Growing Anthuriums for their Beautiful Heart-Shaped Red Flowers

Anthuriums are tropical flowering plants that produce lush green foliage and vibrant heart-shaped red flowers. Their unique blossoms and easy care make anthuriums popular houseplants. With the right conditions, these exotic beauties can flower for you all year long with their showy red blooms.

Overview of Anthuriums

Anthuriums belong to the Araceae family and are native to tropical rainforests in South and Central America. There are over 1,000 species of anthuriums, but only a handful are commonly grown as houseplants.

The two most popular indoor anthurium varieties are:

  • Anthurium andraeanum – Produces glossy heart-shaped leaves and bright red heart flowers on long stalks.

  • Anthurium scherzerianum – Features elongated oval leaves and vibrant red heart-shaped flowers with curled spadices

Both these anthurium species can bloom several times a year indoors when cared for properly. Their flowers last an impressively long time up to 8 weeks. Anthuriums add a touch of the tropics to any indoor space.

Caring for Anthuriums

Anthurium care is relatively straightforward and similar to that of other tropical houseplants. Here are the key elements to focus on:

Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal. Some morning sun is fine, but avoid direct midday/afternoon sun which can burn leaves.

Water – Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot. Don’t let sit in soggy soil.

Humidity – Maintain humidity around 60-80%. Mist leaves, use pebble trays, or run a humidifier.

Temperature – Average room temperature between 60-85°F (16-29°C). Avoid cold drafts.

Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Incorporate perlite, orchid bark, coco coir for drainage.

Fertilizer – Feed every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

With the proper growing conditions, anthuriums will reward you with their amazing heart-shaped red blooms throughout the year.

Choosing the Best Anthurium for You

There are many different anthurium cultivars to choose from with flowers in various colors and shapes beyond just red. Here are some top options:

  • Anthurium andraeanum – Most popular. Features glossy green leaves and bright red heart-shaped flowers with yellow spadices. The classic!

  • Anthurium scherzerianum – Elongated green leaves and wavy-edged heart flowers in red, pink, orange, or white.

  • Anthurium clarinervium – Stunning dark green velvety leaves with striking white veins. Doesn’t flower often. Grown for foliage.

  • Anthurium crystallinum – Round velvety silver-green leaves. Produces small white club-shaped flowers.

  • Anthurium magnificum – Huge green leaves up to 3 feet long. Impressive cascading white flowers.

Choose the anthurium variety that best matches your style and space. There’s an option for everyone’s tastes!

Displaying Anthuriums in Your Home

Anthuriums make exceptional houseplants thanks to their exotic tropical vibe. Consider displaying them:

  • On an entryway console table or shelf

  • In a sunny bathroom for added humidity

  • On your office desk or work space to add vibrant color

  • On a kitchen windowsill overlooking the sink

  • On plant stands or wall mounted shelves

  • As part of a mixed houseplant display with other tropicals

Place your anthurium in a decorative planter that complements its foliage and flowers. Terra cotta, ceramic, or rattan planters work well. Avoid direct sunlight but give them bright indirect light to encourage blooms.

Caring for Your Anthurium

Caring for these tropical beauties is easy once you get their basic needs down. Here are some care tips:

  • Water thoroughly when top 1-2″ of soil dries out. Avoid soggy soil.

  • Mist anthurium’s leaves daily or use a pebble tray to boost humidity.

  • Remove dead leaves/flowers to keep your plant looking its best.

  • Repot annually in spring if rootbound. Use orchid potting mix for drainage.

  • Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

  • Keep away from hot/cold drafts and direct sun to prevent leaf burn.

  • Prune leggy growth and wipe leaves to remove dust and keep their shine.

  • Propagate by dividing rootball or taking stem cuttings for new plants.

Follow these simple care guidelines and your anthuriums will flourish, producing their stunning heart-shaped red blooms.

Troubleshooting Common Anthurium Problems

Anthuriums are relatively trouble-free, but may encounter a few issues:

  • Brown leaf tips – Usually caused by dry air. Increase humidity.

  • Yellowing leaves – Overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

  • Drooping leaves – Underwatering. Water more frequently.

  • Leggy growth – Insufficient light. Move to brighter location.

  • Slow growth – Low temperatures. Keep between 60-85°F (16-29°C).

  • Poor flowering – Inadequate light or humidity. Increase both.

  • Pests – Mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnats. Isolate and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Catch problems early and adjust care accordingly. Anthuriums will thrive when given proper growing conditions.

Enjoying Anthuriums Long-Term

With the right care, anthurium houseplants can live for many years, producing their signature heart-shaped flowers again and again. Here are some tips:

  • Stake taller varieties to support heavy flower spikes and prevent breakage.

  • Rotate plants to encourage even growth on all sides.

  • Clean leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep their shine.

  • Propagate mature plants to keep backups on hand.

  • Repot annually in fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.

  • Move plants outdoors for the summer in warm climates. Bring back in before temps dip below 60°F (16°C).

Given bright indirect light, consistent humidity, and proper watering, anthuriums will flourish for years in your indoor garden!

With their lush tropical foliage and stunning heart-shaped red blooms, it’s easy to see why anthuriums are treasured houseplants. Their relatively simple care and ability to rebloom throughout the year make them a wonderful addition to any home. Try growing one of these exotic beauties for a touch of the tropics indoors!

heart shaped red flower plant

Full Planting & Care Instructions

1. Planting: Plant in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil and keep them in a location with indirect sunlight to partial shade.

2. Watering: Ensure consistent watering 1-2 times a week and soil to dry out in between each watering.

3. Fertilizing:Â No initial fertilization necessary as our plants are pre-treated with slow-release fertilizer. Eventually, opt for a 180-day slow-release interior plant fertilizer during spring or fall as directed on the label.

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, youll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order Shipping Charge
Less than $ 99 $19.95
$ 99 + FREE SHIPPING!
Mature Height : 12-16 in.
Mature Width : 8-10 in.
Sunlight : Indirect sun patio / Full Sun, Partial Shade outdoors
Growth Rate : Moderate Growing
Botanical Name : Anthurium andraeanum
Does Not Ship To : AZ
Grows Well In Zones : 3-11 patio / 9-11 outdoors

heart shaped red flower plant

Heart-Shaped Blooms Bring Gorgeous Color to Your Indoor Space

Here’s the beautiful Red Heart Anthurium, which would look great in your indoor oasis! Its heart-shaped flowers and bright leaves add a touch of color and elegance to any room.

Known for its characteristic heart-shaped petals and yellow “tails,” this plant is ideal for those seeking low-maintenance vegetation. In addition, Red Heart Anthuriums thrive in partial shade, making them versatile companions in a number of environments. They do really well as houseplants too, and people often put them on sunny windowsills or in a sunroom or on a patio. Â.

The best part is that our Red Heart Anthuriums are hardy and simple to take care of, so they’re great for both new and experienced plant lovers.

If you want to add something extra special to your home this year, the Red Heart Anthurium is the perfect choice. Â.

ANTHURIUM PLANT CARE TIPS – INDOOR FLOWERING PLANT

FAQ

How do you take care of an anthurium plant?

Regular watering is crucial for Anthuriums to maintain their vibrancy. They prefer moist but not waterlogged soil, with a slight drying period between watering to prevent root rot. Good humidity is also crucial for Anthuriums, with the soil drying out halfway between fully watered and bone dry before rewatering.

How to keep anthurium flowers red?

A south window might be too much for it. It won’t hurt the plant, it will be happy with the ample light you provide, but it will not have red flowers, they will stay/turn green. Try moving it a bit back from the window, even a meter won’t be too much, and colour should be coming back.

How long do anthurium flowers last?

Anthurium is loved for its long blooms, lasting anywhere from eight to twelve weeks, with a few months without a bloom in between. As a bloom comes to its end, former leaves and flowers will dry up to make room for new growth.

What plants have heart shaped leaves?

Plants with leaves that resemble hearts (sometimes called a “cordate” shape) can range from vines to trees, from ground covers to houseplants, and from tropical plants to cold-hardy specimens. Some have attractive flowers, others stunning leaf color or variegation, while still others light up the landscape in fall with their foliage.

What does a string of Hearts plant look like?

String of hearts is a popular houseplant, often grown in hanging baskets so that its vines have room to hang down. The marbled foliage is heart-shaped and fleshy. Its thin, string-like vines bear a purplish tinge. Many beginners know and love philodendrons, and their heart-shaped leaves are glossy and dark green.

Do peace lilies have red flowers?

Most anthurium plants with red flowers are bred from the species Anthurium andraeanum and sometimes Anthurium scherzerianum, as very few species naturally have a red flower. Despite the common name, red peace lily plants are not true lilies (because they are not in the genus Lilium). They are also not in the same genus as white peace lilies.

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