Anthurium andraeanum

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Anthurium
Species: Anthurium andraeanum Linden ex André

Common Names by Region

• United States: Flamingo Flower, Tailflower
• Hawaii: Anthurium (cut-flower trade staple)
• Caribbean & Central America: Laceleaf
• Floral Industry (global): Anthurium (commercial hybrid forms dominate)

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Description

Growth Habit

A tropical evergreen perennial forming a clumping rosette. In cultivation it remains compact (12–24 inches tall), though foliage can expand significantly in greenhouse conditions.

Leaves

• Large, glossy, heart-shaped
• Thick, leathery texture
• Deep green with pronounced veins
• Emergent leaves unfurl with a rolled appearance typical of Araceae

The foliage alone makes this a structural plant in interiorscapes.

Inflorescence (The “Flower”)

What appears to be a flower is actually two structures:

• Spathe: The glossy, brightly colored bract (red in your image). Waxy, reflective, and long-lasting.
• Spadix: The upright, pale yellow cylindrical structure emerging from the center. This holds the true tiny flowers.

Color forms include red, pink, white, orange, and bi-color cultivars. Red remains the iconic form.

The sheen is not ornamental by accident — it is functional, aiding pollinator attraction in its native humid forests.

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Known Range

Native to Colombia and Ecuador in tropical rainforest understories.

Now globally cultivated in:

• Florida
• Hawaii
• Netherlands greenhouse industry
• Southeast Asia

It is primarily grown as a houseplant or cut flower outside the tropics.

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Care / Habitat

Light

Bright, indirect light. Direct sun scorches leaves.

Water

Moist but never waterlogged.
Allow top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Soil

Well-draining, airy mix:

• Orchid bark
• Coco coir or peat
• Perlite or pumice

This mimics epiphytic/loose forest floor conditions.

Temperature

65–85°F preferred.
Sensitive below 55°F.

Humidity

Thrives at 60%+ humidity.
Leaf shine increases in properly humid environments.

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Propagation / Reproduction

• Division of clumps
• Stem cuttings with nodes
• Commercial tissue culture (dominant in industry)

Seed production is possible but slow and rarely used in home cultivation.

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Pests / Diseases / Threats

• Root rot (overwatering)
• Spider mites (low humidity)
• Mealybugs
• Anthracnose fungal issues

Primary cultivation failure is poor drainage.

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Additional Notes

• Contains calcium oxalate crystals — toxic if ingested (pets/children).
• One of the longest-lasting cut flowers in global floriculture.
• Symbolically associated with hospitality and longevity due to persistent blooms.
• The shine of the spathe is structural, not wax-coated — a natural surface adaptation.

In commercial systems (including controlled greenhouse aquaponic integrations), it performs well under steady nutrient regimes and consistent humidity.

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Maintenance / Management

• Remove spent spathes at the base.
• Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
• Repot every 2–3 years to refresh aeration.
• Maintain airflow in high-humidity environments.