Perhaps the most iconic and widely available type, Anthurium andraeanum is celebrated for its glossy, heart-shaped "flowers." Botanically speaking, the colorful part is not a petal but a modified leaf called a spathe. The true flowers are the tiny structures on the pencil-like spike, known as the spadix, that protrudes from the spathe. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, mimicking its native tropical understory habitat. Its large, dark green leaves are leathery and help the plant conserve water. The primary function of the vibrant spathe (commonly red, but also pink, white, and orange) is to attract pollinators to the miniscule flowers on the spadix.
This species is prized not for a flashy spathe, but for its spectacular foliage. Anthurium clarinervium features large, heart-shaped leaves with a deep green, velvety texture. The most striking feature is the contrasting pattern of bright white veins that run through the leaf blade, a characteristic known as venation. This network of veins is crucial for transporting water and nutrients throughout the leaf tissue. The plant's common name, "Velvet Cardboard," aptly describes the thick, almost suede-like feel of the leaves. It is an epiphytic plant, meaning in its natural habitat it grows on other plants (like trees) for support rather than in soil, deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.
Similar to A. clarinervium, Anthurium crystallinum is a foliage-focused species renowned for its breathtaking leaves. Its large, velvety leaves start out a bronze or reddish-purple color and mature to a deep, dark green. The most prominent feature is the silvery-white, crystalline venation that seems to glow against the dark background, giving the plant its name. The leaf veins are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are a highly efficient vascular system. This plant is also an epiphyte and requires conditions similar to its cousin: high humidity, chunky well-draining soil (often an orchid mix), and protection from direct sunlight to prevent its delicate leaves from scorching.
This species is the other common "flamingo flower" often seen alongside A. andraeanum. Anthurium scherzerianum is distinguished by its more compact growth habit and, most notably, its unique spadix. Unlike the straight spadix of A. andraeanum, the spadix of A. scherzerianum is characteristically curled or twisted, resembling a pig's tail. The spathe is also less glossy and more reflexed, or curved backwards. This species is generally considered more adaptable to average indoor humidity levels than A. andraeanum, making it a slightly easier candidate for home growers. Its leaves are typically lance-shaped, narrower and more elongated than those of its more popular relative.
For the serious plant collector, Anthurium warocqueanum, or the Queen Anthurium, is a majestic and highly sought-after species. This plant is all about dramatic foliage. It produces exceptionally long, pendulous leaves that can grow several feet in length under ideal conditions. The leaves have a velvety, dark green to almost blackish appearance with prominent, contrasting silvery-white veins. As a true epiphyte, its root system is adapted for clinging to trees and absorbing moisture from the humid air. Cultivating the Queen Anthurium successfully at home requires a dedicated environment with very high, consistent humidity and excellent air circulation to mimic its cloud forest origins.
