King of Hearts Anthurium

King of Hearts Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'King of Hearts') is the big leafed, big flowered anthurium, and it suits shady frost free gardens and bright rooms equally well. It grows 60 to 80cm tall and about 60cm wide, with large glossy heart shaped leaves and red spathes that last for weeks. Choose it when you want presence rather than a dainty pot plant.

Why you'll love it

• Large glossy leaves. The heart shaped foliage is the backbone of the plant, so it looks good between flushes of flower.
• Big red blooms. Each red spathe is large and glossy, and the flowers last well on the plant and as a cut flower in a vase.
• Flowers in shade. Anthuriums bloom in bright filtered light, which gives you flower colour in spots where most flowering plants sulk.
• A manageable size. At 60 to 80cm it fills a corner of a bed, a verandah or a room without crowding it.

Where it works best

Tropical borders and underplanting. In a humid, frost free garden, plant 50cm apart beneath taller foliage so the big leaves just meet. The layering gives a lush, jungle floor look.

Containers and indoors. A pot with drainage holes lets you control the water and move the plant into shelter. Choose a bright room out of direct sun, away from cold draughts and air conditioning.

Growing King of Hearts Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Sheltered and out of direct sun, with bright, filtered light for the longest flowering. It wants warmth and humidity and is not frost hardy, so outdoors it belongs in the tropics and the warmest frost free subtropics. Elsewhere, grow it indoors.

Soil. Loose, free draining and rich in organic matter, whether in the ground or in a pot of quality potting mix. Mulch outdoor plants to hold moisture around the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, then keep it moist through dry spells. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed every two to four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Very little is needed. Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves at the base, wipe dust from the foliage with a damp cloth, and repot container plants at the start of spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell King of Hearts Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that settles in readily once potted on or planted into a sheltered spot. Anthuriums grow slowly when young, so expect a small plant that builds leaves before it flowers. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

It travels upright and snug. Unpack it promptly, water it in and keep it out of direct sun and cold draughts while it settles.

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 for bright rooms
• More tropical plants
• Growing tropical foliage at home
• Designing a lush tropical garden

Common questions

Is King of Hearts Anthurium safe for pets and children?

No. The leaves contain a poisonous substance and contact with the sap can irritate skin. Keep it out of reach of pets and children, handle it with gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it bright, filtered light, steady moisture and warmth, and repot at the start of spring.

How much humidity does it need?

Anthuriums thrive in humid conditions. In a dry room, group it with other plants or stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, and keep it away from heaters and air conditioners.