Florist’s Anthurium, Flamingo-Flower

Anthurium andraeanum Lind.

an-THUR-ee-um  an-dray-AIN-um

Araceae

Explanation of name: The generic name comes from Greek for tail-flower, in reference to the spadix. The specific epithet honors Ed. André, who collected the plant in Colombia in 1876 (BA1).

Natural range: Colombia

Recognition: An extremely variable species. Plants with clear sap, erect but usually short-stemmed, with thick grasping roots. Leaves usually more or less cordate, with long petioles, and with a vein along the edge of the sinus (basal notch). Spathe colorful, shiny, usually wrinkled, usually red, sometimes pink or white, usually reflexed, broad and not wrapped around the spadix, this 3”-5” long, yellowish with white band below (BA1). Stigmas 2-lobed.

Landscape uses (UFFPS42, PBCC): A very popular cut flower and container plant. These plants are fundamentally epiphytic and prefer coarse, very porous, preferably acid, organically enriched medium. Coconut hulls are sometimes used for this purpose (PBCC). Grow in shade with ample, consistent moisture and high humidity. Divide by division or by severing the stem across the middle, leaving roots and leaves on both sides of the cut.