Florist’s Guide to Anthurium Varieties and Colours
Anthuriums, sometimes referred to as flamingo flowers, painter’s palette, or laceleaf, are among the most distinctive tropical blooms available to florists. They are immediately recognisable by their glossy, heart-shaped spathes and upright spadices, which together create a striking architectural form. Their sculptural qualities, extended vase life, and wide colour range have made them staples in both contemporary and traditional floral design. This Ellermann Florist guide explores the main anthurium varieties, the palette of colours available, and the ways in which florists can best utilise them in arrangements and displays.
Characteristics of Anthuriums
Spathes: What most people think of as the “flower” is actually a modified leaf, known as a spathe. It is usually heart- or oval-shaped and has a waxy, reflective surface that gives anthuriums their polished, luxurious appearance.
Spadix: The true flowers are tiny and borne on a central spike called the spadix, which projects outward from the spathe. The spadix itself may be white, yellow, green, red, or even purple, providing striking contrast.
Vase Life: Anthurium blooms are renowned for their longevity, often lasting two to three weeks in arrangements when properly conditioned. This makes them highly cost-effective for florists.
Symbolism: Across cultures, anthuriums are associated with hospitality, exotic beauty, abundance, and passion. Their bold, open-heart shape is often linked to love and friendship, while their tropical origin suggests warmth and welcome.
Principal Varieties of Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum (Large-flowered Anthurium)
This is the most commercially important and widely recognised species. It produces large, glossy spathes measuring between 10 and 20 centimetres. The spathes come in an extensive colour range, from bright primary tones to subtle pastels. The spadices can be contrasting or harmonising in colour, which increases design versatility. These anthuriums are the workhorses of the floral industry, used in everything from bouquets and tropical centerpieces to large event installations.
Anthurium scherzerianum
This species is slightly smaller than A. andraeanum and is especially known for its curled or spiral-shaped spadix, which gives the bloom a whimsical appearance. Its spathes are typically bright red, orange, or occasionally spotted. Because of its smaller scale and playful form, it works well in compact arrangements, potted gift plants, and designs intended to feel less formal and more animated.
Miniature Anthuriums (Micro Varieties)
Mini anthuriums are selectively bred hybrids that produce smaller spathes, typically between three and seven centimetres in size. They are available in fashionable shades such as pale pink, burgundy, lime green, and creamy white. Their compact scale makes them especially valuable for bridal work, including corsages, boutonnieres, and delicate hand-tied bouquets where a standard-sized bloom would overwhelm the composition.
Obake Anthuriums
These Hawaiian-bred varieties are among the most visually striking in the trade. The term "Obake" means "something different" or "ghost" in Japanese, and it reflects their unusual bi-coloured or gradient-toned spathes. Obake anthuriums often blend green with pink, red, or orange, producing large, painterly blooms. Because of their scale and dramatic colouration, they are often used as statement flowers in luxury tropical arrangements or as focal points in hotel and resort décor.
Foliage Anthuriums
While most anthuriums are prized for their flowers, some species are cultivated specifically for their leaves. These foliage anthuriums, such as Anthurium clarinervium and Anthurium crystallinum, produce large, velvety leaves with striking veining patterns. Though more often sold as houseplants, florists occasionally incorporate their leaves into arrangements to add bold texture and exotic greenery.
Anthurium Colours and Florist Applications
Anthuriums are available in a spectrum of colours, each lending itself to different moods, design contexts, and customer occasions.
Red Anthuriums
The classic colour in which anthuriums were first popularised. Red anthuriums are bold, passionate, and immediately tropical in effect. They are used heavily in Valentine’s Day arrangements, corporate displays, and exotic-themed centerpieces. Their intensity makes them well suited to modern, dramatic compositions.Pink Anthuriums
Shades range from soft blush to vibrant fuchsia. Varieties such as ‘Sweetheart’ are popular for weddings, bridal bouquets, and romantic settings. Pink anthuriums are versatile enough to appear both playful and elegant, depending on the accompanying flowers and foliage.White Anthuriums
Pure white cultivars, like ‘Acropolis’, are associated with elegance, purity, and serenity. They are often chosen for weddings, sympathy arrangements, and minimalist designs where restraint and sophistication are desired. White anthuriums combine particularly well with soft green foliage or pale roses.Green Anthuriums
Unique cultivars such as ‘Midori’ feature light to medium green spathes. These are especially valued in contemporary and corporate floristry because of their unusual colour and ability to blend seamlessly with other tropical elements. They pair strikingly with orchids, proteas, and architectural foliage.Orange and Coral Anthuriums
These warm, energetic tones are especially effective in summer arrangements and tropical holiday décor. Their brightness adds vitality to mixed displays, and they are often used to evoke sunshine and warmth in hospitality environments.Purple and Burgundy Anthuriums
Varieties such as ‘Black Queen’ offer deep, moody shades ranging from dark wine to near-black. These colours are associated with luxury, sophistication, and dramatic impact. They are perfect for evening events, opulent displays, or arrangements that seek to create mystery and depth.Bi-coloured and Obake Anthuriums
These hybrids often display a blend of green merging into pink, red, or orange. Their painterly colouration makes them natural focal points. They are ideal for large-scale installations, tropical weddings, and any design seeking to create a sense of exotic rarity.Speckled and Novelty Anthuriums
Some hybrids produce speckled or streaked spathes, adding unexpected texture and intrigue. These are excellent for avant-garde floral designs where novelty and surprise are central.
Florist Handling and Care
Conditioning:
Stems should be cut at a sharp angle and placed immediately into clean, lukewarm water. Buckets should be sanitised, as anthuriums are susceptible to bacterial contamination.Storage:
Anthuriums prefer warmer conditions than many cut flowers. They should not be kept below 12–15°C, as cold damage can cause the spathes to blacken.Maintenance:
Misting the spathes lightly with clean water helps preserve their shine. Spathes can be gently wiped with a soft cloth if they appear dull.Ethylene Sensitivity:
Anthuriums are sensitive to ethylene gas. They should be kept away from ripening fruit or decaying plant matter to prevent premature wilting.Design Notes:
Anthuriums are typically classified as line flowers in floral design, meaning they are most effective when allowed to showcase their form individually. They pair beautifully with other tropical elements such as ginger flowers, heliconias, orchids, monstera, and palm leaves. For contrast, they may be combined with soft-petalled flowers like roses, lisianthus, or hydrangeas, creating a balance between hardness and softness.
Trends in Contemporary Floristry
Minimalist Luxury: Single anthurium stems displayed in clear glass vases for a clean, modern look.
Tropical Abundance: Mixed arrangements with multiple exotics, popular for destination weddings and resort venues.
Monochrome Impact: Groupings of anthuriums in a single colour, creating a dramatic modern statement.
Eco-conscious Floristry: With their extended vase life, anthuriums are increasingly valued for reducing waste in sustainable floral design.
