Anthurium andraeanum aka Flamingo Lily

Taxonomy

Anthurium andraeanum is a flowering plant species in the family Araceae that is native to Colombia and Ecuador and is a winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is also one of the plants listed in the NASA Clean Air Study as effective in removing formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from the air. Popular in tropical flower arrangements, Anthurium bouquets are often used in weddings on Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Its bright colored spathes attract pollinators and give it its other names such as the Flamingo Flower or Painter's Palette. Its glossy red, heart-shaped flowers are actually spathes that last for several weeks, each with a white spadix covered densely with its tiny, true flowers while some varieties have spathe colors that are pink, orange or white. Long, dark-green leathery leaves are held on upright stems. The name Anthurium comes from the Greek anthos + oura, meaning "flower tail", and is especially colorful from spring through fall as Anthurium flowers are long-lasting, and newer cultivars will bloom almost year-round. However, the leaves of Anthurium are poisonous.

Common names

Flamingo Lily, Anthurium, Flamingo Flower

How to care for Flamingo Lily

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Flamingo Lily is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Flamingo Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Flamingo Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Flamingo Lily prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Flamingo Lily to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Flamingo Lily is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Flamingo Lily does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Flamingo Lily should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Flamingo Lily as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Flamingo Lily’s native range is the Americas.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Flamingo Lily with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia