Emma Anthurium

Emma Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Emma') is a cheerful pink flamingo flower about 60cm to 80cm tall and 60cm wide. Broad, heart shaped pink blooms taper to a point around a central spike that shades from pale pink to deep gold at the tip. Evergreen, pointed leaves keep it handsome between flowers, and it is an easy plant to enjoy indoors.

Why you'll love it

• Soft, warm pink. Large rounded pink flowers bring gentle colour that suits bright rooms and shady courtyards alike.
• A gold-tipped centre. The central spadix runs from pale pink to deep gold, adding a second colour to each flower.
• Vase life of three weeks. Anthuriums are popular as cut flowers because they last about three weeks in water.
• Evergreen leaves. Heart shaped, pointed foliage stays handsome all year.
• Made for shade. It suits shady borders, pots and indoor gardens.

Where it works best

Shady border underplanting. Plant 60cm apart in a sheltered tropical border, where taller plants give filtered light and the pink flowers lift the shade.

Indoor pots. Choose a pot with drainage holes, use a free draining mix and place it in bright light that does not include direct sun.

Cut flowers. A few stems in a vase give the home a pink focal point for weeks.

Growing Emma Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight. Emma likes humid conditions and needs frost protection, so it grows outdoors only in tropical and subtropical gardens. In every other climate, grow it indoors or in a pot that comes inside.

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

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

Pruning. Remove spent flowers and tired leaves at the base. Wipe indoor leaves with a damp cloth to restore their shine. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so avoid contact with skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Emma Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Expect a small young plant. It grows steadily in warm conditions rather than quickly. Unpack promptly, pot it up or plant it in a sheltered spot, and water it in well.

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
• Tropical plants for warm gardens
• How to repot your plants like a pro
• Plants for balconies

Common questions

What colour is Emma?

The flowers are broad and pink, and the central spike shades from pale pink to deep gold at the tip.

Can I plant it outside?

Only in a frost-free, humid, sheltered garden. In other regions, keep it in a pot indoors or bring it inside for winter.

Is it toxic?

Yes. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so plant it away from areas where children and pets play.