1 named cultivar

‘Dutch Red’Flamingo Flower Pigtail Plant

perennial

Flamingo Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Anthurium andraeanum, flamingo flower, is an epiphytic perennial from Colombia and Ecuador, twelve to eighteen inches high. Large heart-shaped dark green leaves rise on long stalks, and what appear to be glossy red flowers are waxy modified leaves called spathes, each wrapped around the true flowers on the projecting yellow spadix.

The red part is a spathe, not a petal, which is why it lasts for weeks rather than days and why cut stems hold so long. As an epiphyte it grows on trees rather than in soil, so ordinary potting compost suffocates it — a coarse bark-based orchid mix is what keeps roots alive. Aerial roots emerging above the compost are healthy, not a problem.

Uses & Benefits:

Waxy scarlet spathes lasting weeks, over glossy heart-shaped foliage, more or less year round.

Exceptionally long-lasting as a cut stem, holding for several weeks in water.

Grown entirely indoors outside the tropics; an epiphyte on trees in its native range.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

10 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Colombia and Ecuador

Toxicity

Toxic; causes mouth burning, and toxic to pets

Planting

How to Grow

Use a coarse bark-based orchid mix, not potting compost.
Give it bright indirect light, never direct sun.
Keep humidity high; group plants or use a tray.
Water when the mix begins to dry, then drain fully.
Leave aerial roots alone or top-dress lightly.
Keep it away from cats and dogs.

Pro Tip

It is an epiphyte, so plant it in bark rather than compost — dense potting soil is the commonest reason the roots rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pot it in coarse bark mix 🌳
Give it bright indirect light 🪟
Keep humidity high 💦
Keep it away from pets 🐈

Don't

Pot it in ordinary compost ❌
Put it in direct sun ❌
Cut off healthy aerial roots ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Feed
Repot

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Long-flowering houseplant for a bright roomHumid bathroom or kitchen plantingTropical container in frost-free gardens

Companion Plants

Peace Lily Orchid Bromeliad PhilodendronCalathea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flamingo Flower questions

What zones can Flamingo Flower grow in?

Flamingo Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Flamingo Flower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Flamingo Flower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Flamingo Flower bloom?

Flamingo Flower typically blooms in year-round indoors through year-round. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Flamingo Flower need full sun?

Flamingo Flower does best in part shade.