Flamingo Flower / Laceleaf
Anthurium andraeanum
description
Flamingo Flower is a tropical aroid with glossy leaves and long-lasting colourful spathes.
benefits
- Flowering
- Suitable for containers
warnings
- Toxic to cats
- Toxic to dogs
How to care for Flamingo Flower
sunlight
In tropical forests, Flamingo Flower grows in bright, filtered light beneath the canopy. At home, give it a bright spot away from harsh sun to support glossy leaves and repeat blooms.
Bright indirect light
Ideal near an east window, or a little back from a bright south or west window behind a sheer curtain. More light usually means more reliable flowering.
Medium indirect light - tolerated
It will stay attractive in moderate light, but growth and flowering may slow. Move it closer to the window if new leaves are smaller or blooms become infrequent.
watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2-5 cm of the potting mix feels dry, then let excess drain away. Flamingo Flower likes even moisture around its roots, not constantly wet soil.
Spring and summer
Check about every 5-7 days in bright, warm conditions. Water once the top layer has dried but the mix beneath still feels lightly moist.
Autumn and winter
Check roughly every 10-14 days. Lower light and cooler temperatures slow drying, so wait until the top 2-5 cm is dry before watering.
Use these intervals as a starting point. A small terracotta pot, warmth, bright light, or a chunky mix dries faster, while a large plastic pot, low light, and cooler air keep moisture longer.
humidity
Humidity
Flamingo Flower comes from humid tropical forests, so it looks best with moderately humid air. Average homes are usually fine above 40%, but aim for 50-70% for healthier leaves and longer-lasting spathes.
Dry air can cause brown, crispy leaf tips or edges, slow new growth, and spathes that fade or dry sooner. Keep it away from radiators, heating vents, and strong air conditioning.
- Run a humidifier during dry winter heating, especially near new growth.
- Place plants together to create a slightly more humid pocket of air.
- Use a hygrometer if brown tips persist, as underwatering can cause similar symptoms.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Winter minimum
Flamingo Flower comes from warm, humid tropical forests, so it prefers steady indoor warmth. Keep it away from chilly windows, exterior doors, and heating or air-conditioning vents. Growth slows in cooler, darker months, especially below 18°C (65°F).
nutrition
March - August
Feed every 4-6 weeks while the plant is making new leaves or flowers. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at about half the label strength. Stop feeding in winter unless it is actively growing in warm, bright conditions.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the glossy foliage. Regular light feeding is enough - do not increase it just because a leaf turns yellow.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and long-lasting spathes. A balanced fertilizer supplies what it needs without pushing leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
soil
Airy, moisture-retentive soil
Flamingo Flower needs a loose mix that holds some moisture but lets excess water and air move freely around its roots. Combine potting mix or coco coir with orchid bark and perlite for a chunky, well-draining blend.
pH 5,5 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic, which suits anthurium roots. Most peat- or coco-based houseplant mixes fall close to this range, so there is usually no need to adjust pH unless persistent nutrient problems appear.