The Captivating Heart Shaped Red Flower Plant – Anthurium
The anthurium is a stunning tropical plant known for its beautiful heart shaped red flowers. This exotic houseplant also called the flamingo flower or flamingo lily, is a popular choice for adding a taste of the tropics to any indoor space. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for these captivating plants.
Anthuriums come from tropical rainforests in South and Central America. They are in the Araceae family. Anthurium has more than 1000 species, but Anthurium andraeanum and Anthurium scherzerianum are the two most common types grown as houseplants. These kinds have heart-shaped glossy green leaves and bright red spathes that look like plastic flowers but are actually changed leaves. The real tiny flowers are on the spadix, which is a small spike that comes out of the spathe.
One of the reasons anthuriums make fantastic houseplants is their long lasting flowers. With proper care, they can bloom repeatedly for months on end, brightening up any living space. Their slow to moderate growth rate and relatively compact size, reaching between 1-3 feet tall, also makes them ideal for desks, tabletops and shelves. Just be sure to place them somewhere with bright, indirect light and away from direct sun which can burn their leaves.
Caring for these tropical beauties indoors does come with some specific requirements to create the humid, warm conditions of their native habitat. Luckily, meeting their needs is quite straightforward with just a bit of diligence. Here are the key tips for keeping your heart shaped red anthurium thriving:
Watering
- Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Anthuriums are prone to root rot if overwatered.
- Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes, but don’t let the pot sit in water.
Soil
- Use a coarse, well-draining potting mix, like orchid bark mixed with perlite or coco coir.
Humidity
- Maintain at least 50% humidity. Set on a pebble tray, mist leaves or use a humidifier.
Light
- Bright, indirect light is essential. East facing windows are ideal.
Temperature
- Prefers consistent warmth between 60°F and 90°F (15°C – 32°C).
Fertilizer
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength during spring and summer.
With its spectacular flowers and attractive foliage, it’s no wonder the anthurium has earned its common names of flamingo flower and painter’s palette. Caring for these tropical beauties as houseplants does require paying attention to their preferences, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Once established in the right conditions, anthuriums can live for many years, blooming repeatedly to add bold, vibrant color within your indoor garden.
If the heart shaped red blooms of this exotic plant have captivated you, make sure to provide bright filtered light, steady warmth, and humidity. Water thoroughly as the top soil dries out and use a well-draining potting mix. With a little diligence to provide care tailored to their needs, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of anthuriums in your indoor space for years to come. Their lush green leaves and radiant red spathes will bring a cheerful, tropical allure wherever they’re placed.
Anthurium Andreanum is a Keeper
Anthurium andreanum is a perennial that will live for several years with good care. Whats more, you can divide older plants for an ongoing collection (see “Propagation” below).
Get to Know Anthurium Plant
Anthurium andreanum, also known as tail flower, is especially colorful from spring through fall. Anthurium flowers are long-lasting, and newer cultivars will bloom almost year-round.
The glossy red, heart-shaped flowers are actually spathes that last for several weeks, each with a white or yellow spadix covered densely with its tiny, true flowers. Some varieties have spathe colors that are pink, orange-red or white.
Long, dark-green leathery leaves grow up to 8-in (20 cm) long, held on upright stems. Anthurium leaves are poisonous. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe burning in the mouth. Keep the plant away from pets who may play with or chew on its foliage. Its also a good idea to wear gloves when handling this plant to avoid skin irritation.
Exciting new cultivars are introduced all the time, each more captivating than the last.
- Anthurium andreanum Album is a cultivar sporting white spathes
- A.a. Pink Champion features pink spathes
- A. a. Giganteum has salmon-red spathes that are larger than the species.
Red Anthurium Plant by Orchid N Petals | www.orchidnpetals.com
FAQ
How do you take care of an anthurium plant?
Anthuriums, also known as flamingo flowers, are relatively easy to care for, requiring bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. They thrive in high humidity and warm temperatures, so consider misting them regularly or placing them on a tray of pebbles with water.
What is the name of the plant with red heart shaped flowers?
Anthurium has lush looking foliage and amazing flowers with waxy-looking, red heart-shaped flowers, each with a yellow ‘tail’.
What is a heart shaped plant with a red flower?
Anthuriums are cheery, exotic flowering houseplants that offer glossy, green heart-shaped leaves topped by heart-shaped pink, red, or white long-lasting blooms.
How do I get my anthurium to flower?
Tips for reblooming anthuriumsIdeal anthurium light requirements. Proper anthurium temperature range. Water your anthurium properly. Prune anthurium flowers as they wilt. Remove brown and dead leaves. Repot your anthurium.