The Anthurium genus is a large one, encompassing over 1000 different species. These plants go by many different names, with perhaps the most common name being the flamingo flower. Anthuriums have been popular as houseplants since gaining significant notoriety in the 1980s. They grow outdoors in tropical regions, too.
Initially, these plants were prized for their unique and long-lasting flowers. While many anthurium varieties feature stunning flowers, many gained popularity for their stunning foliage. These leaves can range from a few inches to several feet long. Most are epiphytes, growing on the bark of trees, so they like a lot of air circulation.
Some commonly loved characteristics of the genus include deep green, velvety leaves with flashy and prominent white veining. Some species boast very long, shield-shaped leaves, while others have bullate leaves with a highly textured surface. Here are 33 of the most beautiful anthurium varieties for your houseplant collection.
Ace of Spades
This is a mysterious hybrid variety with heart-shaped, velvety green leaves and deep burgundy flowers.
 | botanical name Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ |
|---|---|
 | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
 | height 2.5’ |
‘Ace of Spades’ is a gorgeous hybrid variety of anthurium with unknown origins. It is named for the appearance of its leaves, which are heart-shaped. The leaves are elongated, deep green, and have a velvety texture on top.
When ‘Ace of Spades’ blooms, the flowers are a deep burgundy color. These flowers, if pollinated, will give way to dark red fruits with white seeds inside. Some plants produce nearly black leaves. This dark form is very rare and valuable.
Acropolis
The pure white, glossy flowers of ‘Acropolis’ make exceptional additions to wedding arrangements.
| | botanical name Anthurium andreanum ‘Acropolis’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 1′-1.5′ |
‘Acropolis’ is known for its very long-lasting flowers, which also have a long vase life (up to 30 days), making them excellent cut flowers. The spathe of the flowers is large and pure white with a glossy finish. The spadix is white toward the base, turning yellow closer to the end.
This variety can be difficult to find for purchase and is very popular with floral designers. The long-lasting flowers are frequently used in bridal bouquets and other wedding-related arrangements.
Anthurium Balaoanum
This robust plant boasts elongated heart-shaped leaves with a glossy, leathery texture and green-to-brown flowers.
| | botanical name Anthurium balaoanum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 8’+ |
This cultivar is fast growing, reaching up to 120’ in the wild. In a container indoors, it is likely to grow to about eight feet tall and possibly taller under the right conditions.
The large leaves help this plant thrive indoors. The leaves are an elongated heart shape with a thin, leathery texture and a fine sheen to the surface. The flowers are green and turn brown after opening, with a maroon tint. It is native to Ecuador.
Anthurium Brownii
This species excels at air purification with its large leaves that resemble fiddle leaf fig plants.
| | botanical name Anthurium brownii |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 2’-3’ |
This species is well known for its air-cleansing abilities. Its large leaves are excellent at absorbing VOCs, making this an ideal houseplant. This one is easy to grow and moderately sized.
The large, elongated heart-shaped leaves have ruffled edges and resemble those of a fiddle leaf fig. The top of the leaves is shiny and leathery, with yellow veining that produces a ribbed appearance. It can bloom year-round, although it is typically prized more for its unique foliage.
Anthurium Crystallinum
This species is highly sought after for its stunning, air-purifying, deep green leaves with striking white veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium crystallinum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 3’ |
While many anthuriums are purchased for their colorful, long-lasting flowers, Anthurium crystallinum is most coveted for its attractive and noteworthy leaves. They have excellent air-purifying properties and appreciate a structure to climb. A. crystallinum may well be the most coveted species in the genus.
The leaves are large and elongated heart-shaped. What makes these leaves so beautiful is the combination of their deep green color contrasted with their bright, white veining. This is a true standout as a houseplant and is moderately high maintenance. Its flowers are green and not especially noteworthy.
Anthurium Decipiens
This Colombian variety transitions from smooth, medium-green, heart-shaped leaves to large, glossy leaves with attractive veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium decipiens |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 12’ |
When this Colombian species is young, the leaves are smooth and heart-shaped, in a medium green color. This is a faster-growing species, though, and those smaller leaves will soon give way to very large leaves.
These large, heart-shaped leaves can vary in color from green to deep purple, making this a showy cultivar. Their glossy finish gives them a distinctive tropical appearance. Green leaves often have deep purple veining.
Anthurium Insigne Gigantea
This Ecuadorian native requires high humidity, making it more challenging as a houseplant.
| | botanical name Anthurium insigne gigante |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 15’+ |
This native of Ecuador is a larger variety of A. insigne, growing to and sometimes exceeding 15’ tall. Its leaves can reach up to four feet long! This plant has high water and nutrient needs, so it should be kept moist in a humid environment and fertilized regularly.
Its humidity needs are considerable, with 80% humidity being preferred. This can make it more difficult to care for as a houseplant. Offset this plant next to a sunny window in a bathroom, or give it a pebble tray and humidifier to keep it happy.
Anthurium Pedatoradiatum Jari
This moderately compact species stands out for its distinctive finger-shaped, pinnatifid leaves, and its terrestrial nature.
| | botanical name Anthurium peditoradiatum jari |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 2’-3’ |
This moderately compact anthurium variety has interesting, finger-shaped leaves, making it a popular plant among collectors for its uniqueness. Found in the south of Mexico, it is quickly gaining popularity for its pinnatifid leaves.
While most species are hemiepiphytic, this species is considered terrestrial, which makes it less vulnerable to root rot. It is less fussy about light as well and can thrive in lower light conditions than most species.
Anthurium Jenmanii
This bird’s nest-style plant features large, elliptical leaves that transition from pale yellowish green to a glossy, deeper green.
| | botanical name Anthurium jenmanii |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 1′-2′ |
Anthurium jenmanii is a bird’s nest-style plant with large, elliptical leaves. The leaves come in a pale yellowish green and mature to a deeper, glossy green. This species prefers drier conditions and is sensitive to overwatering.
Best known for its long-lasting, bright red flowers, this species is popular with floral designers. It once was one of the more expensive species to acquire but has become more common and, thus, more reasonably priced in recent years.
Anthurium Luxurians
Due to its rarity and care demands, this anthurium variety can be one of the most expensive houseplants.
| | botanical name Anthurium luxurians |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 20” |
Because of its rarity and visual appeal, this is one of the most costly anthuriums. I can say from first-hand experience that it is also one of the more difficult to care for. An established plant can cost up to $1,000, making these among the most expensive houseplants across genera.
The large, deeply lobed, heart-shaped leaves are the main attraction for this plant. The leaves are deep green with a metallic quality. A. luxurians also produces showy flowers with a green to purple colored spathe and a long spadix that blooms in a spiral pattern.
Anthurium Magnificum
This is a striking, somewhat rare species with large, heart-shaped, velvety deep green leaves featuring distinctive white veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium magnificum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 1′-3′ |
Although considered rare, A. magnificum is not terribly difficult to find among rare plant sellers. It is a stunning species with leaves that are highly recognizable. Large and cordate to heart-shaped, the leaves are a deep green velvet with distinctive white veining.
Water this popular plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. An extra special characteristic of this species is the color of its new foliage. The leaves are reddish-green with a glittering appearance when they first unfurl before deepening to green.
This is a pricey, rare plant recognized for its exceptionally long, elongated shield-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen.
| | botanical name Anthurium metallicum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 7’+ |
Anthurium metallicum is a rare and costly plant best known for its spectacularly long leaves, which can reach up to four feet long in the wild. The leaves are an elongated shield shape. They first appear a pale green with just a hint of pink before deepening to a dark green with prominent, light-colored veining.
This species gets its name from the metallic sheen of its’ leaves. They appear sparkling in sunlight, although it’s best to keep this plant out of direct sunlight. The species is difficult to find, and one can expect to pay a steep price for even the smallest specimens.
Anthurium Papillilaminum
This terrestrial anthurium is slow-growing, requires high humidity, and can reach over three feet in height.
| | botanical name Anthurium papillilaminum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 3’+ |
This stunning terrestrial variety is slow-growing and needs a lot of humidity to reach its projected mature height of three feet or taller. While still somewhat costly, this species is easier to find than some others and easy to grow.
This native of Panama is known for the color variation in its leaves, which have a bronze tint when they initially unfurl, gradually deepening to a dark, velvety green shade. The leaves are heart-shaped and simple. The veining is most prominent near the petiole.
Anthurium Radicans
This variety is a desirable, low-growing climber with deep green, glossy, deeply veined leaves that have a bumpy texture.
| | botanical name Anthurium radicans |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 15”-20” |
Anthurium radicans is a great climber and a highly desirable cultivar among collectors. It is a lower-growing species, not reaching more than three feet tall at maturity. The leaves are deep green, glossy, and deeply veined, breathing a bumpy texture. It is a fast grower, and the new growth is a wonderful shade of coppery red.
A hybrid of A. radicans and A. luxurians exists and is a highly sought-after variety. This hybrid is known for its stunning foliage and lovely trailing habit. Give A. radicans and its hybrids rich, well-draining soil, allowing it to dry between waterings for best results.
Anthurium Regale
This Peruvian native features large leaves transitioning from pink to dark green with prominent white veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium regale |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 5′-8’ |
This Peruvian native is known for its very large leaves, which have a pink tint that deepens to a dark, velvety green with highly prominent white veining. This cool-weather-loving cultivar is mid-sized in terms of height, but the leaves can grow surprisingly large over time.
Keep this plant in a spot with consistent temperature and high humidity. Between 60- 80% humidity is where this plant will be happiest. Remember that air circulation is important when the humidity level goes this high, so keep the air circulating to avoid fungal issues.
Anthurium Salgarense
This relatively common anthurium variety features large, smooth, heart-shaped leaves, thriving in high humidity.
| | botanical name Anthurium salgarense |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 8’ |
This somewhat more common species makes an excellent addition to the houseplant collection. Its red flowers have an excellent vase life, making great cut flowers. They can also be left on the plant, lasting up to a month each! The bloom time is quite long, and the plant can have more than one blooming cycle in a year.
Anthurium salgarense has large and lovely leaves. They are heart-shaped and smooth, without the velvety texture of some of their relatives. It is not picky about soil but needs a humidity level above 60% to thrive, so make sure to give it plenty of moisture in the air.
Anthurium Scherzerianum
The flamingo flower is a popular anthurium with compact growth, producing eye-catching, long-lasting red flowers.
| | botanical name Anthurium scherzerianum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 12”-18” |
Regarding popularity and flower power, A. scherzerianum is near the top of the list. Often called the flamingo flower, this compact species produces striking, red, long-lasting flowers with a unique, curling spadix.
The brightly colored blooms are complemented by smooth, lanceolate to heart-shaped leaves. This is a smaller species, reaching about 18” tall at maturity, making it a great houseplant. It needs a fair amount of indirect light to bloom, so keep this one near a window but just outside of direct sunlight.
Anthurium Villenaorum
This mid-sized anthurium thrives with moderate indirect light, and features large, cordate leaves with bright white veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium villenaorum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 5’ |
One of the easier growing of the velvet-leaved anthuriums, A. villenaorum is a mid-sized species that prefers only moderate indirect light. With brighter light, the leaves will remain a lighter green color rather than deepening to their usual, deep green, velvety loveliness.
The leaves are large and cordate with prominent, white veining that is particularly bright in the center of the leaves and near the petiole. It prefers not to dry out between waterings. Just be careful not to let the roots sit in water, or you risk root rot.
Anthurium Wendlingeri
This species is ideal for hanging baskets, with leaves reaching up to 6 feet in length.
| | botanical name Anthurium wendlingeri |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 1’-3’ |
This species is a great one for hanging baskets. While the stem rarely grows longer than three feet, the leaves can grow as long as 6’, draping over the side of their container. These leaves are considered pendulous.
A native to areas of Central America, the most noteworthy part of this plant is the spadix, which is long, white, and shaped like a corkscrew. This spadix can grow as long as the leaves of this interesting species. The flowers that bloom from this spadix are small and reddish-orange. The entire structure is protected by a pink spathe.
Baron
This compact variety has pendulous, heart-shaped leaves and a pink-to-green ombre spathe.
| | botanical name Anthurium andreanum ‘Baron’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 15” |
Baron is a variety of andreanum, which I haven’t mentioned until now because there are many stunning varieties. It wouldn’t do them justice to group them all together. The species has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its beauty and value as an ornamental.
This is a compact species and variety with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that hang pendulous from their stems. They are most noteworthy for their long-lasting flowers. In this case, the spathe, which is the showiest part, is pink in the center, with green at the edges, creating an ombre effect.
Bosworth Beauty
The ox-blood-colored leaves of ‘Bosworth Beauty’ mature into deep, glossy green.
| | botanical name Anthurium hybrid ‘Bosworth Beauty’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 2’ |
‘Bosworth Beauty’ is best known for its bold foliage. Large, heart-shaped leaves are a deep ox-blood color when they first appear. Over time, the red tones fade, and the leaves retain a deep, glossy green in maturity. This hybrid variety can be found with digging and is more conservatively priced than the rarer species.
The foliage isn’t the only colorful part of the ‘Bosworth Beauty’ variety. The flowers on this plant are amazing also. A bright purple spathe protects the deep purple spadix and flowers. This is one of the more colorful varieties, making a great houseplant.
Cheers
This small variety is popular for its long-lasting, elegant pale, peachy-pink spathes and white spadix with a green tip.
| | botanical name Anthurium andreanum ‘Cheers’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 14” |
You’re more likely to find the flowers for sale than the plant itself, but it isn’t altogether impossible to find. It’s just very popular. The smaller A. andreanum variety has all of the normal characteristics of its species. The leaves are mid-sized and heart-shaped.
The inflorescence is what this variety is prized for. Florists adore the flowers for their amazing vase life. These flowers can be kept for a month after cutting if well cared for. ‘Cheers’ has pale, peachy-pink spathes, and a white spadix with a green tip. It is a very elegant flower with a modern look.
Dark Mama
A Queen anthurium hybrid is a rare plant featuring velvet-textured, heart-shaped leaves with yellow veining.
| | botanical name A. warocqueanum x A. papillilaminum hybrid ‘Dark Mama’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 12-18 inches |
‘Dark Mama’ is a hybrid of the Queen anthurium, so it is a spectacular plant and also very pricey and difficult to find. A mature specimen can cost well over $1,000. It has long, shielded, heart-shaped leaves in the same bright green velvet as its parent plants. The veining is yellow, with the central vein being the most prominent.
The long, dark green leaves have some red coloration to the underside, which gives them more depth. The newer foliage tends to have a red tint as well. The flowers are not noteworthy compared to the foliage.
Faustino’s Giant
This Giant is a large anthurium variety with glossy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to four feet long.
| | botanical name Anthurium faustomirandae |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 4′-6′ |
‘Faustino’s Giant’, as its name suggests, is a large variety of anthurium. Although it doesn’t grow as long or tall as some species, the leaves on this species are very large. These large leaves are heart-shaped and have a glossy surface, unlike the velvety texture of some species.
These giant leaves can reach up to four feet long, with an average mature leaf size of two feet long. New leaves are reddish-gold, gradually deepening to green as they age. The leaves are very stiff and can crack when bent.
Heart Leaf Plant
This species is known for its deeply lobed, heart-shaped leaves with a striking deep green, velvety texture and white veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium clarinervium |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 2’-4’ |
Anthuriums of this species shouldn’t be too difficult to find. While somewhat rare, you can find this Mexican native plant at specialty houseplant stores or online retailers. It is not nearly as costly as some of the rarer varieties.
Deeply lobed and heart-shaped, these are some of the prettiest leaves in the genus. The deep green, velvety texture of the leaves and prominent white venation shine in a houseplant collection. They do produce an inflorescence, but it is small and not nearly as noteworthy as the foliage.
Jungle Bush
This cultivar is distinct for its low height and large, glossy, oblanceolate leaves with green veining.
| | botanical name Anthurium ellipticum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 2′-3′ |
‘Jungle Bush’ is a low-growing species that will reach about four feet tall at maturity. It has large, oblanceolate leaves with a glossy finish and green veining.
While this is not a common variety, it is easier to maintain and has a higher tolerance for direct light than most. Rotate the plant weekly to keep the growth even and bushy. This species needs proper drainage both in its container and its soil type.
King of Anthuriums
The large. shield-shaped leaves of this cultivar make it a standout.
| | botanical name Anthurium veitchii |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 6′ |
Here is a slice of royalty that is widely available and makes a huge statement as a houseplant or in the garden. This Colombian native is famed for its very large, deeply lobed leaves. It is easy to propagate and therefore, has gained much popularity for its accessibility. Unlike most kings, this one can tolerate a bit of neglect and is not demanding.
‘King’s’ leaves are long and shield-shaped. There is one prominent central vein, but otherwise, the veining is subtle in both color and intensity. While the leaves are not as showy as some species, they are quite large and striking and will stand out in the garden or home.
Midori
This anthurium offers ornamental value and long-lasting cut flowers, available in both large and dwarf versions.
| | botanical name Anthurium andreanum ‘Midori’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 15”-20” |
Another hybrid of A. andreanum, ‘Midori’ has great value as an ornamental and, like its contemporaries, produces wonderful, long-lasting cut flowers. This variety comes in large and dwarf versions, with the larger flowers being the longest-lasting.
‘Midori’ is Japanese for green, and the flowers match the name. Large, bright green spathes are shiny and flamboyant. The spadix is long, white nearest the base, changing to a deep green shade near the tip.
Queen Anthurium
This anthurium features strikingly large, deep green, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with bright white veins.
| | botanical name Anthurium warocqueanum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 11’ |
A member of anthurium royalty, ‘Queen’ anthurium is a gorgeous cultivar with some of the most elegantly spectacular leaves. All anthuriums are known for their beautiful leaves, but this queen wows. The leaves can be up to four feet long and about a foot wide when the plant matures.
The long, shield-to-heart-shaped leaves are deep green with the signature velvet sheen. Veining is brightest near the petiole, with bold, white veins throughout the leaves. The plant is rare but not impossible to obtain, and it is easy to care for if you’re familiar with the genus.
Rosee Choco
This cultivar features deep mahogany spathes.
| | botanical name Anthurium andreanum ‘Rosee Choco’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 12”-14” |
‘Rosee Choco’ is an A. andreanum hybrid, with tons of ornamental value. The plant is similar to others of its species, with delicate stems supporting heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. Where A. andreanum hybrids shine are the flowers, which are much loved by floral designers for their long vase life.
The name is a giveaway for ‘Rosee Choco’. The flowers on this hybrid have a large, deep mahogany spathe. The spadix starts out deep red but gradually grows lighter until all that’s left is a red hit at the tip. The flowers are large for the species, at four to five inches in diameter.
Small Talk Purple
The ‘Small Talk’ series are hardy, easy-to-care-for, and known for their vibrant, long-lasting, purple spathe and spadix flowers.
| | botanical name Anthurium andreanum ‘Small Talk’ Purple |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 14”-18” |
Our last A. andreanum hybrid comes from the ‘Small Talk’ series. Bred for their sturdiness, ease of care, and brilliant flowers, these smaller varieties make great houseplants and can bloom year-round with good care.
A purple spathe and spadix make these wonderful flowers a beautiful addition to cut flower arrangements. They last up to a month, cut or left on the plant.
Strap Leaf Anthurium
This anthurium is an excellent hanging plant with long, strap-like leaves up to eight feet long.
| | botanical name Anthurium vittariifolium |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 1′-3′ |
This native of Colombia makes an excellent hanging plant. The long strap-like leaves of the ‘Strap Leaf’ set this plant apart from most of its relatives. The leaves are about three inches wide but can grow up to eight feet long. A mature ‘Strap Leaf’ is a spectacular plant.
‘Strap Leaf’ is self-fertile and does not produce exceptionally noteworthy flowers. However, the cluster of reddish-purple fruit they leave behind adds additional drama to the beautiful plant. The leaves are smooth rather than velvety and bright green.
Variegated Anthurium Hookeri
This species features long, smooth, oblanceolate leaves with green and cream variegation that intensifies with age.
| | botanical name Anthurium hookeri variegata |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Bright indirect light |
| | height 1’-2’ |
The hookeri species is a popular one that is easy to care for and well-liked by plant enthusiasts. This variegated type is even more desirable for its showy, colorful foliage. The leaves are long and oblanceolate with a smooth texture.
The elongated leaves of this cultivar are green with cream-colored variegation. As the plant ages, the variegation will become more pronounced and marblelike. Give this compact species regular fertilization.
Final Thoughts
Anthuriums make great houseplants and even better terrarium plants with their high humidity needs. While they are sometimes considered difficult and high maintenance, understanding their native environment and epiphytic growth habits makes their care easy. Give your plant a lot of bright but indirect light and plenty of moisture, and it will reward you with gorgeous foliage and flowers.
