Great Red Anthurium

Great Red Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Great Red') is a neat little tropical plant, 60cm to 80cm tall and about 60cm wide, with large arrow-shaped dark green leaves and perky triangular coral-red flowers around a cream spike. Both leaves and flowers are glossy, and the blooms appear in spring and autumn. It suits tropical borders, pots and indoor gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Coral-red flowers. Perky triangular blooms in a bright coral-red, with a cream spike in the centre, stand out against dark green.
• Arrow-shaped leaves. Large, glossy, dark green leaves give a different outline from the usual heart shape.
• A compact habit. It is a neat plant that does not sprawl, which suits borders and containers.
• Two flowering seasons. Flowers return in spring and autumn.
• Shade tolerant. Anthuriums flower in shade, so this one gives colour to spots that other red flowers cannot handle.

Where it works best

Tropical borders. Plant 60cm apart as a border or underplanting. The dark arrow-shaped leaves create depth beneath taller plants.

Containers. Use a pot with drainage holes in bright, filtered light, and keep the mix evenly moist.

Indoor gardens. It flowers in shade, so a bright room away from direct sun and draughts suits it well.

Growing Great Red Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. A sheltered position, out of direct sunlight. Great Red needs protection from frost and plenty of water in dry periods, so it grows outdoors only in tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it in a pot and provide bright, filtered light indoors.

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 established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it well watered in dry periods. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring, and liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half strength.

Pruning. Remove spent flowers and tired leaves at the base. Wipe indoor leaves with a damp cloth, and re-pot at the beginning of spring. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so avoid contact with skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Great Red 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. Expect a small young plant. Anthuriums are slow growing when young, so be patient. 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

• Browse tropical plants
• Indoor flowering plants
• Indoor exotic plants guide
• Plants for tropical climates

Common questions

What shape are the leaves?

They are large and arrow-shaped, dark green and glossy, which sets this variety apart from the heart shaped leaves of many other anthuriums.

How much water does it need?

Keep it evenly moist, and give it plenty of water during dry periods. It does best in humid conditions.

Is Great Red toxic?

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