Anthurium andraeanum native range is Colombia to Ecuador and is part of the Araceae family. These plants typically grow in wet forests, with an epiphytic growth habit. They have striking inflorescences made up of a large flat spathe and a long, thin spadix. This cultivar has striking inflorescences made up of a red spathe and a yellow spadix.
The genus Anthurium is derived from the Greek ‘anthos’ for flower and ‘oura’ meaning tail; 'flower-tail', which probably refers to the tail-like spadix. The specific epithet andraeanum is named after Edouard F. Andre, a French botanist and horticultural editor.
Light: Bright shade, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Ideally 18-24°C.
Humidity: Anthurium prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Anthurium are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.