Best Fertiliser for Anthurium Plants: How to Grow, Feed & Maintain Flamingo Flowers Indoors

Anthurium andraeanum—commonly known as Flamingo Flower or Laceleaf—is a tropical indoor plant prized for its glossy leaves and long-lasting red, pink, or white spathes. Native to the rainforests of South America, Anthuriums are increasingly popular in Australian homes for their striking colour and ease of care in bright indoor spaces. While low maintenance, they need the right fertiliser to thrive and rebloom regularly.

Anthurium Plant Basics – Growth Habit, Flowering & Indoor Display Use

Anthuriums are epiphytic aroids, meaning they often grow on trees in nature, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and organic debris. In indoor settings, they are grown in pots using loose, well-aerated soil mixes. The striking coloured part often mistaken for the flower is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, surrounding the true flower spike or spadix. Key characteristics:

Botanical name: Anthurium andraeanum
Common names: Flamingo Flower, Laceleaf, Tailflower
Foliage: Glossy, heart-shaped leaves; evergreen
Flowering: Long-lasting red, pink, white, or orange spathes with a yellow spadix
Height: 30–60 cm indoors, depending on pot size and variety

Popular varieties include:

Anthurium Flamingo: Bold red spathes with large green foliage
Anthurium White Heart: Pale white spathes and smaller compact leaves
Anthurium Pink Champion: Compact pink flowering variety ideal for decorative pots

Anthuriums thrive in bright indoor spaces like living rooms, bathrooms with filtered light, or sunrooms. Their flowers can last for 6–8 weeks and recur several times a year if the plant receives proper light, water, and nutrients.

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How to Grow & Care for Anthurium Indoors in Australia

Anthuriums are well-suited to indoor conditions in Australian homes, provided they receive consistent warmth, humidity, and light. Unlike many houseplants, Anthuriums prefer high humidity and indirect light, mimicking their natural rainforest habitat. Ideal growing conditions:

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves or bleach spathes. In low light, flowering will be reduced.
Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining mix such as orchid bark + perlite + coco peat. Avoid dense potting mixes that hold excess moisture.
Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Never let roots sit in water; good drainage is essential.
Humidity: Requires 60–80% humidity. Use a humidifier or pebble tray, especially during winter or in dry indoor air.
Temperature: Performs best between 18–26°C. Protect from cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C.

Maintenance tips:

Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers regularly to encourage new growth.
Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and support photosynthesis.
Repotting: Repot every 2 years or when roots begin to overfill the pot. Choose a slightly larger container with fresh mix.
Pests: Occasionally affected by scale or mealybugs—treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagation: Anthuriums can be propagated by division when repotting. Carefully separate rooted offshoots and replant into fresh mix. Seed propagation is possible but extremely slow and not commonly done in home settings. To keep your anthurium healthy and reblooming, consistent feeding is just as important as light and humidity.

Best Fertiliser for Anthurium Plants – Feeding for Blooms, Colour & Leaf Health

Anthuriums require a steady supply of nutrients to support both foliage growth and repeat flowering. Because they’re typically grown in loose, bark-based mixes, nutrients leach out quickly, making fertiliser an essential part of their care. Key Nutrients:

Nitrogen (N): Maintains strong leaf growth and vibrant green colour
Phosphorus (P): Essential for root development and spathe/spadix production
Potassium (K): Enhances bloom quality, leaf thickness, and stress tolerance

Fertiliser schedule:

Spring to Early Autumn: Fertilise every 2–3 weeks with a gentle liquid feed to support consistent blooming and lush foliage.
Late Autumn to Winter: Reduce to once a month or pause if the plant enters dormancy and growth slows noticeably.

Fertiliser tips:

Always fertilise moist soil to prevent root burn.
Flush the pot with clean water every 6–8 weeks to avoid salt build-up in the mix.
Overfeeding can lead to root stress or leaf tip burn, especially with chemical-heavy blends.

Deficiency signs:

No flowering: May indicate low phosphorus or inadequate light
Pale or slow growth: Suggests nitrogen deficiency
Yellow or spotted leaves: Could indicate salt accumulation or poor drainage

For reliable flowering and lush leaf growth, we recommend using CompleteGrow’s Indoor Plant Food Concentrate Fertiliser. This premium liquid blend is perfectly suited for Anthuriums grown in pots and contains a balanced mix of macronutrients and essential trace elements tailored for foliage and bloom support. Gentle enough for year-round use, it promotes deep green leaves, long-lasting spathes, and consistent plant health—whether your Anthurium is in a sunroom, bathroom, or living room setting. With the right fertiliser and environment, your Anthurium will reward you with months of vibrant flowers and glossy foliage that elevates any indoor space.