There's a reason the Anthurium shows up in nearly every "best indoor plants for color" list: it blooms almost constantly, and the red variety is the boldest of the bunch. That deep red spathe looks like it was lacquered, and it holds its shine for months instead of days, the way a cut flower would.
Anthurium andraeanum is native to the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador, where it grows in the dappled light beneath a dense forest canopy. That upbringing is exactly why it wants what it wants indoors: bright, filtered light and humid air. Give it those two things and it rewards you with new blooms on a near-constant rotation.
This is a plant for someone who wants a pop of color that never needs replacing.
Why You'll Love It
What looks like a flower on an Anthurium is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, curled around a small spadix. It's a small piece of botanical trivia that makes the plant even more fun to have around, and it's exactly why the color lasts as long as it does.
Care at a Glance
Light: Bright indirect light. Direct sun will scorch the spathe and leaves
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep evenly moist, never soggy
Humidity: Needs high humidity, ideally 60% or more. Mist regularly or use a humidifier
Temperature: Prefers 65 to 85 degrees F. Keep away from cold drafts
Growth: Moderate. Blooms in cycles year-round with enough light
Skill level: Intermediate. Rewards consistent humidity and light
Pet safety: Toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and small children
Good to Know
Yellowing leaves are almost always a watering problem rather than a light problem — check that the pot drains well and the roots aren't sitting in standing water. A humidity tray or nearby humidifier solves most of the rest.
