Anthurium genus contains hundreds of tropical plant species, often admired as houseplants for their vivid, nearly year-round flowers. They are a classic and lovely houseplant, especially given as a gift.
This Lace-leaf is grown for its colorful flower spathes and attractive dark green foliage. The Anthurium plant and flower are very easy to care for since they require little effort to remain lovely for an extended period of time.
The Lace-leaf plants are beautiful tropic plants with vividly colored flowers in a variety of intriguing and unusual designs. The Lace-leaf plant care normally needs little work, and with a few simple cares, plants will thrive for years to come.
This flamingo flower plant will warm up any interior area, making visitors feel at home, as it sprouts sunny-hued blooms year-round, making it ideal for both rookie botanists and those seeking for a stunning addition to their houseplant collection.
Anthurium Plant
Anthurium is a genus of about 1,000 species of flowering plants, the largest genus of the arum family Araceae. The genus is native to the Americas, where it is distributed from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.
Lace-leaf plant, also known as the flamingo flower, flamingo lily, boy flower, oilcloth flower or lace leaf, is an exotic-looking indoor plant with a red flower, and large, glossy leaves. Its name is derived from two Greek words, anthos and oura, another of its common names tail flower.
These tail-flower plant can be grown outdoors in the garden in warm climates; anthurium is often grown as houseplants or in greenhouses since they have particular care needs. They grow at a slow or moderate growth rate, depending on getting ample light without getting sunburned.
Tail-flower plant’s long-lasting bright red, green, and white colors make them a popular centerpiece during the Christmas holidays. Many anthuriums are climbers, and all need high humidity and warmth to thrive. Anthurium is toxic to humans and pets.
Plant Overview
- Common Names: Anthurium, tail-flower, flamingo flower, lace-leaf
- Botanical Name: Anthurium spp.
- Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Mature Size: 12-18 in., 9- to 12-inch spread
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect light
- Soil Type: Coarse, moist potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
- Bloom Time: Flowers year-round, usually 3-month intervals
- Flower Color: Red, pink, white with a contrasting spadix
- Hardiness Zones: 11 to 12
- Native Area: Central America, South America, Caribbean
- Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
Anthurium Plant Species
The most frequent is the red-flowered flamingo flower, although anthurium varieties open flowers in pink, orange, white, purple, and black. There are also several anthurium species on the market.
- Anthurium andreanum: It is a common species with heart-shaped leaves that may grow up to 1 foot tall and red, white, pink, and colorful flowers are recognized by a straight flower spike.
- Crystallinum: It is a rare species with deep green, velvety leaves with pronounced white ribs and leaves up to 2 feet wide.
- Faustinomirandae: It is a rare species; a monster-sized plant with cardboard-stiff leaves that may grow up to 5 feet long; almost entirely a greenhouse plant.
- Clarinervium: It is grown for its beautiful dark green foliage with strong white veins and striking pink flowers.
- Scherzerianum: It is a common species with the most forgiving anthurium leaves and a curling orange flower spike.
How To Grow Anthurium Plants
Anthurium plants are native to tropical rainforests, which provides a plethora of data about their care. They grow in a warm, light, moist climate, such as a bathroom or garden. When the top few cm of compost feel dry, water it.
Lace-leaf plant should be grown in a location with lots of bright, indirect light but no direct sunlight. Anthuriums thrive in a warm room with a climate of 15-20°C, free from draughts and radiators. Planting them in groups might help boost humidity.
Plant the root ball slightly above the soil surface in a mix of peat-free, multi-purpose, and soil-based compost or an excellent house plant or orchid compost.
Pruning
Pruning is the removal or pruning of dead or dying foliage in to promote new growth. Pruning of anthurium is by snipping off dead foliage with pruning shears at the base of the plant, or where the stem meets the potting mix.
When a plant’s leaves are withering or wilting, it devotes its efforts on reviving those leaves. By removing browning leaves, you may assist plant focus its energy on producing leaves and flowers.
If they are hard to pluck, clip them using hand pruners. Cut fading flowers off at the root to remove them. If you want the plant to produce seeds, only leave fading flowers on longer.
Spend some time shaping plant; snip off any stray leaves or stems that make the plant look imbalanced. Leave at least three or four leaves on the plant.
Propagation
Lace-leaf plants put out air roots to indicate that they are ready to propagate. Anthurium roots are plump, nearly knobby or tuberous in look. They’ll begin to emerge from a stem above the soil line in the pot.
Plants that have ceased flowering or have reduced their bloom frequency should be propagated. Here’s how to propagate from air root cuttings or stem cuttings:
- A clean pot, fresh well-draining soil, and a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners are needed. You can use rooting hormone to enhance rooting success if desire.
- Cut out the air roots with a sharp object or choose a stem at least 6 inches long with two to three pairs of leaves. Plant the step’s cut end or the air root in new potting soil.
- Water the soil gently and keep it wet. Place the pot in a warm, but indirect, area. It should take between 4 and 6 weeks to observe new growth.
Anthurium Plant Care
Anthurium plants like bright, indirect light and dislike direct sunlight, unless in the winter or in plants that have been well acclimated. Temperature above 60 degree F are ideal for wild anthuriums. The plant will suffer if temps fall below this level.
Lace-leaf in pots prefer a rich yet well-draining potting mix that is kept damp but not wet. Potting mix designed for orchids, with a few handfuls of sand and peat moss added in, is ideal.
The Flamingo flower plants are “epiphytic,” means they grow on other plants rather than in soil. Give plant a stake or a tiny trellis to climb on if it is unable to sustain itself.
Soil and Fertilizer
Anthuriums thrive in gritty, well-draining soil. An orchid mix with added sand and peat moss makes an ideal potting mix for anthuriums.
Using liquid fertilizer during the growth season is both safe and recommended. Use a nutrient fertilizer, dilute it to 1/4 strength, and feed the plants once a week. Blooms will be promoted by the phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Light and Water
Lace-leaf plants grow in bright, indirect light, both indoors and out. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to burn. Anthuriums grow inside when put in a position with medium to bright indirect light. Place the anthurium in a spot that receives bright, direct light, particularly in the afternoon, or the leaves may burn.
The soil should be kept slightly wet but never fully dry. The plant’s water may drain there, helping to keep increased humidity levels surrounding the plant. Allow the soil’s surface to dry out before watering again. This happens roughly once a week inside. When watering outside on hot days, every two or three days is sufficient.
Temperature and Humidity
Anthurium species are native tropical plants, and replicating such conditions will offer the chance of success. This plant thrives in high humidity and climates ranging from 65 to 85 degree F.
Flamingo flower plants may be grown outside in zones 11 to 12, but will likely die if temperatures drop below 40 degrees. In arid locations or during the dry winter months, spray the plant quickly to ensure high humidity levels.
Pests and Disease
These flamingo flower plants respond to the same pests as most houseplants: mealy bugs, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Aphids cause deformed mottled leaves to form over time.
Spider mites can be seen on leaves with yellow stippling. If the insects remain on the plant, they will fade, become limp, stop producing new growth, and die.
Natural bug control often involves using quick, rapid bursts of water to displace and often drown the pests. These pests can be treated using horticultural oils and soaps.
Hope you enjoyed reading the Planting guide of Anthurium. If you think we missed something or have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments section below.
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