Anthurium andraeanum

Flamingo Flower, Flamingo Lily, Laceleaf, Painter's Palette, Tail Flower, Oilcloth Flower

Moderate careSemi-epiphyteModerately toxic30–60 cm

A semi-epiphytic perennial from the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador. It produces glossy, heart-shaped leaves and long-lasting waxy spathes — typically vivid red — around a slender yellow spadix. It does best in warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light and a free-draining, bark-based substrate that suits its aerial roots. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Flamingo Flower image

Photo by Forest & Kim Starr·CC BY 3.0 US

Care

Prefers high humidity, bright indirect light, with 15–32 °C, and reaches 60 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 32°C

Soil

Orchid mix(preferred)Well drainingPeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Separate offsets from the mother plant at repotting time. Each division needs healthy roots and at least 2–3 leaves. Pot straight into barely moist orchid or bark mix.

Native range

Native to Western South America.

Appearance

Growth habit

UprightClumping

Leaf shape

Heart

Leaf texture

LeatheryGlossy

Frequently asked

Can Flamingo Flower grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Flamingo Flower prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates bright-indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Flamingo Flower need drainage?

Flamingo Flower prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Flamingo Flower need?

Flamingo Flower does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Flamingo Flower pet-safe?

Flamingo Flower is moderately toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.

How tall does Flamingo Flower grow?

Flamingo Flower typically reaches 30–60 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Flamingo Flower?

Flamingo Flower can be propagated by division or stem cuttings or seeds.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Anthurium andraeanum

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:84549-1
  2. 2
  3. 3

    RHS — Anthurium andraeanum plant details

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1349/anthurium-andraeanum/details
  4. 4

    NC State Extension — Anthurium andraeanum

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/anthurium-andraeanum/
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

    BBC Gardeners' World — How to grow anthurium

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/house-plants/how-to-grow-anthurium/
  8. 8

    Monaco Nature Encyclopedia — Anthurium andraeanum

    https://www.monaconatureencyclopedia.com/anthurium-andraeanum/?lang=en
  9. 9
  10. 10

    Plantophiles — Anthurium humidity requirements

    https://plantophiles.com/plant-care/anthurium-humidity/