Your flamingo flower care guide
It’s no secret we love flowers. Which is why we’re absolutely obsessed with the anthurium andraeanum (aka flamingo flower). It’s almost like a two-in-one – vibrant coral blooms surrounded by lush green foliage. And while they’re somewhat particular with how you care for them, they aren’t too difficult to look after. We’re here to help you get it right.
How to care for a flamingo flower
Pop it in a sunny spot
Flamingo flowers love bright, indirect light. An ideal spot would be somewhere that gets several hours of dappled sunlight (through net curtains or blinds). Or an east or west-facing window.
If the light is too strong, you may scorch the leaves.
Keep the soil moist
These plants prefer for their soil to be consistently moist – but never waterlogged, as this could cause root rot. You can check the moisture levels by sticking your finger directly into the soil. If it feels on the drier side, give it a good drink. This should typically be about once a week during spring and summer and slightly less during the winter.
Expose it to plenty of humidity
Flamingo flowers originate in the rainforests of South America. So they thrive in humidity. To give it the extra moisture it craves, mist its leaves regularly. Or, if the air is especially dry (i.e. during winter), use a humidifier or pebble tray with water.
Give it an occasional feed
Fertiliser will help your plant thrive. Mix some into its water every six to eight weeks or so, during growing season (March to September). Use one that’s balanced to ensure it gets all the nutrients it needs.
Prune any wilted leaves
Pruning also helps to keep the plant’s shape. Grab some clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and trim back to just above a node (where a leaf meets the stem).
Keep away from curious hands and paws
These plants are toxic to humans and pets. So don’t let any kids or pets nibble on them as it will make them unwell.
What are the signs of an unhappy flamingo flower?
Brown leaf tips
This can be a sign of low humidity or that you’re over-fertilising it. Make sure your flamingo flower isn’t caught in a spot with a cold draught. And give it the humidity it needs by misting it regularly. If that’s not the issue, check your feeding routine.
Leggy branches or slow growth
Both are signs of a lack of light. Make sure your plant is somewhere it’ll get several hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
Yellowing leaves
Again, this can have more than one cause. But they're both related to water. You may be overwatering your plant. Only give it a drink when the top inches of soil feel dry. You should check that your choice of pot has plenty of drainage holes too.
Bugs
Watch out for spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. These pesky bugs love flamingo flowers as much as we do. To get rid of them, grab some non-toxic insecticidal soap or neem oil and dilute it in a spray bottle with some water. Spray the mixture anywhere you notice the bugs, including the underside of the leaves (where they like to hide!).
Do I need to repot my flamingo flower?
You’ll need to repot your flamingo flower every year or so. If you notice its roots peeking out the bottom of the pot, that’s your sign.
The best time to repot your plant is during growing season (spring or early summer).
1. Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s slightly larger than the current one. Then fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of well-draining potting mix.
2. Remove your flamingo flower from its original pot by gently tipping it on its side and pulling it out by its base.
3. Pop your plant in the centre of the new pot and fill around its roots with the new potting mix, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
4. Finish by lightly watering the soil.