Have you ever seen small, bright-colored and waxy flowers at someone’s home? If you are interested in having any, they are called flamingo lily. No, they are nothing like those famous birds.
They are called flamingo because of the color. They can also bloom for the whole year if they are treated well.
Also known as anthurium plant, there are interesting facts about this small houseplant that you should know.
1. About Flamingo Lily
Flamingo lily has two most famous varieties, which are Anthurium scherzerianum and Anthurium andereanum. They are found in tropical forests. They are also known to be quite expensive, but think of the long-term investment as your house decoration.
Since this flower comes in bright, solid-looking colors, this flamingo flower makes a beautiful, indoor home decoration. This flower is also long-lasting, so you do not need to change your decoration anytime soon.
Since this small houseplant comes from tropical forests in South America, humidity is very important to them. Of course, this does not mean the flamingo plant can all live at home. From all these anthurium plants, Anthurium scherzerianum and Anthurium andraeanum are the only two things you can keep at home.
Still, these two plants can be rather tricky in terms of maintenance. However, if you are a big fan of houseplants, you are bound to find a way to keep them for as long as possible. Putting them in the right humid environment and container will work wonders for you.
So, how to grow them properly?
2. The Anthurium Plant Care
When it comes to anthurium plant care, here are the guides you must follow:
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The light
To avoid their leaves going brown and dry, avoid direct sunlight at any cost. This flamingo plant needs subtle, fluorescent light indoor.
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Watering the plant
Moderation is the key. Although this plant does not like having its roots dry, do not overflood them with water too. Keep them at least slightly moist.
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Extra mist for a dry environment
What happens if the air is dry, either from the AC in the room or if the weather outside is cold? Spray some mist into the leaves and flower will help.
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Feeding the flamingo plant
Humidity can only be gained with warmth. If you can give your plant this for the whole year, all is good. You can also supply nutrients for plants, either for once a month or once in two months.
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The temperature
How humid does an anthurium lily need? Just like most small houseplants, flamingo lily needs around 16 – 20 C.
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The repotting
Just like most small houseplants, soon the roots stick out and the plant needs a new pot. Springtime is the right moment to check if it needs repotting, possible once in two years. Adding a regular compost is good, but you can have bark or perlite to prevent drainage issues.
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How tall?
The tallest of this anthurium plant can grow as far as 60 cm.
3. More About This Flamingo Lily
When it comes to the propagation for this houseplant, remove any offsets overgrown as part of the repotting process. Still, you need to consider this very carefully. Flamingo lily is very expensive and takes a while to grow.
You might need to have more patience if you consider expanding your collection of flamingo flowers. Oftentimes, the offset you repot needs some years to grow properly into another identical plant. Maintaining the plant regularly works wonders, but you still need to wait a while for it to grow.
Earlier, we have mentioned Anthurium scherzerianum and Anthurium andraeanum. What is the difference between the two of them?
4. The Difference Between Anthurium scherzerianum with Anthurium andraeanum
Anthurium scherzerianum is the name for the flamingo lily, officially. Many people tend to mix the two of these together, so no wonder it can get confusing.
The difference? Anthurium andraeanum is more commonly seen and it grows a little bigger than Anthurium scherzerianum. If you look a little bit closer, you can see that the two also have different spadixes. Anthurium scherzerianum has a straight spadix, while Anthurium andraeanum is curlier.
Anthurium andraeanum is also rather fussy in terms of regular maintenance. Other than that, the two look almost the same.
5. Toxic for House Pets: The Trouble with Flamingo Lily
This is probably the bad news no pet-lovers would like to hear: flamingo lily is dangerous to your cats and dogs. It can even be dangerous to you too as humans.
This anthurium lily has leaves that also contain calcium oxalate crystals. The flower is toxic too. This is why when you maintain them, you need to wear gloves. The last thing you ever want is to have the skin on your fingers burn.
Puppies and kittens tend to play and munch on anything they can. The problem is, they are still unaware of he danger if they find this houseplant interesting enough to chew on. It is the same thing with little kids at home. They are also curious and prone to try anything unless you stop them.
If you still would like to keep this houseplant but you also love your pets (and kids), no worries. You do not have to choose. The only thing you can do is to keep this plant away from them, like on the top shelf.
Another thing that you can do is to also train your pets not to munch on them. Still, this one is much harder. You can also do both, just in case.
6. The Key Points to Remember Regarding Flamingo Lily
Last but not least, it is not hard to care for flamingo lily. Besides wearing gloves to avoid direct contact with anthurium poisonous parts, here are the key points to remember:
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The level of difficulty
Caring for this flamingo flower is on the moderate level.
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The lighting
Moderation is the key. Not too bright, but not too dull. Bright, but indirect.
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The watering
Keep it slightly moist. Do not overflood it or let it super dry.
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The soil
Moderation is also the key here. Well-draining is the answer.
So, are you ready to keep a flamingo lily at home?
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