Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo Flower)

Noted for its long-lived blooms, Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo Flower) is an evergreen perennial boasting attractive waxy, heart-shaped, bright red spathes, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), that shine as though lacquered. They enclose a rocket-shaped spadix that is usually white or cream. Blooming more or less continuously in optimum growing conditions, one plant may produce up to 4-6 flowers during the year. The evergreen foliage of ovate to arrow-shaped, dark green leaves, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), arises in a clump on long stems from the plant crown and is attractive year around. Cherished by florists around the world for its sheer tropical look and long-lasting cut flowers (up to 4 weeks), Flamingo Flower deservedly grabs all the attention.

• Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
• Plant with the crowns just above the surface and cover with sphagnum moss to prevent the uppermost roots from drying out.
• Grow indoors in a peaty potting mixture with organic matters such as compost or ground bark to enrich it and improve drainage. Filtered light, constant temperature (min 60°F or 16 °C) and high humidity are required in summer. Bright indirect light in winter is best.
• Needs consistent moisture year around. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Can be grown outdoors in a warm, moist site or in moist, coarse, humus-rich soil.
• Keep an eye out for mealybugs, scale insects or leaf spot.
• Propagate by seed at 75-80°F (24-27°C) as soon as ripe or propagate by division in winter.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to Colombia, Ecuador.