ANTHURIUM
INFO + CARE

Anthurium-regale-01-foliage-factory_edit

genus: Anthurium Schott

common name/s: tailflower, flamingo flower, laceleaf

type: herbaceous perennial

family: Araceae

native range: the Americas, where it is distributed from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.

zone: 10 to 12

height: 20 to 300 cm

spread: 20 to 300 cm

type species: Anthurium acaule (Hook.) Schott,

bloom time: flowers freely

bloom description: varies between species

sun: full sun to part shade

water: medium to wet

maintenance: medium

soil type: loose, well-draining, 'breathing' potting mix

toxicity: toxic to pets and humans

Anthurium Schott is a genus of about 1000 species of flowering plants, the largest genus of the arum family, Araceae.

Anthurium is a genus of herbs often growing as epiphytes on other plants. Some are terrestrial.

The leaves are often clustered and are variable in shape. The inflorescence bears small flowers which are perfect, containing male and female structures. The flowers are contained in close together spirals on the spadix. The spadix is often elongated into a spike shape, but it can be globe-shaped or club-shaped. Beneath the spadix is the spathe, a type of bract. This is variable in shape, as well, but it is lance-shaped in many species. It may extend out flat or in a curve. Sometimes it covers the spadix like a hood. The fruits develop from the flowers on the spadix. They are juicy berries varying in color, usually containing two seeds.

Until recently, the spadix and spathe are a main focus of Anthurium breeders, who develop cultivars in bright colors and unique shapes. A. scherzerianum and A. andraeanum, two of the most common taxa in cultivation, are the only species that grow bright red spathes. They have also been bred to produce spathes in many other colors and patterns. In recent years, focus has shifted towards foliage and Anthuriums with decorative foliage have taken centre stage in the hobby. Like other aroids, many species of Anthurium plant can be grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates in shady spots, including Anthurium crystallinum and Anthurium clarinervium with its large, velvety, dark green leaves and silvery white venation.

Genus name comes from the Greek words anthos meaning a flower and oura meaning a tail referring to the tail-like spadix.

Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.

It is impossible to write a 'one-fits-all' care guide for all Anthuriums at once. The genus is very versatile and its species grow in various conditions, on various heights and in various temperatures. The main advice that we always give, regardless of the species is: always make sure to research where the species you grow comes from and how it grows in its natural habitat. It's the best way to find out which conditions to try to imitate at home, so that your plants not only survive, but thrive.

Main factors with Anthurium culture are, as with all Aroids: plenty of light and high humidity, airy, breathable medium. Anthuriums can handle a range of light from low to bright indirect. How quickly and how well the plant grows will depend on the amount of light it receives . Plenty of bright indirect light or use of plant lamps is the best to cultivate Anthurium as a houseplant. Their roots do not like to be water-logged, they prefer substrates which allow for air circulation, so that the root system can breathe. This also prevents root rot and fungal diseases.

The same goes for air humidity: the more humid the environment in which your Anthurium grows, the better. Avoid dry air: radiators and air-conditioners don't do Anthurium plants any favors. Some species can be easily adjusted to average room environment, but it is always best to check how the specific plant behaves in your environment. Our homes conditions vary very much and so observation, as well as experimentation is always a must with tropical plants. An Anthurium that thrives in your living room may quickly deteriorate in your friend's living room because of different conditions. There is, unfortunately, no one cultivation 'recipe' for all of these species.

Only learning about natural conditions and habitats of each species can bring you closer to creating an environment in which Anthurium can thrive. We provide some basic information with every species we offer, in the 'More Info & Care' tab. There are also taxon identifiers for each species listed (as long as the species has been described) which can lead you to a lot of valuable information. Our Links page also provides some invaluable sources of information which you can use.