Anthurium (Flamingo Flower / Painter's Palette): Care Guide for Exotic Blooms

The Anthurium

Anthuriums have surged in popularity — exotic, striking, and almost continuously flowering with waxy, vibrant blooms hovering above dark green leaves. They're pricier than average houseplants, but many find them worth it.

Native to tropical South America, they crave warmth and humidity — challenging indoors. Only two species suit home culture:

Painter's Palette (Anthurium andreanum)

The more common but slightly fussier type. Arrow-shaped, high-gloss leaves look almost artificial. The spathe (leaf surrounding the flower spike) is usually red; the spike itself is straight.

Flamingo Flower (Anthurium scherzianum hybrids)

Harder to find but more compact. Leaves are longer, narrower. The flower spike is curly and matches the spathe color (vs. Painter's Palette's straight yellow/white spike).

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Anthurium Care Instructions

Light

Good light essential. Avoid direct sun — leaves brown and crisp.

Watering

Don't let roots dry out completely, but occasional lapses aren't fatal. Use tepid soft water; keep soil slightly moist consistently.

Humidity

Reasonable humidity needed. Most homes suffice; if air is very dry, mist regularly — also prevents dust buildup.

Feeding

If warmth is provided, growth continues year-round. Feed weakly every 2–4 weeks during active growth. Not essential but helpful.

To thrive indoors, Anthuriums need warmth and humidity.

Temperature

Minimum 16°C / 60°F. For good growth: 20°C / 68°F+. If temps drop, reduce watering and feeding.

Repotting

Every 2–3 years in spring if needed. Standard potting soil works.

Propagation

Remove offsets at repotting. But note: slow maturation is why they're expensive — propagated plants take years to reach flowering size.

Speed of Growth

Moderate.

Height / Spread

Painter's Palette: up to 60 cm / 2 ft. Flamingo Flower: ~15–18 cm / 6–7 in.

Flowers

Unique, long-lasting. With constant warmth: year-round. Otherwise: February–September. No special tricks — follow care and they'll come.

Anything Else?

Great office plants — consistent temps (AC/heat), good light = optimal growth and flowering.

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