Flamingo Flower
Anthurium spp.
Also known as
Lace Leaf, Tailflower, Heart flower
AnthuriumAndraenum by Fanghong (CC BY 2.5)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
H1a
RHS hardiness
15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
2m | Min | 20cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Flower Overview
Anthurium is a large genus with around 926 unique species of popular foliage plants with a tropical feel. Species from this genus are grown for their attractive, colourful flowering bracts which are particularly popular in the cut flower trade. Bracts are modified leaf structures that surround the flower. The fabulous flowers are long-lasting, waxy and aesthetically pleasing; they typically come in red, pink, purple or white shades. Commonly known as Flamingo Flower or Lace Leaf, these plants are grown as landscape specimens in tropical gardens. They are also prized across the globe in more temperate climates as houseplants, or tender patio plants. With some care and attention, you can enjoy a touch of the tropics all year round in your home! These grow well in full to partial sunlight, plant in moist, well-draining soil for optimal growth. They can cause stomach upset if eaten and can cause irritation to skin and eyes.
Common problems with Flamingo Flower
Pests include aphids, scales, mealybugs and thrips. Diseases include root rot, leaf spot, bacterial wilt and Rhizoctinia.
How to harvest Flamingo Flower
Harvest after 3 – 6 months of planting. Each leaf unfolds to produce one flower. Flowers are harvested when the spathe completely unfurls and the spadix is well developed with one-third of bisexual flowers open. Harvesting has to be done during cooler parts of the day i.e. early morning or late evening. In general, the blooms are placed in water held in plastic buckets immediately after cutting from the plant. Delay in keeping in water allows air entry into the stem and causes blockage of the vascular vessels. Cut flowers after harvest should be shifted to pre-cooling chambers in refrigerated vehicles having 2-4°C temperature as they deteriorate most rapidly at high temperature.
How to propagate Flamingo Flower
Division
Can be propagated by dividing the stem with the roots in the spring and potting the separated pieces. Keep warm in an enclosed glass case with high humidity for a few weeks.
Seed
Sow seeds, as soon as they have ripened, in shallow earthenware pans filled with chopped sphagnum moss, charcoal and sand. Cover the pan with a piece of glass or plastic and place in a warm area.
Cuttings
Top off the stem with few roots of 3 to 4 year old plants, remove and plant. Each cutting should have a single eye or bud to produce good new roots.
Special features of Flamingo Flower
Indoor plant
If you are growing this plant as a houseplant, half and half mix of potting soil and orchid soil or perlite will provide the kind of soil anthuriums thrive in.
Pot plant
When planting in a pot, half and half mix of potting soil and orchid soil or perlite will provide the kind of soil anthuriums will thrive in.
Attracts birds
When ready for pollination the inflorescence emits pheromones that attracts small birds such as hummingbirds.
Attractive flowers
Attractive waxy blooms.
Other uses of Flamingo Flower
Grown for the foliage in some cases and others for their bright flowers.
Ornamental
Popular potplant to add colour indoors or cut flower to use in special bouquets.
