Anthurium Buying Guide In New Zealand – Care Tips, Varieties & More

Indoor Plants
3.5.2025

Anthuriums (Anthurium hybrids), also known as Flamingo Flowers, are sought-after houseplants in New Zealand for their long-lasting, colourful blooms and glossy foliage. With the right setup—light, temperature, and care—they’re surprisingly easy to manage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before buying an Anthurium: from choosing the right variety to watering, repotting, and maintenance tips for long-term success.

Lush red Anthurium in a red pot with multiple blooms and dewy green leaves, placed on a white stand against a light grey wall.Potted red Anthurium plant with glossy heart-shaped leaves and a single vibrant red flower on a wooden floor indoors.
Common Names Anthurium, tailflower, flamingo flower, laceleaf
Botanical Name Anthurium spp.
Family Araceae
Plant Type Herbaceous, perennial
Mature Size 30–45 cm tall, 23–30 cm wide
Sun Exposure Partial
Soil Type Well-drained
Soil pH Acidic
Bloom Time Spring, summer, fall, winter
Flower Color Red, pink, white
Native Area Central America, South America, Caribbean
Toxicity Toxic to humans and pets

How Much Light Does Your Space Get?

Anthuriums prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can burn their leaves, while too little light can reduce flowering.

In New Zealand homes:
✅ Best spots: East- or north-facing windows with filtered light
❌ Avoid: Harsh afternoon sun or dark corners.

If your room is bright but lacks natural light, you can supplement with grow lights to keep your Anthurium happy year-round.

What Is the Room Temperature Like?

Anthuriums thrive in temperatures between 18–27°C, mimicking their natural tropical habitat. This range is common in most heated New Zealand homes.

🌡️ Keep plants indoors year-round, unless you live in a region with consistently mild weather
🚫 Avoid exposure to temperatures under 13°C, which can cause leaf yellowing or slow growth
🧊 Protect from cold drafts, sudden drops, or placement near windows during winter.

A consistently warm environment supports year-round flowering and healthy foliage.

Growth habit and size of Anthurium

Anthuriums are well-suited to indoor growing due to their manageable size and vertical growth pattern.
📏 Typical height: 30–45 cm indoors
📐 Spread: Around 30–40 cm, depending on pot size and variety
🌿 Growth style: Upright and clumping, with new leaves forming from the center
💡 Blooms emerge on tall stalks and can appear multiple times a year in good conditions.

Their compact footprint and steady growth make Anthuriums an excellent choice for shelves, desks, and decorative pots in small or medium-sized spaces.

How Much Maintenance and Commitment Does Anthurium Require?

Anthuriums are moderately low-maintenance plants, ideal for people looking for a long-blooming tropical houseplant without high upkeep.

🔄 Weekly Routine:
Water when the topsoil is dry.
Maintain humidity and wipe leaves to remove dust.
🗓️ Monthly Maintenance:
Fertilize during the active growing season (spring/summer).
Inspect for pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
🌿 Annual Upkeep:
Repot in spring to refresh soil and allow more room for root growth.
Prune old or yellowing leaves to encourage fresh growth.

What’s the longevity of Anthurium?

Anthuriums are long-lived houseplants, with a typical lifespan of 5 to 10 years when properly cared for.

🌿 Flowering cycle: Blooms can last 6–8 weeks, and with consistent care, plants can rebloom multiple times a year
🌱 Longevity tips: Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil. Keep in warm, humid conditions. Prune older leaves and fertilize regularly.

As Anthuriums mature, they often produce new offshoots or crowns that can be propagated—extending the life of your original plant and giving you more to enjoy.

Is Anthurium Toxic to Pets or Children?

Yes—Anthuriums are considered mildly toxic to both humans and animals due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.

What to Buy Alongside Anthurium ?

To ensure your Anthurium stays healthy and blooms regularly, it’s important to pair it with the right tools and supplies:

Planter with Drainage: Choose a container 5–10% larger than the original pot. Drainage holes are essential to avoid root rot.
🌱 Well-Draining Soil: Use a potting mix designed for aroids or tropical plants—look for ingredients like peat, perlite, and bark.
🌼 Balanced or High-Phosphorus Fertilizer: Apply a liquid feed once a month during the growing season (spring/summer).
💧 Humidity Solutions: Maintain at least 60% humidity with tools like pebble trays, room humidifiers, or regular misting.
🧽 Leaf Care Supplies: Use a soft cloth or mister to keep leaves dust-free and reduce pest risk.