Flamingo flower: bring jungle-like greenery and stunning blooms to your windowsill—tips for anthurium care
Flamingo flowers have become increasingly popular for their spectacular blooms and striking foliage. If you enjoy lush, jungle-like greenery and dazzling flowers, a flamingo flower is perfect for you. You only need a few anthurium care tips!
Flamingo flowers (Anthurium) captivate with their colorful, waxy blooms, which can range from vibrant reds to subtle pale shades, making anthurium care rewarding.
The most common flamingo flowers are Anthurium Scherzerianum, which have been bred to stay compact and are therefore better suited for windowsill cultivation. Anthurium Andreanum are larger, and their blooms are used in cut flower arrangements. The Anthurium magnificum has beautifully patterned leaves.
Flamingo flower: growing and anthurium care
Light conditions
Flamingo flowers thrive in partial shade or bright, indirect light. They do not tolerate harsh direct sunlight. If placed too far from a window or in a very shady spot, they will survive but produce fewer blooms, so consistent anthurium care is beneficial.
Temperature
A flamingo flower does well at normal room temperature year-round. In winter, make sure the plant is not exposed to drafts.
Watering and fertilizing flamingo flowers
Flamingo flower potting mix should never be allowed to dry out completely. During the growing season from March through September, water generously and regularly. However, make sure any excess water drains off from the saucer. The potting mix should stay evenly moist even during the rest period, but not soaking wet.
Water the flamingo flower with low-lime water, if you can. Fertilize once a week during the growing season with a liquid flower fertilizer according to the instructions. If you have rhododendron fertilizer, you can use that as well.
Additional care for flamingo flowers
You can move your flamingo flower outdoors to a partially shaded spot in summer. In winter, maintain it by frequently misting it with water, as indoor air can become quite dry during the colder months. This also helps reduce the risk of red spider mites.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling the plant, as its sap can cause irritation.
Repotting a flamingo flower
1. When you start seeing bits of root peeking through the drainage holes and the root ball has filled the pot, it’s time to move the plant into a larger pot. Water the root ball first so it separates from the pot without damaging the roots.
2. Choose a pot which is a few centimeters (around 1–2 inches) bigger than the previous one. Place some clay pebbles or pieces of broken clay pots at the bottom for drainage. Position the plant at the correct height in the new pot and add potting mix around the roots. You can use orchid potting mix, which is sufficiently acidic. You can also make your own mix by combining two parts non-limed peat and one part sphagnum.
3. Gently press down the potting mix around the roots. Water thoroughly so any air pockets disappear. Replace the potting mix every other year. If needed, you can replace the top layer of potting mix annually.
