Anthurium ‘Bugatti Royale’

Anthurium 'Bugatti Royale' (an Anthurium hybrid) is the indoor flowering plant to buy when you want colour that lasts months rather than days. It forms a clump about 600mm tall and 500mm wide, and each deep red spathe holds its shine for six to eight weeks.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers that last for months. A settled plant opens spathes in overlapping succession through the warm months.
• Deep, saturated red. A genuine dark red with a lacquered finish, not the washed out pink cheaper anthuriums drift towards.
• Compact enough for a bench. At 600mm by 500mm it suits a kitchen bench, hall table or courtyard corner.
• Humidity is an advantage. Where other indoor plants sulk through a humid Australian summer, this one grows harder.

Where it works best

Indoors, in any climate. Bathrooms and kitchens suit it best, where the air is damper and the light indirect.

Pots, balconies and courtyards. A 200mm to 250mm pot suits a mature clump. On a covered balcony or shaded courtyard it does well in tropical and subtropical gardens, out of direct sun.

Feature planting in warm gardens. In frost free tropical and subtropical gardens it can go into a shaded bed beneath palms or larger foliage.

Growing Anthurium 'Bugatti Royale' in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light produces the most flowers. Deep shade gives leaves and little else, and direct sun bleaches the spathes. Outdoors it is a frost tender tropical and subtropical plant, so cool temperate, Mediterranean and inland gardens must bring it inside for winter.

Soil. A coarse, open mix: orchid bark, perlite and a little potting mix, or a purpose made aroid blend. The roots need air as much as water.

Water and feed. Water when the top 25mm of mix feels dry, then drain completely and never leave the pot standing in a saucer. Use a half strength liquid fertiliser every three to four weeks from spring to early autumn, and stop over winter.

Grooming. Cut spent flower stems at the base and remove yellowing lower leaves. Repot every two years, one pot size up.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in tubes: a young plant with a few established leaves, not usually in flower on arrival. Pot it into a 140mm pot to start, step up to 200mm as it fills out, and expect the first spathes within a year in warm conditions.

The thick leathery leaves travel well. Give yours a week in a bright, sheltered spot to settle. 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

• Browse more indoor flowering plants.
• How to keep your indoor plants alive.
• Pair it with the tropical plant range.
• Indoor plant tips for beginners.

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Anthuriums contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting if leaves or flowers are chewed. Keep it on a bench or shelf if your pets sample plants.

Why has it stopped flowering?

Usually light or feeding. Move it nearer a bright window but out of direct sun, and feed every three to four weeks through spring and summer. Rooms below about 15 degrees also stall flowering.

Why are the leaf tips turning brown?

Most often the mix is staying wet, or the plant sits in a draught from an air conditioner. Check that it drains freely and move it away from vents.

Can I grow it outside in Sydney or Melbourne?

Not year round. It is frost tender, so outside the tropical and subtropical zones treat it as an indoor plant, or move a potted one under cover for winter.