🌿 Species guide
❤️ Anthurium
❤️ In brief — Anthurium
Flowering: 2 to 3 months per spathe, year-round if well cared for · Light: bright and indirect — never direct sun · Watering: moderate, filtered water, never stagnant · To flower again: light + phosphorus fertilizer + high humidity · Warning: toxic to pets and children
Anthurium is one of the most generous flowering plants — its colorful spathes last 2 to 3 months each, much longer than most cut flowers. Native to the tropical forests of South America, it exists in dozens of varieties, from classic reds to collections of precious foliage. This guide covers everything you need to know to make it thrive.
Anthurium varieties
The Anthurium genus includes more than 1,000 species — they are divided into two main families: Anthurium with spathes (colored flowers) for decorative flowering, and Anthurium with foliage (Clarinervium, Crystallinum) for their spectacular velvety leaves.
The classic red Anthurium is the most common — its bright, waxy red spathes are immediately recognizable. The "flower" you see is actually a modified leaf (spathe) — the real flower is the small central yellow spadix. One of the longest-lasting flowering plants indoors.
See the Anthurium Red →
The Success variety is selected for its particularly abundant flowering — several simultaneous spathes are common. Its larger size (H43 cm) makes it an impactful plant for a living room or entrance. Same care as the classic Anthurium but with a much more productive flowering.
See the Success Red →
The white Anthurium brings a more understated elegance than the red — its slightly pearly cream white spathes are highly appreciated in contemporary or minimalist interiors. Same flowering duration as the red (2 to 3 months per spathe), same care, but a much cleaner visual effect.
See the Anthurium White →
Sweet Dream is a very special variety — its spathes feature a very soft two-tone pink and white gradient, almost watercolor-like. A very different visual effect from classic single-color Anthuriums. Ideal for bohemian or Scandinavian interiors seeking a delicate floral touch.
See the Sweet Dream →
Calon stands out with its spathes of a deep burgundy almost brown — a more sophisticated color than classic red. Its slightly matte velvety appearance contrasts nicely with standard shiny Anthuriums. Highly appreciated in warm and natural toned interiors.
See the Anthurium Calon →
Black Love is the most dramatic variety in the range — its spathes are a burgundy so deep they appear almost black in low light. A bold choice for dark, industrial, or very contemporary interiors. Same ease of care as other Anthuriums, but a unique visual effect.
See the Black Love →
Clarinervium is a foliage species — no colorful spathes, but dark green velvety heart-shaped leaves with spectacular silver veins. Native to Mexico, it is highly prized by collectors. It requires higher humidity than spathe Anthuriums.
See the Clarinervium →
Anthurium Crystallinum is one of the most sought-after foliage species — its large dark green velvety leaves are crossed by silvery white veins that shine like crystals. A highly prized collector's plant, it requires consistently high humidity and bright indirect light.
See the Crystallinum →The complete Anthurium collection includes other available varieties.
Quick comparison
| Variety | Type | Color | Difficulty | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthurium Red | Spathe | Bright red | Easy | All interiors |
| Success Red | Spathe | Abundant red | Easy | Living room impact |
| White | Spathe | Cream white | Easy | Contemporary style |
| Sweet Dream | Spathe | Two-tone pink | Easy | Bohemian/scandi style |
| Calon | Spathe | Deep burgundy | Easy | Warm tones |
| Black Love | Spathe | Almost black | Easy | Dark/industrial style |
| Clarinervium | Foliage | Velvety green + silver | High humidity | Collectors |
| Crystallinum | Foliage | Green + crystal | Demanding | Passionate collectors |
General care
Light
Anthurium needs bright indirect light to flower — this is its main requirement. Place it near a window with filtered light. Avoid direct sun which burns the spathes and leaves. In low light, it survives but no longer flowers. See the guide light and humidity.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of substrate is dry — using the finger test. Filtered or rested water for 24h is mandatory — Anthurium is sensitive to lime and chlorine. Never let water stagnate in the saucer. In winter: reduce to 1 watering every 2 to 3 weeks.
Ambient humidity
Anthurium originates from humid tropical forests — it prefers ambient humidity of 60–70%. In heated interiors, mist the leaves regularly or place a tray of pebbles filled with water under the pot (without the roots soaking). Clarinervium and Crystallinum are even more demanding in humidity.
Substrate and repotting
A light, draining, and slightly acidic substrate — mix of potting soil + orchid soil + perlite (1/3 each). Repot every 2 years in spring into a pot 3 cm larger. Anthurium like to be slightly cramped. Guide: repotting guide.
- Bright indirect light — essential condition for flowering
- Filtered or rested water for 24h — sensitive to lime
- High ambient humidity — regular misting
- Light and draining substrate — no waterlogging
- Stable temperature between 18 and 26 °C
- Toxic — keep out of reach of pets and children
How to make an Anthurium bloom again
An Anthurium that no longer flowers is usually missing one of these three conditions: sufficient light, suitable humidity, or appropriate fertilization.
The 4 levers to stimulate flowering
- Improve light — gradually move closer to a well-exposed window. This is often the main cause of stopped flowering.
- Fertilize with phosphorus — use a flowering plant fertilizer (rich in phosphorus) every 2 weeks from March to September.
- Increase humidity — daily misting or a tray of wet pebbles under the pot.
- Respect winter rest — reduce watering and fertilizing from November to February. This semi-rest period often stimulates abundant flowering in spring.
💡 Remove faded spathes
Remove faded spathes at the base as soon as they lose their shine — this redirects the plant's energy to producing new spathes rather than maturing old ones. A "faded" spathe can stay green for weeks — remove it as soon as its color dulls or it dries out.
Common problems and solutions
| Symptom | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| More flowering | Lack of light or fertilization | Move closer to a window, fertilize with phosphorus |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or lack of light | Reduce watering, test the substrate. See yellow leaves: 5 causes |
| Brown leaf edges | Air too dry or hard water | Increase humidity, switch to filtered water |
| Discolored or green spathes | Lack of light or natural aging | Improve exposure. The spathes are old — remove them |
| Soft stems at the base | Root rot — overwatering | Remove from pot, cut away rotten roots, repot in fresh substrate |
| Mealybugs | Air too dry | 70° alcohol on cotton, then neem oil. See the diagnostic guide |
Verdeia Collection
All Anthurium varieties
Classic red, elegant white, dramatic Black Love, precious Clarinervium — 8 varieties available for all styles.
Frequently asked questions
Four levers: improve light (main cause of flowering stop), fertilize with phosphorus every 2 weeks from March to September, increase ambient humidity, and respect a winter rest (less water and fertilizer from November to February). Also remove faded spathes to stimulate new production.
Each spathe lasts 2 to 3 months — one of the longest flowerings among indoor plants. A well-maintained Anthurium can produce spathes continuously throughout the year. The spathe is a modified leaf — the real flower is the central spadix (the little finger).
When the top 2–3 cm of substrate is dry — about once a week in summer, every 2–3 weeks in winter. Filtered water is mandatory. Always use the finger test. Overwatering is the main cause of problems.
Yes — all varieties are toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals). Keep out of reach. For a home with pets, check out our selection of pet-friendly plants — Calathea or Spathiphyllum offer comparable flowering and are non-toxic.
Verdeia Shop
Find your ideal Anthurium
From classic red to collectible Crystallinum — the most generous flowering plant there is.
