, green, pink, purple, or multi-colored anthurium flowers may be found.
Of course, there are various hybrids and cultivars, each with its own characteristics. The creamy-yellow spike (spadix) is the blossom in this image. The pink anthurium with a light pink spathe and spadix, the dark purple anthurium with stunning deep purple almost black bracts, and the white anthurium with snow-white spathes and cream-colored spadices are some of the flamingo flower variations available.
Bracts of red and white Anthuriums
How to care for anthurium plants: Anthuriums, for example, are tropical indoor plants that grow in slightly moist, well-draining soil. In the spring and summer, keep humidity high and fertilize every other month when the top 1″ to 2″ (2.5 – 5 cm) of soil is dry. Between 70°F and 86°F (21°C – 32°C) is the optimum temperature range.
The family Araceae includes the Anthurium plant, which is an aroid. Anthuriums are a type of flower that originated in tropical rainforests and may be found in over 1,000 different varieties. The dense forest canopy protects Anthurium plants from direct sunlight, allowing them to grow in warm, humid climates.
Several anthurium species are decorative houseplants that may grow up to 3 feet tall when they’re growing indoors. The height is between 60 and 90 centimeters. Flamingo flower, little boy plant, laceleaf, and tailflower are some of the common names for these tropical plants.
Under the right circumstances, indoor flowering anthurium plants bloom all year. The flowers may persist for many weeks before fading, and the cut flowers may last for many months. Anthurium blooms are often used in cut flower arrangements because of this. You’ll learn about 14 of the most common anthurium species in this article.
Types of Anthurium With Pictures and Care Guide
Flamingo Lily (Anthurium Andreanum)
The oilcloth plant, because of its bracts, looks like a red waxy plastic-like flower. This anthurium species is also known as the Anthurium andreanum. Heart-shaped, glossy, and waxy, the big red spathe is impressive. The spadix, which resembles a straight spike in the midst of the spathe, is located. Yellow and white anthurium flowers (spadix) The leaves of flamingo lilies are dark green and form bushy growth.
If grown in warm temperatures, optimum soil drainage, and sufficient humidity, flamando lilies bloom all year. Some cultivars feature orange, pink, purple, or white spathes and spadices in addition to the flamingo lily with red blooms. Variegated flamingo lilies with pink and green or pink and white hues may also be found. The following plant, Anthurium scherzerianum, looks similar to flamingo lilies (Anthurium andreanum).
The flamingo lily has a straight flowering spadix with heart-shaped bract and foliage, whereas the other plant has a curving flowering spadix. Curled spadix, ovoid red bract, and larger elongated leaves characterize the second kind.
Anthurium Scherzerianum
The curled spadix and long foliage of Anthurium scherzerianum distinguish it from other species. A flat waxy bract curls downward and is followed by a pinkish spadix in the red flowers. The flamingo flower or pig’s tail anthurium are two names for this plant. The spadix is curled and twisted, which you may see.
There are various cultivars of this tropical plant, similar to the Anthurium andreanum. Multi-colored bracts with hues of cream, green, red, and orange are available in anthurium varieties that you can find. Colors in the spadix may also be subdued. Several are single-colored spadices, while others have two tones.
Velvet Cardboard Anthurium (Anthurium Clarinervium)
The Anthurium Clarinverium is a tropical species with beautiful green and white leaves that have fascinating vein patterns. The leaves are huge, heart-shaped, and broad with a deep green tone. They form the foliage. The surface of the leaves has thick white veins that create beautiful patterns. Any interior will be enhanced with the leathery green leaves.
The blooms of the velvet cardboard anthurium are small, despite the fact that it is a flowering plant. The spathes and blossoms emerge from the ends of lengthy stems. Most houseplant experts, on the other hand, recommend cutting off the flowering stems to boost foliage development.
To keep the brightly colored veins and dark green foliage vibrant, place this plant in a bright location away from direct sunlight. A climbing plant species, this one is also a type of plant. If you want to create a spectacular visual emphasis in any room, you can train it to grow up a moss pole.
Anthurium Ace of Spades (Anthurium Crystallinum)
The foliage of Anthurium Crystallinum, sometimes known as the Ace of Spades, are extremely long and have attractive vein patterns. Across is a verb that means “to go.” The big heart-shaped leaves have prominent white veins, similar to the velvet cardboard anthurium. The leaves seem to be sparkling as a result of these factors.
The anthurium ace of spades has a broad spread and grows up to three feet (1 meter) tall. Light green spadices and dark green spathes make up the flowers. The flowers, on the other hand, aren’t particularly stunning. As a result, it’s preferable to trim them back so that the plant’s energy is focused on its beautiful leaves.
King Anthurium (Anthurium Veitchii)
This kind of anthurium, called the king anthurium because of its large elongated pendulous leaves, is easy to see why. Indoors, this blooming tropical rainforest plant has broad leaves up to 1 foot (30 cm) long. Yet, the brilliant green emerald leaves may grow to be many feet long in glasshouses or the tropics. The container’s side is lined with lanceolate-shaped long leaves that are leathery and droopy.
The king anthurium is best grown in hanging baskets because of its long, pendulous leaves. This plant grows higher up in the woods in its natural habitat. As a result, this anthurium variety can take more direct sunlight than other types.
Queen Anthurium (Anthurium warocqueanum)
Queen anthuriums have huge, unfolding, and decorative leaves. Large lance-shaped velvety, dark-green leaves characterize this species. On the thick leaves of the anthurium plant, there are prominent silver-white veins. Its leaves may grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) in diameter under ideal growing circumstances.
If you want to grow queen anthuriums indoors, it’s essential to maintain a warm temperature and high humidity. These anthuriums can be grown in hanging baskets or on a high shelf, and most people have success. As a result, the big leaves hang down from the container.
Anthurium Vittarifolium
Because of its long thin pendulous leaves, the Anthurium vittarifolium plant is classified as a type of strap-leaf anthurium. The dangling leaves may be up to 6 feet (2 meters) long and barely a foot (30 centimeters) broad. The anthurium produces crimson flowers and pink fruits that droop down over the edge of the pot when it blossoms. The lovely long slender leaves are the star feature of this plant species.
They’re ideal for adding greenery to any contemporary setting, with a velvety sheen. Variegated cultivars are especially stunning of these plants. The leaves of these anthurium species are dark green with lightly variegated yellow stripes, giving them a brushed look.
Anthurium Forgetii
The anthurium forgottii plant has adapted to indoor life in Colombia and produces completely ovate leaves, not heart-shaped ones. The leaves are completely ovate without upper lobes, which is one of the species’ distinguishing features. The majority of anthurium plants have heart-shaped leaves due to the upper lobes, also known as sinus.
The large velvety leaves have white veins running through them and are dark green in color. The leaves have a glossy sheen due to the glistening flecks on them. Green spathes with purple edging are produced by Anthurium forgetii. The blossoms range in hue from light green to yellow to orangey-red. Purple berries develop on the spike after it has bloom.
Black Anthurium (Anthurium watermaliense)
Black anthuriums come in a variety of cultivars. The black anthurium, Anthurium watermaliense, is one of the most unusual houseplants that you can cultivate. The bracts of the plant are dark purple, but appear black. Against the dark green, glossy anthurium leaves, the dark chocolate-colored bract and blooms stand out. The foliage is classified as part of anthuriums’ “bird’s nest” group and grows in a rosette form.
Lanceolate-shaped and deeply lobed, the leaves of the Anthurium watermaliense are lanceolate. The plant has no prominent veined markings. If you get the growing conditions right, these showy anthuriums bloom indoors on a regular basis. The Anthurium cabrerense, another tropical species with black flowers, is also known as ‘black anthurium.’
‘Black beauty’ ‘black queen’ and ‘black love’ are other anthurium cultivars that produce dark, nearly black bracts.
Bird’s Nest Anthurium (Anthurium hookeri)
Even though other species have a similar growth pattern, the large elongate leaves of Anthurium hookeri grow in a pattern of bird’s nest. Rather of its green flowers, this evergreen tropical plant is cultivated for its leaves. The elongated oval shape of the shiny green leaves, which resembles a large spoon at times, is an elongated oval shape.
Tiny black dots on the green leaves of the anthurium hookeri help to identify the species. In warmer climates, bird’s nest anthuriums may be kept as indoor or outdoor plants in huge pots. The anthurium produces tall, upright purplish spikes (spadices) throughout the bloom period. Little white berries develop on the spadix after blooming.
Anthurium Magnificum
Anthurium magnificum has young leaves that are burgundy in color, but dark green when mature. The heart-shaped, oval leaves of this species have prominent creamy-white veins and are covered in large heart-shaped leaves. Velutinous (velvety) leaves characterize the Anthurium magnificum. Prior to becoming a dark green, new leaves develop a brownish-burgundy color. The straight spadix of Anthurium magnificum is a vivid green color with yellowish-green stripes. The spathe becomes green as it re-curves.
Anthurium Pendulifolium
The Anthurium pendulifolium has long pendulous leaves that dangle downward, as its botanical name suggests. This anthurium species is suitable for hanging baskets because of its long tapering green leaves. The crisp leaves may grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and are about an inch (2.5 centimeters) broad.
This anthurium variety has insignificant blossoms. A long purple spike appears to be the spadix. The spathe, on the other hand, is hardly discernible because it is light green or creamy white.
Big Red Bird Anthurium (Anthurium Pachyneurium)
Another kind of bird’s nest plant is the Anthurium pachyneurium, with wavy edges to its leaves. The leaves of this plant are broad, long, and lanceolate (with short petioles). The wavy edges of the leaves are one of the plant’s distinguishing features.
If you want to introduce some of the tropics into your home, this anthurium species is an excellent specimen plant for containers. While other anthurium types have new leaves that look like a single spiral, those of the Pachyneurium type are rolled in two opposed spirals that are inwardly rotated from both margins.
The color of the leaves that turn reddish in bright light or chilly temperatures gives the common name for this anthurium, which is also known as the big red bird.
Pearl Laceleaf (Anthurium Scandens)
Native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Brazil, the pearl laceleaf anthurium is a climbing vine plant. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and are thick and matte green. The leaves grow to be 2.3 to 5 inches (6 to 13 cm) long and are evergreen.
The spadix of this anthurium variety is yellowish-green and eventually turns into little white berries, with the bract being light green. The fruit’s popular name is pearl laceleaf, which makes it look like a cluster of white pearls. When several clusters of these pearly white berries are hanging from the stems, this plant creates quite a show.
How to Care for Anthurium Plants
Anthurium plants are predominantly simple to cultivate indoors, with the exception of some varieties. The flamingo lily, which has bright red spathes and blooms with straight or curled spadices, is the most popular variety of anthurium. How should you look after anthurium plants at home? Read on to learn more about it.
Anthurium plants need plenty of indirect light
Grow your anthurium in bright, indirect light to encourage healthy, rapid growth. Protect your anthurium from direct sunlight is the most important care tip. The leaves can burn from too much sunlight, turning yellow or brown. The stems may get leggy and scraggly if there isn’t enough light.
The best soil for anthurium plants
Anthurium plants need a potting soil that has excellent drainage. Roots should be kept moist, but not soggy or too damp. By combining equal parts of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite, you can create an outstanding potting medium for anthuriums. A commercial orchid potting soil is also acceptable.
How to water anthurium plants
Only when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of potting soil has dried out should water anthuriums be planted. Press firmly on the soil to determine when you should water the houseplant. There should be no signs of moisture on the surface. Only water anthuriums when the ground is partially dry rather than hydrate on a regular basis.
Temperature and humidity
Anthuriums prefer a room temperature of 65°F to 86°F (18°C to 32°C) in the range. In warmer climates with high humidity, they will grow faster. Also, since these tropical plants thrive in humid conditions, try to increase humidity levels. Mist the leaves every day or place on a pebble humidifying tray if you don’t have a humidifier.
Other care tips when growing anthurium plants
- Pruning—Prune the plant only if its dead or decaying foliage has to be removed. There isn’t any trimming that’s required.
- Repotting—Every two to three years, transfer the anthurium to a larger container.
- Propagation—Root division is the most effective technique to grow anthurium plants. Separate the roots into two or three pieces and remove the plant from its pot. At least two stems should be present in each root section.
- Pest and diseases—Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs are all signs of houseplant pests that you can identify and deal with quickly.
Anthurium Plants are Toxic
It’s important to remember that people and pets are poisonous to anthurium plants. Parts of anthurium plants may cause oral inflammation and airway constriction, according to doctors. Therefore, keep children and animals away from tropical plants.