Basic Information

• Common Name: Flamingo Flower, Flamingo Lily, Painter’s Palette, Tailflower
• Scientific Name: Anthurium andraeanum
• Family: Araceae

Plant Characteristics

• Type: Evergreen tropical perennial shrub
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 11 to 12
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Growth Habit: Upright and multi-stemmed
• Mature Size: Height – 1 to 1.5 feet (30.5 to 45.7 cm), Spread – 0.75 to 1 foot (22.9 to 30.5 cm)
• Leaf Type and Color: Shiny, dark green leaves

Flowering

• Bloom Time: Year-round
• Flower Color: Most commonly bright red, with varieties available in white, salmon, pink, or greenish hues
• Flower Characteristics: Large, waxy spathes surrounding a spadix with small, tightly clustered flowers

Growing Information

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
• Soil Type: Rich and well-draining; a mix of potting soil and perlite or cactus and orchid soil mix is recommended
• Water Requirements: Medium; allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot
• Climate Preference: Thrives in humid conditions

Care and Maintenance

• Fertilization Needs: Fertilize every few months at quarter strength, preferably with a fertilizer high in phosphorus
• Pruning Requirements: Minimal; trim off spent flowers and spathes to encourage blooming
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Susceptible to root rot; pests include spider mites, scale, white fly, and mealy bugs

Landscape Use

• Suitable Locations: Primarily grown as a houseplant or in landscaping within appropriate zones
• Companion Plants: Can be paired with other tropical plants
• Attracts: Not specifically known for attracting wildlife, but its bright colors may attract visual interest from birds and insects

Additional Notes

• Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing symptoms like mouth irritation and vomiting
• Conservation Status: Certain species like Anthurium magnificum are listed as near threatened by the IUCN
• Origin: Native to Colombia and Ecuador