Birthday
HydrangeasAnthurium is easy to recognise by its glossy heart-shaped “flowers” in red, pink, white, lilac and even near-black. In Ukraine it is nicknamed “men’s happiness”, while in English it is the flamingo flower. With good care it blooms almost all year round, and cut stems last 2–3 weeks in a vase. Here is what the plant symbolises and how to look after it.
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About the plant
Anthurium is a large genus in the arum family (Araceae), with around a thousand species. It comes from the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, where many anthuriums grow as epiphytes on tree trunks. What we call the flower is a colourful leaf-like spathe; the tiny true flowers are packed onto the spadix in the centre. The name comes from the Greek words for “flower” and “tail”.
- Anthurium andraeanum — the most popular houseplant species, with a large glossy spathe.
- Anthurium scherzerianum — compact, with a curly spadix (hence the nickname “pigtail plant”).
- Foliage species (A. crystallinum, A. clarinervium) — grown for velvety leaves with silvery veins.
Meaning and symbolism
In Slavic flower tradition anthurium is a “masculine” plant, symbolising passion, courage, confidence and success. It is often given to men — a husband, father or colleague — and paired with the peace lily, known as “women’s happiness”. There is also a legend of a young woman who threw herself into a fire rather than marry a cruel chief and turned into a scarlet flower. It is folklore, not history, but it suits the plant’s fiery colour.
Care at home
Light. Bright and indirect — an east or west window, or further back in a bright south-facing room. Direct sun scorches the leaves; in shade the plant stops flowering.
Temperature. 20–25 °C in summer and 16–18 °C in winter. Anthurium dislikes draughts and cold windowsills.
Watering. Water with soft, lukewarm water when the top 2–3 cm of mix is dry. Standing water in the saucer causes root rot.
Humidity. Ideally 60% or more: stand the pot on a tray of wet clay pebbles, mist the leaves (not the spathes) or use a humidifier.
Potting mix and repotting. An airy aroid or orchid mix with bark, sphagnum and perlite. Repot in spring every 2–3 years into a shallow, wide pot.
Feeding. From spring to late summer, every 2–3 weeks with a flowering-plant fertiliser at half strength.
Why an anthurium won’t flower
- Too little light — the most common reason.
- Too large a pot: the plant fills it with roots first.
- No cool rest: 6–8 weeks at 16–18 °C with moderate watering encourages buds.
- Dry air and cold draughts.
Safety
Anthurium is toxic: its sap contains calcium oxalate, which causes a burning mouth, drooling and swelling. Keep it away from children, cats and dogs, and wear gloves when repotting.
FAQ
Who should you give an anthurium to?
Traditionally to men, as a symbol of success and strength, but any houseplant lover will enjoy a bright anthurium.
How long do cut anthuriums last?
They are very long-lasting: with fresh water they stay beautiful for 2–3 weeks.
What is the difference between anthurium and peace lily?
Both belong to the arum family, but the peace lily has a matt white spathe, while anthurium’s is glossy and usually brightly coloured.
Anthuriums and other houseplants are available in our potted plants with delivery in Kyiv section. For another flowering favourite, see azalea care.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
