The versatility of Anthuriums

With their glossy heart-shaped leaves and colourful spathes, anthuriums are a vibrant and exotic addition to any houseplant family. 

Thriving in a tropical environment, anthuriums, known as flamingo flowers or lace leaf, love a warm, humid environment to grow. The new colours on the market are so rich and unusual that you may need to buy a few. There are several ways to use them, making them versatile in the home. 

Displaying in pot covers  

The variety of pot covers available these days means that you can easily match or supplement your décor just by using pot covers. If you can’t find just what you need, you can transform a plain pot cover with paint or modge podge. Try taking a beautifully patterned serviette, removing the backing so that it’s a thin sheet, and modge podge it onto a plain pot for something amazing. 

Growing in water 

Having the ability to be epiphytic, anthuriums have fleshy roots that grow easily in water. To get the most out of this type of display, use a glass bowl or vase to monitor the tangle of roots in the water. Wash the roots off before adding to fresh water. Remember that water has limited nutrients, so feed it with a liquid fertilizer and change it at least once a month to stop it from getting slimy. 

Making a kokedama 

Making a kokedama Kokedamas are a wonderful way to display anthuriums. It’s a simple DIY project that will elevate your plants. Add a layer of moss to a surface, remove the plant from the pot, lay it onto the moss, and then wrap it around the roots to form a ball. Using damp moss will help it all stick together. Use string or nylon thread to secure the moss in place, creating a ball. Display the kokedama on a plate or hang it in the air in a bright position but not directly in sunlight. Mist the ball frequently, and when it feels light, take it to a sink of water and dip it in the water for 10-20 minutes to soak before returning it to its home. 

Caring for anthuriums 

In the wilds of Colombia and Ecuador, where these plants come from, they are epiphytic, growing on trees rather than in the ground. However, as houseplants, they do very well in acidic potting soil as long as it’s well-draining. 

For the best care, water when the top 2 cm of soil is dry using filtered or rainwater. Waterless in autumn and winter. Add liquid plant food to the water once a month. Mist regularly and group plants together to help preserve humidity. 

Position so that it gets plenty of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. Remove spent flowers and look out for mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects that may attack your plants. Repot every two to three years into a slightly bigger container. 

These plants are grown by LVG Plants and are available at your local houseplant retailer.