Photo: Sue CarnahanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Flamingo Flower Plant Care
Anthurium scherzerianum Schott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its vibrant, heart-shaped red flowers that contrast against its glossy green leaves. Originating from Central and South America, Anthurium scherzerianum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and striking appearance in indoor spaces.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Flamingo Flower?
Water Flamingo Flower every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Flamingo Flower Native To?
What Is the Flamingo Flower?
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium scherzerianum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Anthurium genus. Flamingo Flower is native to Costa Rica. Flamingo Flower is also known as Scherzer's Anthurium, Pigtail Plant, Tailflower.
Flamingo Flower displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Flamingo Flower produces distinctive spadix with colorful spathe in red, pink, white or green.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Flamingo Flower?
Anthurium scherzerianum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Flamingo Flower Need?
Flamingo Flower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Flamingo Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Flamingo Flower Prefer?
Anthurium scherzerianum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Flamingo Flower prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Flamingo Flower?
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Flamingo Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Flamingo Flower?
Feed Flamingo Flower every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Flamingo Flower?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Flamingo Flower?
Flamingo Flower can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to flamingo lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Flamingo Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Flamingo Flower?
Flamingo Flower is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Flamingo Flower Need?
Flamingo Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Flamingo Flower is native to Costa Rica. In cooler regions, grow Flamingo Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Flamingo Flower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anthurium genus — compare its care with other Anthurium species on PlantoScan.
Anthurium is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Flamingo Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anthurium Species
Other Anthurium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anthurium scherzerianum Schott, family Araceae (first published in Oesterr. Bot. Wochenbl. 7: 53 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Flamingo Flower as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Sue Carnahan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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