Anouk Anthurium

Anouk Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Anouk') is a glossy tropical flowering plant that grows 60cm to 80cm tall and about 60cm wide. Large heart shaped leaves set off purple-pink, peachy-red flowers (botanically spathes) in spring and autumn. Because anthuriums flower in shade, it works equally well in a tropical border and in a pot indoors.

Why you'll love it

• Colour in shade. Anthuriums bloom without direct sun, so Anouk gives purple-pink and peachy-red flowers in the spots where most flowering plants would struggle.
• A polished finish. Both the heart shaped leaves and the flowers have a glossy, waxy surface that catches the light.
• Long lasting cut flowers. The blooms hold up well in water, so a few stems can come inside without costing the plant its display.
• Two flowering seasons. Expect flowers in spring and again in autumn.
• Garden or house. It suits tropical borders and underplanting as well as containers and indoor gardens.

Where it works best

Tropical borders. Plant 60cm apart as a border or underplanting in a sheltered, shaded bed. The large leaves add depth beneath taller tropical plants.

Indoors. Grow it in a pot with drainage holes, in bright filtered light and a free draining potting mix. A pot around 25cm to 30cm wide suits a young plant.

Shaded patios. In a frost-free climate, a pot on a covered patio or verandah keeps the plant close enough to enjoy and cut from.

Growing Anouk Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. A sheltered position out of direct sunlight, with bright, filtered light for the longest flowering. Anouk needs humidity and frost protection, so it is best outdoors only in frost-free tropical and subtropical gardens. Everywhere else, grow it indoors or in a pot you can bring inside.

Soil. A free draining soil rich in organic matter, or a quality potting mix. Mulch the surface to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it moist during dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Pruning is minimal: remove spent flowers and tired leaves at the base. Re-pot container plants at the beginning of spring. All parts are poisonous, so wear gloves and avoid sap contact with skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Anouk Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. Our grower supplies the tube stock and it is not always available. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none just now, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Anthuriums are slow growing when young and are raised from tissue culture, so supply is seasonal and limited. Expect a small young plant that will take time to bulk up. Unpack promptly, pot it up or plant it in a sheltered spot, and keep it warm and humid.

Plants are 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

• Indoor flowering plants
• More tropical plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Pet friendly indoor plants

Common questions

Is Anouk poisonous?

Yes. The leaves contain a poisonous substance and the sap can irritate skin, so keep it away from areas where children and pets play, and wear gloves when handling it.

Will it flower indoors?

Yes. Anthuriums flower in shade, but they need bright, filtered light to give the longest flowering period.

How often should I feed it?

Use a slow release fertiliser in spring, then a liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in the warmer months, at half the recommended dose.