Surprising Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum (Tailflower, Flamingo-Flower)

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Here’s a house plant that came into my life as a gift in 2008. It arrived with large dark green leaves, bright red waxy flowers and not much hope for the future.

Having only seen anthurium in florists shops, I had no idea how to take care of it. I did a quick internet search. “The red, heart-shaped flower of Anthurium is really a spathe, or waxy, modified leaf flaring out from the base of a fleshy spike (spadix) where the tiny real flowers grow.” Huh?

I noted some general care information.

- low light (I placed it near the French doors to get morning sun.)
- moderately drought tolerant (a good thing in a heated house.)
- flowers last up to six weeks (I didn’t hold much hope of ever getting it to bloom again.)

- continuous flowering (see above.)

After that, I didn’t pay much attention to the plant. In the back of my mind a little voice was saying, “It probably won’t live.” It got watered as I passed by and fed with the other plants. It hasn’t moved in three years.

And, It blooms regularly despite me - A very pleasant surprise.

(Quote above from “The Flower Expert".)

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