Characteristics & How to Care for It
The Red Anthurium is one of the most distinctive tropical indoor plants, instantly recognisable by its glossy green leaves and striking heart-shaped red blooms.
Often called the Flamingo Flower, Anthurium brings a splash of colour into homes, reception areas, restaurants, hotels and commercial interiors. Unlike many indoor plants that are grown mainly for their foliage, Anthurium provides the combination of beautiful greenery and colourful flowers.
With the right conditions and regular care, an Anthurium can flower repeatedly throughout the year, making it an excellent decorative indoor plant.
Characteristics
Beautiful Red Flowers
What we commonly call the Anthurium’s “flower” is actually a colourful modified leaf called a spathe. The small true flowers grow along the central spike, known as the spadix.
The bright red spathe has a naturally glossy, almost wax-like appearance and can remain attractive for several weeks.
Glossy Green Leaves
Even when the plant isn’t flowering, Anthurium remains attractive because of its large, rich green, heart-shaped leaves.
Healthy foliage should look vibrant and glossy, providing a beautiful contrast against the red flowers.
Long-Lasting Colour
One of the biggest advantages of Anthurium is the longevity of its blooms.
Under suitable conditions, established plants can produce new flowers repeatedly, providing colour for much of the year.
Compact Growth
Unlike large indoor palms and trees, Anthurium is relatively compact.
This makes it ideal for tabletops, reception counters, shelves, side tables and smaller decorative planters. Several plants can also be grouped together in a larger planter to create an impressive display.
Tropical Character
Anthuriums originate from tropical regions of the Americas and naturally enjoy warm temperatures, humidity and filtered light.
These preferences make them well suited to warm climates, although indoor air-conditioning and watering still need to be managed carefully.
How to Look After a Red Anthurium
1. Light
Red Anthuriums prefer bright, indirect light.
Place the plant close to a bright window where it receives plenty of filtered natural light, but avoid prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight.
Too much direct sun can scorch the foliage, while insufficient light may reduce flowering.
2. Watering
Anthuriums like slightly moist soil but do not like sitting in water.
Before watering, feel the upper layer of the soil. When it begins to feel slightly dry, water the plant thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away.
Avoid constantly wet soil because this can lead to root problems and root rot.
The golden rule is:
Moist (not soaking wet).
3. Humidity
Being a tropical plant, Anthurium appreciates moderate to high humidity.
In air-conditioned interiors, the environment can become considerably drier. Keep the plant away from strong air-conditioning vents and cold drafts.
Occasional misting around the plant may help in dry environments, although good overall humidity and correct watering are more important.
4. Temperature
Anthuriums prefer warm and relatively stable temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature changes and do not position them directly underneath an air-conditioning vent.
A consistently warm indoor environment generally produces healthier foliage and better flowering.
5. Fertilising
A suitable balanced fertiliser can be applied periodically during active growth.
For flowering plants, avoid excessive fertilising. Too much fertiliser can damage the roots rather than improve the plant.
Regular light feeding is generally better than heavy applications.
6. Pruning
Anthurium requires very little pruning.
Simply remove:
- Old or faded flowers
- Yellow leaves
- Brown or damaged foliage
- Dead stems
Cut unwanted stems carefully near their base using clean, sharp pruning tools.
Removing old flowers also helps keep the plant looking neat and encourages attention towards healthy new growth.
7. Cleaning the Leaves
The beautiful glossy leaves can collect dust, particularly indoors.
Gently wipe them occasionally with a soft damp cloth. Clean foliage doesn’t just look better — it also allows the plant to receive light more effectively.
Avoid using products that leave an artificial shine on the leaves.
Common Anthurium Problems
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves can sometimes indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
Before adding more water, always check whether the soil is already wet.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown edges or tips may occur when humidity is too low, watering is inconsistent or the plant is exposed to environmental stress.
Not Flowering
If an otherwise healthy Anthurium isn’t producing flowers, one of the first things to check is light.
A plant kept in a very dark location may survive but produce fewer blooms.
Drooping Leaves
Check the moisture level of the soil. Both excessively dry and overly wet conditions can cause problems.
Pests
Occasionally inspect the leaves—particularly underneath them—for common indoor plant pests such as mealybugs, scale and spider mites.
Early treatment is much easier than dealing with a severe infestation.
Best Places for Red Anthurium
Because Anthurium is relatively compact and colourful, it works beautifully in:
- Living rooms
- Dining areas
- Reception counters
- Hotel lobbies
- Restaurants and cafés
- Meeting rooms
- Side tables
- Bright bathrooms
- Entrance areas
- Decorative planter arrangements
A Red Anthurium in a simple black or white planter can look particularly striking in a contemporary interior.
Why We Like Red Anthurium at Outdoor Living Concepts
At Outdoor Living Concepts, we believe indoor greenery doesn’t always have to be green!
Red Anthurium gives us the opportunity to introduce natural colour into an interior without using artificial flowers or decorations.
The combination of glossy dark-green foliage and brilliant red blooms makes it a wonderful feature plant for homes and commercial interiors.
It can be displayed individually for a clean, elegant appearance or grouped together to create a much larger burst of colour.
Like all living plants, however, Anthuriums look their best when they receive the correct amount of light, water, humidity and regular maintenance.
That’s where we can help.
Bring Some Natural Colour Indoors
Outdoor Living Concepts provides beautiful indoor plants for rental or purchase, together with professional plant maintenance for commercial spaces.
From colourful Anthuriums to palms and large statement plants, we can help you choose greenery that suits your space.
Outdoor Living Concepts
Bringing living greenery and colour into your space.