Flamingo Flower Plant Care
Anthurium scherzerianum Schott
Anthurium scherzerianum, the flamingo flower or pigtail plant, is a species of Anthurium native to Costa Rica. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as an ornamental houseplant, kept at 15 °C (60 °F) or higher.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
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 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. 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 light conditions. The optimal light range is 250–1000 lux. Avoid placing Flamingo Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
250–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Flamingo Flower Prefer?
Anthurium scherzerianum grows best at temperatures between 65°F and 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 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 anthurium clarinervium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Flamingo Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested, may cause skin irritation
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Flamingo Flower Need?
Flamingo Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 13b. Native to Costa Rica, Flamingo Flower is adapted to warm climates. 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.
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:
Identify Plants Like the
Flamingo Flower Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species