With its brightly colored bract and the flower spadix protruding from it, the anthurium presents itself very elegantly and fits perfectly into the purist living style of our time. The different varieties are very popular not only as easy-care potted plants, but also as long-lasting cut flowers.
Which anthurium varieties are the most common?
The most common anthurium varieties are the large flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum), the small flamingo flower (Anthurium scherzerianum) and the Anthurium crystallinum. They differ in leaf size, leaf color and spadix shape.
The species most commonly found in our latitudes are:
- The large flamingo flower (anthurium andraeanum)
- Anthurium Scherezerianum
- Anthurium Crystallinum
In most cases, however, it is no longer the original plants that are sold but only hybrids.
The large flamingo flower (anthurium andraeanum)
This flamingo flower is characterized by its impressive size. It blooms less profusely, but more magnificently. Its leaves have a leathery structure and are up to forty centimeters long. The leaves have a lacquer-like shine and are colored green, white, salmon, pink or dark red. Their structure is reminiscent of hammered metal, which is extremely attractive. The spadix is relatively short and always yellow or cream colored.
Because of its size, this variety is a rarely found houseplant. However, it is well suited as a vase flower, which is characterized by its very long shelf life.
Anthurium Scherezerianum
This variety is also called small flamingo flower and is very often found in our homes. It has lanceolate, leathery leaves that grow to a maximum of thirty centimeters in size. This means it fits very well on a smaller flower window. The brightly colored leaf has a waxy sheen and is about ten centimeters long. It surrounds a mostly orange-red, spirally twisted flower spadix.
Anthurium Crystallinum
The heart-shaped foliage of this flamingo flower is extremely decorative. The individual leaves can be up to 55 centimeters long. Initially metallic purple-red, the foliage turns a deep emerald green on older plants. The midrib and main veins are sharply defined and have a silvery white pattern.
This anthurium is cultivated solely for its foliage. The flowers and bracts are rather inconspicuous.
Tip
In order to produce their pretty flowers, anthuriums need sufficient light, but not direct sunlight. If the chosen location is too dark, be sure to provide enough brightness with a plant lamp (€89.00 on Amazon).
