Anthurium, also known as the flamingo flower, is a perennial plant originating from Central and South America. The colorful nature of the flamingo flower has made it a popular houseplant in the United States. Green, shiny leaves and colored spathes (leaves that grow around the base of the flower) characterize anthuriums. The flower grows in the form of a long, sometimes curly, spike. When cared for properly, flamingo flowers can provide a colorful touch to any home.
Potting and Placement
Flamingo flowers require well-draining soil. Plant flamingo flowers in a pot with a hole in the bottom to allow for drainage. Place the plant in a potting medium of peat moss. Perlite, pine bark or gravel may be mixed with the peat moss to provide additional aeration. Cover the roots with the potting medium and re-pot the plant once roots grow to the bottom of the pot.
Anthuriums prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Although flamingo flowers can survive in shadier environments, a lack of sunlight may result in infrequent blooming. New leaves may not fully develop in low-light conditions, so placing the plant in a bright spot is ideal. It may be placed outdoors in the shade during summer months, but should be brought inside during winter, as it will not tolerate frost.
Anthurium is poisonous if ingested, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. It may also cause skin irritation, so consider wearing gloves while potting.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water flamingo flowers thoroughly with warm water and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. If over-watered, anthurium roots may show signs of rot and leaves will turn yellow. If watered too infrequently, growth will slow and roots may become damaged. Mist leaves with warm water to keep the plant clean and moist.
Flamingo flowers will benefit from a fertilizer with high phosphorous content. Dilute the fertilizer by half with water before applying to the plant. Feed once every two weeks in the spring and summer but suspend fertilizing in the winter.
Fighting Pests and Disease
Scales, mealybugs, aphids and thrips are common pests of the flamingo flower. Aphids may feed on the flowers, while thrips and mealybugs prefer new leaf growth. Spider mites may present a problem in low-humidity environments. Use insecticidal products to fight these pests once they appear. Frequently mist both sides of the leaves with water and wipe them off with a clean cloth to prevent future pests.
Poorly drained soil, high temperatures and high humidity can lead to fungal diseases, which may cause spotting and wilting of leaves. Control fungal diseases by using fungicides. Ensuring proper drainage and growing conditions will help prevent future problems
Related posts
Flamingos often live in wetland environments.The flamingo is known for its bright-pink color and long legs. The birds have large beaks that they use to gather food items from the water, and they h...
Create a funky silk flower corsage or hair accessory for a special occasion such as a wedding or prom that uses feathers as a fun accent. Choose your choice of feathers such as brown feathers for...
Beautiful but hardy flamingosFlamingos look like delicate tropical birds but are in fact adapted to survive in some of the harshest habitats on Earth. The five species of flamingo are grouped in t...
Wandering chickens can wreak havoc on flower gardens.Raising chickens is not just a business for farmers. Many people keep small flocks of chickens in backyard coops. These feathered fowl provide...
Alaska is a beautiful state with beautiful state symbolsAlaska's state bird is the Willow Ptarmigan and the state flower is the forget-me-not. You can learn plenty of interesting facts regarding t...
