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Get to Know About the Flamingo Flower Plant, Also Called Anthurium Andraeanum

Get the best out of this elegant and luxurious plant to elevate the look and character of your home or office space.

By: THURSD. | 10-09-2025 | 7 min read
Flowers Indoor Plants Outdoor Plants
Flamingo Flower Plant, Also Called Lily Anthurium or Anthurium Andraeanum - Thursd Article Header Image

The flamingo flower plant, also often called Lily Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) or laceleaf, is a tropical plant native to South and Central America. It was first discovered by explorative European botanists in the late 19th century and commercialized into the horticultural world in the early 20th century. The Anthurium flamingo flower plant is well known for its unique heart-shaped spathe and the spadix protruding from it. The perfect combination of spathe and spadix makes this plant elegant and highly attractive.

These Anthuriums, also commonly called tailflowers or pigtail plants, are commercially planted in tropical regions, including South American countries, but also grown in the Netherlands. Also, this flamingo flower plant is ideal for use in both the cut flower market and as a potted houseplant to elevate the look and character of your home or office space. Even more, these lilies are not finicky; grown either commercially or just for aesthetic appeal. They, essentially, are easy to grow and care for.

The Origin and Meaning of Lily Anthurium

The origin of the name anthurium was derived from the Greek words 'anthos', meaning flower, and 'oura' (tail). The naming strategy was based on the unique structures of the plant, with its spathe and spadix formation, creating a flower and tail at the same time. Native to the warmer areas of the Caribbean and South America, especially in Colombia and Ecuador, this plant's other common name—flamingo flower—is inspired by its unique appearance and distinctive colors, with pink, red, or orange flowers that resemble the colors of a flamingo's beak.

 

How to Grow and Care for Lily Anthurium a.k.a Flamingo Flower
Lily Anthuriums, also commonly called flamingo flower plant, tailflower, or pigtail plant. Photo by @plantsforpets

 

Anthurium lilies are an exotic beauty that can easily thrive anywhere from the office to your home, with little care needed. Due to this, the Anthurium lily is a symbol of hospitality because of the warmth and character it adds to any space, making it desirable and welcoming. Essentially, the flamingo flower plant is an ideal choice for every plant enthusiast and decorator looking for a balance of beauty and luxurious plants to create a striking appearance within their spaces.

Due to continuous excellence in breeding power, there is a wide array of anthurium varieties to choose from. Breeding companies of the Anthuriums, like Anthura and Floricultura, just to name a few, are continuously developing and bringing into the market unique and intriguing anthurium varieties.

 

Lily Anthuriums, also commonly called flamingo flower plant, tailflower, or pigtail plant. Photo by @plantsforpets
Photo by @anthurabv

 

Growing and Caring for Flamingo Flower

Though there are some growing and caring variations depending on the varieties of anthuriums, generally, they are not complicated houseplants to grow and care for. Learning how to take care of the flamingo lily requires understanding the basic requirements that revolve around optimal light provision, temperature, humidity, watering, constant pruning, and application of fertilizer to stimulate growth.

Despite caring variations, there are must-have conditions for your Anthurium flamingo flower plant to thrive.

 

typical anthurium flowers of the flamingo plant - a popular indoor plant
Photo by @aberglasney

 

Flamingo Lily Light Requirements

Anthurium lilies prefer bright indirect sunlight exposure; exposing them to bright direct and scorching sun will harm the plant immediately. Understanding proper flamingo lily light requirements is crucial. When growing in the tropics and outside, consider growing your flamingo lily under the shade.

Temperature That Keeps The Flamingo Lily Fit

Given that it is a tropical plant, by default, it prefers to stay on the warmer side. Colder temperatures, including frost, are detrimental to the flamingo flower plant. Precisely, temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F) should suffice for optimal flamingo lily care.

 

dark green leaves of the Anthurium andraeanum in direct sunlight
Photo by @orchidlover22
woman holding a bunch of Anthurium andraeanum with deep green leaves
Photo by @houwenplant

 

Watering Needs of Anthurium Lily

It is crucial to grow your Anthurium lily in a well-draining potting mix to avoid issues of waterlogging and eventually root rot. These Anthurium lilies are not overly thirsty plants and can be watered once a week, depending on how fast the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.

The size of the container used during the planting of your flamingo lily also determines the amount of water and frequency of watering. The bigger the container, the more water you have to apply, and reduce the interval to three days, but for smaller to medium-sized containers, a one-week interval should be fine.

 

How to Grow and Care for Lily Anthurium a.k.a Flamingo Flower
Photo by @houwenplant
heart shaped leaves of these anthurium plants
Photo by @chuyy_rj.plantdaddy

 

Maintaining Humidity for Anthurium Flamingo Flower

High humidity is vital to your Anthurium flamingo flower plant's well-being. Aim for humidity of 60% and above, and using humidifiers should be considered if necessary, but constantly misting the plant should be sufficient for proper flamingo lily plant care.

Pruning Anthurium Flamingo Flower Plant

It is important to constantly monitor your anthurium lily to check if there is any sign of leaves yellowing. Yellow leaves should be pruned, including flowers that have overstayed. Pruning encourages new growth and the well-being of your flamingo flower plant.

 

beautiful vase to hold these anthurium plants with dark green leaves
Photo by @anthurabv

 

Repotting Anthurium Lilies

The interesting fact about repotting Anthurium lilies is that it does not have to happen just immediately after getting your plant. Only repot when the plant becomes root-bound, which should be at least 2-3 years.

Fertilizing the Anthurium Lilies

Fertilizing the Anthurium lilies stimulates their growth and enhances the growth speed. Application of fertilizer should be done during the growing season only, for 6 weeks with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter since this will be detrimental to your flamingo lily plant.

 

These anthurium plants carry long lasting blooms and being from tropical rainforests natural environment, they survive well in soggy soil and are best for indoor gardening
Photo by @plant_wizard

 

Common Pests and Diseases Associated With Anthurium Lilies

The Anthurium lily is not susceptible to extremely harmful pests and diseases. However, be on the lookout for the following common houseplant pests: mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. The use of neem oil or soapy water will aid in getting rid of these pests, but always spot the infestation earlier to mitigate the risks promptly.

Bacterial blight, caused by extremely high humidity and temperatures, leads to bacterial infestation, which affects the foliage tissues and leads to scorching. Lowering humidity and temperatures subsequently should help control the issue. Disinfect all tools used during the cutting of the flamingo flower plant to prevent the spread of the bacterial blight.

 

high humidity environment is the perfect condition for this anthurium species
Photo by @sofiesfloral

 

Bacterial wilt is another common disease associated with the flamingo flower. It can be identified by the yellowing of the leaves. Improvement of hygiene, including disinfection of all the tools used, should be effective in responding to the spread. The use of fungicides with phosphoric acid can be used to prevent the infection, as well.

How to Propagate Flamingo Lilies

Once you are a proud parent and owner of an Anthurium flamingo flower plant, you can easily multiply it to create many plants out of it. The best time to execute the propagation process is during the growing season, probably summer and spring.

 

yellow white and green shades of the beautiful leaves - anthurium plants in a garden setting
Photo by @aftergreen.garden

 

It is pretty easy to propagate these Anthurium lilies, but first, maintain high levels of hygiene, and disinfect your cutting tools and other necessary tools needed during the propagation process to avoid the spread of any bacteria or encourage their infestation. Propagate the flamingo lily by cutting the stems and placing them in a rooting mix, and transplant once rooted or through the division of a mature plant from the roots into multiple mini-anthurium plants, which can also be transplanted to independent pots.

 

bright flowers of anthurium lily
Photo by @houwenplant

 

Essential Flamingo Tips for Success With the Anthurium Lily

Being keen on the above care guide for the Anthurium lily will contribute to you being a great anthurium parent, leading to your plant rewarding you with sleek and long-lasting flamingo flowers. Though blooming may take longer than expected, the wait is always worth it because once the flowers emerge, you will enjoy them for up to 90 days and sometimes even more than 100 days depending on the variety and its respective breeder.

 

anthurium lily in a modern vase

Photo by @houwenplant

 

As a symbol of love and hospitality, the flamingo flower plant is such a delight and a great addition for all houseplant parents, whether in tropical zones or colder regions. You will always have a worthwhile experience with the magic touch, moving character, and presence of the flamingo lily.

 

Feature image by @houwenplant. Header image by @thewheatweaver.

FAQ

Is Anthurium andraeanum suitable for homes and offices?

Yes—this species in the Arum family is highly suitable for décor as an indoor plant. Its heart-shaped leaves frame sculptural Anthurium flowers that read as sleek, shiny accents, while the foliage can modestly support air quality by trapping particulates. With steady warmth and minimal fuss, Anthurium delivers long-lasting visual impact year-round, bringing an elegant, contemporary feel to desks, lobbies, and living spaces without the high-maintenance demands many houseplants require.

How much light does the flamingo flower need?

Native to tropical climates, Anthurium performs best in bright light filtered to indirect light rather than harsh sun. If it receives too little light, buds may stall and spathes fade; with inadequate light, petioles elongate and flowering declines. Position near an east window or behind sheer curtains; rotate the plant monthly for balanced growth, and shield midday rays that can scorch bracts and leaves while overheating the root zone.

What are the watering and humidity basics for Anthurium?

Keep the medium evenly moist, never soggy. In humid conditions, mist lightly or spray the canopy—and spray the surrounding air—to avoid wetting blooms. Water with room-temperature water when the top inch is dry, letting excess drain through ample drainage holes in the pot. Use a chunky, airy soil so it stays moist yet breathable for the roots and emerging aerial roots. After water flows through, empty saucers promptly to deter rot and fungus gnats.

What potting mix and container setup works best?

Choose a loose, well-aerated soil—avoid compact ground garden mixes. A proven recipe blends bark chips with peat moss and perlite; this soil drains quickly yet holds nutrients. A snug pot often enhances bloom; move to a slightly larger pot only when the plant becomes pot-bound. With proper care and a breathable container, minerals won’t accumulate, oxygen remains available, and the plant maintains steady vigor between feedings.

Why do colors or textures change on my plant?

Leaves that turn yellow flag stress—reassess nutrition and exposure. Healthy blades span deep green to dark green and often appear shiny. Many cultivars carry heart shaped spathes that range from white to pink; some open blush pink before maturing. The club-like yellow spadix should be firm and upright. Unlike many other plants, Anthurium typically keeps a lacquered, shiny finish under good conditions; dulling or puckering usually indicates heat, salt buildup, or erratic care.

How do I propagate a flamingo flower successfully?

Multiply plants in late summer when growth is active. Split offsets with visible aerial roots, or take stem cuttings with two nodes and a small bract. Set pieces into airy soil and stake for stability; keep warmth high and humidity steady, misting leaves lightly while you irrigate sparingly to prevent rot. As this species establishes and pushes new growth, transition it to a slightly larger container and resume a normal feeding rhythm.

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