Written by
Sabina
With its waxy, scarlet, heart-shaped leaves and curly orange ‘spadix’ that protrudes like a tongue, plants don’t come more flamboyant than the exotic Anthurium andreanum (Flamingo Flower).
Yet this unmistakably tropical species, which hails from the lush rain forests of Central and South America, can thrive surprisingly well in the humble British home – with the right care and attention.
Here's how to keep your Anthurium happy:
1
Perfect your potting mix
Anthuriums like a coarse growing medium so create the perfect potting mix with one part perlite, one part peat moss and one part pine bark.
2
Find the right pot
Place your Anthurium in a pot just a little bigger than the plant itself. And don’t get too alarmed if you see roots peering above the soil – this is just one of the quirks of the plant.
3
Get the light right
Place your pot in a bright, sunny spot – but away from direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
4
Keep it warm…
Anthuriums aren’t accustomed to the cold so try to maintain a temperature of 25-30°C. Although they can survive temps as low as 15°C, they won’t grow as fast and may not bloom (what a waste!).
… and humid
As natural rainforest dwellers, Anthuriums love humid conditions. In fact, a lack of humidity could cause your Flamingo Flower’s foliage to lose its gorgeous, glossy sheen.
5
Water with caution
Water every three days maximum – the surface of the soil should be moist, not wet. Over-watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually lead to fatal root rot.
TIP: Create your own humid microclimate by placing a shallow saucer of pebbles under your pot and pouring in a little water, being careful not to let the water level reach the pot. Refill the saucer and spritz the leaves with water from time to time.
6
Long-term maintenance
Remove spent flower bracts as soon as they begin to turn brown – and re-pot your flamingo flower every two to three years.
7
Feed the flamingo
Anthuriums don’t need too much fertiliser. Fertilise cautiously the second year after planting, and later by using a water soluble 3:2:1 fertilizer mixed at quarter strength and applying it according to the directions. Do this about once a month.
