Guide
How to Care for Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
The short answer
Anthuriums (flamingo flowers) want bright, indirect sunlight — near a south- or west-facing window but out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, in a moist but well-drained, acidic mix; the plant prefers rainwater or purified water. Warmth and high humidity are essential: 65–85°F, with brown leaf tips signaling humidity that is too low.
For more blooms, give enough light (insufficient light means fewer blooms and slower growth), prune away spent flowers, and per NC State Extension a high-phosphorus fertilizer will encourage more blooms. Flowers appear in spring and summer and are long-lasting.
What an Anthurium Is
Anthurium andraeanum is a tropical aroid grown for its glossy heart-shaped leaves and long-lasting, showy spathes in red, pink, or white. It comes from warm, very humid habitats, which sets its care requirements indoors — some growers even keep them in terraria or growing cabinets.
Light
Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal; south- or west-facing windows are best, but direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Too little light means fewer blooms and slower growth.
Watering, Soil, and Drainage
Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Use a moist, well-drained, acidic (pH below 6.0) mix in a draining pot — overwatering may cause root rot. Anthuriums prefer rainwater or purified water.
Humidity and Temperature
Anthuriums require warm, very humid conditions and thrive between 65 and 85°F. Leaf tips turn brown if the humidity is too low, so group plants, use a humidifier, or keep them in a bright bathroom.
Getting More Blooms
- Fix the light first — inadequate light reduces growth and bloom count
- Prune away old spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- A high-phosphorus fertilizer encourages more blooms
- Expect flowering in spring and summer; individual blooms are long-lasting
Propagation Basics
- 1Stem cuttings — Root stem cuttings in a warm, humid spot — the primary home method NC State lists.
- 2Seed — Anthuriums can also be grown from seed, though this is slower and less common for houseplant growers.
Common Problems
- Brown leaf tips: humidity too low
- Few or no flowers: not enough light
- Root rot: overwatering
- Pests: watch for mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, scale, aphids, and thrips
⚠ Anthuriums are toxic if ingested, and sap contact can irritate skin and eyes. Keep them away from pets and children, and check the ASPCA toxic plants database for pet-specific guidance.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo Flower) — Bright indirect light near south/west windows, water when dry to touch with rain/purified water, acidic well-drained soil, 65–85°F very humid, brown tips from low humidity, high-phosphorus fertilizer and deadheading for blooms, propagation by stem cuttings or seed, pest list, calcium oxalate toxicity