A Complete Guide to Anthurium Varieties and Colors
Anthuriums, often called "flamingo flowers" or "laceleaf," are among the most striking and diverse tropical plants available to growers. Native to Central and South America, these members of the Araceae family have captivated plant enthusiasts with their glossy, heart-shaped spathes and unique flowering structures.
Understanding Anthurium Structure
Before diving into varieties, it's important to understand what makes anthuriums unique. What most people consider the "flower" is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, which surrounds the true flower: a spike-like structure called a spadix. This combination creates the plant's distinctive appearance.
Major Anthurium Species and Their Varieties
Anthurium andraeanum (Painter's Palette)
This is the most commonly cultivated species for cut flowers and houseplants, prized for its large, showy spathes.
Red Varieties:
'Alabama' - Deep crimson red with a contrasting yellow spadix
'Champion' - Classic bright red, extremely popular for cut flowers
'Tropical' - Dark red with excellent vase life
'Sierra' - Burgundy-red with a compact growth habit
Pink Varieties:
'Pink Champion' - Soft bubble-gum pink
'Pandola' - Deep rose pink with a white spadix
'Pink Alabama' - Salmon-pink with excellent durability
'Lady Love' - Pale pink with darker veining
White Varieties:
'Acropolis' - Pure white with a yellow-green spadix
'White Champion' - Creamy white, very popular
'Lilli' - Small white spathes, compact variety
Orange Varieties:
'Orange Love' - Vibrant orange-red
'Midori' - Green with orange tones
'Baby Orange' - Smaller orange flowers
Purple and Lavender:
'Purple Tulip' - Deep purple with a white spadix
'Tulip' - Dark wine-purple
'Fantasy Love' - Lavender-pink with speckled patterns
Bi-color and Unique:
'Obake' - Green with red or pink splashes and streaks
'Fiorino' - White with green edges
'Chocolate Love' - Dark brown-burgundy
'Black Beauty' - Very dark, almost black spathe
Anthurium scherzerianum (Pigtail Anthurium)
Distinguished by its curly, spiral spadix that gives it the "pigtail" nickname. Generally more compact than A. andraeanum.
Colors include:
Bright red (most common)
Orange-red
White
Pink
Bi-color combinations
Anthurium clarinervium (Velvet Cardboard Anthurium)
Grown primarily for its stunning foliage rather than flowers. Features deep green, velvety leaves with prominent white or silver veining in a dramatic pattern. The heart-shaped leaves can grow quite large and are highly ornamental.
Anthurium crystallinum (Crystal Anthurium)
Another foliage variety with large, velvety leaves featuring silver veining. The leaves have a more elongated heart shape than clarinervium and can reach impressive sizes. Young leaves emerge bronze before turning deep green.
Anthurium warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium)
Known for its exceptionally long, pendant leaves that can reach several feet in length. The leaves are velvety with prominent pale veining. This is a collector's variety requiring high humidity.
Anthurium veitchii (King Anthurium)
Features elongated, deeply pleated leaves that can grow extremely long. The leaves have a glossy, metallic sheen and create a dramatic cascading effect. Another high-humidity species.
Anthurium regale
A stunning foliage variety with large, leathery leaves featuring white or pale veining against deep green. The leaves are more rigid than crystallinum with a distinctive texture.
Color Categories in Detail
Reds
From bright scarlet to deep burgundy and wine colors, red anthuriums remain the most popular worldwide. They symbolize passion and are frequently used in tropical arrangements.
Pinks
Range from soft pastel blush to vibrant hot pink and coral tones. These varieties have gained popularity in recent years for their romantic appeal.
Whites and Creams
Elegant and versatile, white anthuriums range from pure white to cream and ivory. They're popular for weddings and formal arrangements.
Greens
Often overlooked, green varieties like 'Midori' offer a fresh, modern aesthetic. Some varieties feature green with subtle color transitions.
Purples and Browns
These dramatic, darker varieties include deep purple, chocolate brown, and almost-black spathes. They're prized by collectors for their unique appearance.
Multicolor and Variegated
Some of the most interesting varieties feature multiple colors, speckles, or color-changing spathes that shift as they mature.
Growing Considerations by Variety
Light Requirements:
Flowering varieties (andraeanum, scherzerianum) prefer bright, indirect light
Foliage varieties tolerate lower light but colors are more vibrant with adequate brightness
Humidity Needs:
Standard cultivars: 40-60% humidity
Velvet-leaf species (crystallinum, clarinervium, warocqueanum): 60-80% humidity
Temperature: Most varieties prefer 65-80°F (18-27°C) and dislike temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
Choosing Your Anthurium
For beginners: Start with A. andraeanum varieties like 'Alabama' or 'Pink Champion' - they're forgiving and readily available.
For collectors: Explore foliage varieties like clarinervium or rare color forms like 'Black Beauty.'
For cut flowers: Choose robust varieties like 'Champion' or 'Acropolis' with long-lasting spathes.
For small spaces: Consider compact varieties like 'Baby Orange' or A. scherzerianum cultivars.
Hybrid Development
Modern breeding programs continue to develop new varieties with improved characteristics: larger spathes, more vibrant colors, better disease resistance, and compact growth habits. New colors and patterns appear regularly in the market, making anthuriums an ever-evolving category for plant enthusiasts.
Whether you're drawn to the classic red varieties or the exotic foliage types, there's an anthurium variety perfect for your space and growing conditions. With proper care, these tropical beauties will reward you with their distinctive beauty year-round.
