If you want a houseplant that offers stunning color for months on end, look no further than the Anthurium scherzerianum. Known for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms, this charming plant is a fantastic choice for adding a reliable splash of color to your home. Often called the Flamingo Flower or Pigtail Anthurium, it’s a bit more compact and forgiving than some of its relatives, making it perfect for indoor gardeners.
Its most famous feature is its colorful spathe, which many people mistake for a flower. The actual flowers are tiny and sit on that curly, tail-like spadix. This unique look, combined with its easy-going nature, has made it a beloved plant worldwide. Let’s learn how to make it thrive in your space.
Anthurium scherzerianum – vibrant and long-lasting
What makes the Anthurium scherzerianum so special is its incredible staying power. A single bloom can last for an astonishing two to three months on the plant. With proper care, it can produce these blooms repeatedly throughout the year, though it often flowers most heavely in spring and summer. This isn’t a plant that blooms once and dissapears; it’s a constant, cheerful presence.
The vibrant colors are another major draw. While the classic red is most common, you can find varieties in shades of pink, orange, white, and even speckled patterns. The glossy, dark green leaves provide a beautiful backdrop, making the colors pop even more. It’s a complete package of visual interest.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Your Plant
To get those vibrant and long-lasting displays, you need to mimic the plant’s natural tropical habitat. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds. The key is consistency in a few key areas.
Light: Bright but Indirect is Best
This plant loves bright light but can’t handle direct, harsh sun. Think of the dappled light under a jungle canopy.
- Place it near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun.
- A north-facing window can also work well.
- If you only have a south or west window, use a sheer curtain to filter the intense afternoon rays.
- Too little light will result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
Watering: The Golden Rule
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your Anthurium. Its roots need oxygen and can rot in soggy soil.
- Check the soil weekly. Stick your finger about an inch deep.
- Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s bottom. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
- In winter, you’ll likely water less frequently as the plant’s growth slows.
Humidity & Temperature
As a tropical plant, it apreciates higher humidity. Average home humidity is often acceptable, but it will be happier with a boost.
- Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
- Use a pebble tray filled with water placed under the pot.
- Occasionally mist the leaves, especially in dry, winter months.
- Keep it away from heating vents and cold drafts. Ideal temperatures are between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
Planting and Ongoing Care
Getting the basics right from the start sets your plant up for a lifetime of vibrant blooms. Potting mix and feeding are crucial components.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
Your Anthurium needs a light, airy, and well-draining mix. A standard potting soil is usually too dense and retains to much moisture.
A perfect mix can be made by combining:
- 1 part high-quality orchid bark (for aeration)
- 1 part peat-free potting mix or coco coir (for moisture retention)
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand (for drainage)
This combination ensures the roots stay moist but never waterlogged, which is exactly what they need.
Fertilizing for Fantastic Flowers
To support those long-lasting blooms, your plant needs nutrients. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer is ideal.
- During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize once a month.
- Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the label. Anthuriums are light feeders.
- In fall and winter, you can reduce feeding to once every two months or stop altogether.
- Always water the soil lightly before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue or two. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.
Yellowing Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check your watering habits and ensure the pot drains well. Older leaves naturally turn yellow and die back occasionally; just remove them.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This usually indicates low humidity, underwatering, or a buildup of salts from fertilizer. Increase humidity, check your watering schedule, and try flushing the soil with plain water every few months to remove excess minerals.
No Flowers
If your plant is all leaves and no blooms, the most common culprit is insufficient light. Move it to a brighter location (with indirect light). Also, ensure you are fertilizing appropriately during the growing season.
Pests
Watch out for common houseplant pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. If you see pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product instructions.
Propagation: Sharing the Beauty
Once your Anthurium scherzerianum is mature and happy, you can create new plants. The easiest method is by division during repotting.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot in spring.
- Carefully seperate a section of the plant that has both roots and at least two or three leaves.
- Pot the new division in a small container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Keep it warm and humid while it establishes, watering lightly.
With good care, your new plant will grow and eventually produce its own vibrant and long-lasting blooms, just like its parent.
FAQ About Anthurium Scherzerianum
Is the Anthurium scherzerianum poisonous?
Yes, like many aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested and can irritate skin. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
How often should I repot my Flamingo Flower?
Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the best time to do this. Only move up one pot size at a time.
Why are the flowers on my Anthurium turning green?
This is usually a natural part of the bloom aging process as it fades. Sometimes, lower light levels can also cause the colorful spathe to produce more chlorophyll, turning it green.
Can I grow this plant outdoors?
In warm, humid climates (USDA zones 11+), you can grow it outdoors in a shaded spot. For most, it’s best kept as a beloved indoor houseplant year-round.
What’s the difference between Anthurium scherzerianum and Anthurium andraeanum?
The scherzerianum is generally smaller, with a more curled, pigtail-like spadix and a less glossy, sometimes more ovate spathe. The andraeanum (common florist’s Anthurium) has a straight spadix and a larger, heart-shaped, very glossy spathe.
Caring for an Anthurium scherzerianum is a rewarding experience. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be gifted with its unique, colorful displays for many months of the year. Its resilience and spectacular appearance make it a true standout in any plant collection, proving that the most beautiful things are often the most enduring.