Anthurium White Winner

Anthurium 'White Winner' (Anthurium hybrid) is the white flowered anthurium for a bright indoor corner, growing to about 40cm tall and 40cm across. The waxy white spathes sit clear of deep green leaves and hold their shape for weeks rather than days. In a warm room it flowers on and off most of the year, which is rare in a plant this small.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers that last. Each spathe holds for six to eight weeks, and a settled plant sends them up in succession.
• Small enough for a bench. At 40cm by 40cm it suits a shelf, a desk or a bedside table.
• Genuinely low maintenance. Bright indirect light and water when the mix dries covers almost all of it.
• Humidity is a bonus, not a chore. It is happiest in a bathroom or kitchen, where most homes already hold moisture.

Where it works best

Indoors, anywhere in the country. Inside, your climate stops mattering, which counts for a plant this frost tender. A spot two metres back from a bright window is close to ideal.

Pots and containers. Grow it in a 200mm pot with a drainage hole and empty the saucer after watering. It flowers better slightly snug than over potted.

Balconies and courtyards. A shaded balcony suits it over summer in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Bring it under cover before the first cold nights.

Growing anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light gives the most flowers. Direct sun through glass scorches the leaves and bleaches the spathes. It is frost tender, so outdoors it belongs only in frost free tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, in full shade. In cool temperate and Mediterranean areas keep it as an indoor plant.

Soil. A chunky, free draining mix. Indoor potting mix opened up with orchid bark or perlite works well. Dense wet mix is the usual cause of failure.

Water and feed. Water once the top 2cm of mix is dry, roughly weekly in summer and every two weeks in winter. Never leave it standing in water. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn is enough.

Grooming. Cut spent flower stems off at the base. Wipe dust from the leaves now and then, and repot every two years.

What to expect when it arrives

This anthurium is sold in one size, as tube stock, and it often runs on backorder while the next crop grows on. Tube plants are young, usually three or four leaves, and are generally not in flower when they land. Pot yours into a 140mm pot to start, then into a 200mm pot once the roots fill it. Expect the first spathes in the season after potting up.

Tube stock travels well because the root ball stays intact. Water on arrival, keep it out of direct sun for a fortnight, and let it settle before repotting. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Browse indoor plants that flower
• Repotting a plant without setting it back

Common questions

Why are the leaf tips going brown?

Almost always dry air or salt build up from tap water. Move it away from air conditioning, and flush the pot through with plenty of water every few months.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Anthuriums are aroids and are toxic to cats and dogs, causing mouth irritation and drooling if chewed. Keep it up off the floor in a home with pets.

Can I grow it outside?

Only in a frost free garden, in full shade, in tropical, subtropical or warm temperate zones. Everywhere else it is an indoor plant, or a pot that comes inside for winter.