Anthurium andraeanum

Common Names

Flamingo Flower, Tail Flower, Painter's Palette, Laceleaf, Flamingo Lily, Oilcloth Flower, Boy Flower

Summary

Flamingo Flower is a tropical evergreen perennial native to Colombia and Ecuador, often growing as an epiphytic rainforest understory plant, it features glossy heart-shaped leaves and long-lasting inflorescences (spathes) around a central spadix, with spathes commonly in red, pink, orange, or white, indoor specimens reach about 12–18 inches tall and 10–12 inches wide, cultivation demands bright indirect light, well-draining soil, temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C), and humidity around 60–80%, water when the top inch of soil dries, keeping the medium moist but not waterlogged, fertilize weekly with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength during the growing season, repot every 2–3 years and propagate by stem cuttings or division, the plant is toxic to humans and pets, outdoors it can grow in zones 11–12, while indoors it serves well as a decorative indoor plant, interiorscape, or container planting.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 11-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, airy soil that retains some moisture, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5); best mixes are peat-based with perlite or pine bark, typically equal parts peat, perlite, and pine bark.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Year-round

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings (including stem cuttings and apical cuttings with aerial roots), Division (root and crown division), Offsets, Micro-propagation in vitro

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts insects