Anthurium, Flamingo Flower, plant information for growing and its use in flower arranging. Anthuriums are very fashionable at the moment and each month ways to use them in floral design can often be seen in floral design magazine. More details here

Anthurium scherzerianum,Anthurium Andraeanum Common Name: Flamingo Flower Family:  Araceae  It is a large and diverse family of plants. Among these indoor favorites are:Spathiphyllum - "Peace Lily" Dieffenbachia - "dumb cane"  Phildendron, Aglaonema - "Chinese Evergreen" Anthurium - "Flamigo Flower" Country of Origin: Anthurium Scherzeranium (say that 3 times real fast) grows in the mountain regions of Costa Rica, and has become a popular houseplant in Europe but has had little cultivation in the US. On the other hand Anthurium Andraeanum is grown by the acre in Hawaii for its long lasting cut flower and has become one of the symbols associated with Hawaii.Most Anthuriums are epiphytes that originate from Mexico on down through South America Description: Their roots are fleshy and are capable of handling some water stress. The leaves are generally  leathery and tough. There are many new hybrids. These plants are short in stature, have lots of flowers on a spiral spike, and provide many new colors. Tolerance: While Anthuriums are able to handle dryness around the root ball, they need to be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry slightly before watering again. Allowing the plant to dry out will greatly slow down the growth cycle. Drying out can also cause tip burn and root damage, while over watering can also cause  root damage and sudden yellowing of leaves. Anthuriums as a rule (indoors) will take about as much light as you can provide them with.Lower levels of light will slow down or cease flower production. The foliage type species will tolerate lower light levels as they grow in some of the shadiest areas in their natural habitat.Leaves emerging under lower light may stretch and/or become distorted. Fertilizer:Most growers use a slow time release fertilizer on their plants.  Fertilizing should not be an issue for quite a few months. If your are going to fertilize use a light solution of a 3:1:2 ratio and it is probably best to dilute to 1/4 strength. Make a great addition to cut flower arrangements; the flowers often lasts for weeks.

The award winning design featured here is by Enid Slane. She used anthuriums to maximum effect. Her lesson is available here When you recieve anthuriums from the grower, unpack the flowers immediately -- and carefully. Creasing or folding the heart-shaped part of the flower will cause the injured areas to darken. Trim 1/2 to 1 inch off the stems, being careful not to mash them. If the flowers are wilted or flaccid upon unpacking, submerge whole flowers for 10 to 15 minutes in 70 to 80 degrees F water. Place the flowers in a clean vase  and  one that contains clean water (with or without a floral preservative). Avoid storing anthuriums at temperatures lower than their ideal --55 degrees F-- for any length of time. This way you'll reduce the likelihood of a chilling injury, which causes the flower to darken.

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