Lipstick Red Anthurium

Lipstick Red Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Lipstick Red') is the dark and dramatic one: rich red spathes around a wine red spike, set against large glossy heart shaped leaves. It grows 60 to 80cm tall and about 60cm wide, flowers in spring and autumn, and suits shady tropical gardens, pots and bright rooms.

Why you'll love it

• A dark centre. Most anthuriums carry a white or yellow spike. Lipstick Red has a large burgundy one, which gives each flower a deep, velvety contrast.
• Two flushes a year. Blooms come in spring and autumn, and each one holds its shape and colour for a long time.
• Exceptional vase life. Cut stems can last around three weeks in water, so a pot of Lipstick Red doubles as a source of flowers for the house.
• Glossy evergreen leaves. The large heart shaped foliage stays handsome through the year, flowers or not.
• Happy in shade. It flowers in bright filtered light, so it colours up spots that sun lovers would refuse.

Where it works best

Shady borders in tropical gardens. Use it as underplanting beneath palms and shrubs in a frost free garden. Plant 50cm apart and the broad leaves overlap into a rich dark green layer.

Pots and indoor rooms. The dark spikes look good against pale walls and glazed pots. Keep it in a bright spot out of direct sun, with good drainage in the pot.

Cut flowers for the home. Take a bloom with a long stem and the red spathe will outlast most supermarket bunches.

Growing Lipstick Red Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. A sheltered position with bright, filtered light, never direct sun. It needs warmth and humidity and must be protected from frost, so outdoors it suits the tropics and frost free subtropical gardens. In cooler regions it is an indoor plant.

Soil. Light, free draining soil with plenty of organic matter, or quality potting mix in a container. Mulch outdoor plantings so the roots stay evenly moist.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it moist in dry periods. Slow release fertiliser in spring plus half strength liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks through the warm months keeps it flowering.

Pruning. Cut spent flower stems and old leaves at the base. Indoors, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to bring back the shine, and repot at the start of spring if the roots fill the pot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lipstick Red Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. Anthuriums grow slowly when young and come from tissue culture, so the plant arrives small and spends its first season building roots and leaves. 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.

Plants travel upright and are best unpacked and potted up promptly. Give the first few weeks in a warm, humid, shaded spot and avoid cold draughts.

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

• Flowering plants for indoors
• Plants for partial shade
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• How to keep indoor plants alive

Common questions

What makes Lipstick Red different from other red anthuriums?

The spike. Where most red anthuriums have a white or yellow spadix, this one has a large dark burgundy spike, which makes the flower look richer and deeper.

When does it flower?

In spring and autumn. Bright filtered light, regular feeding in the warmer months and steady moisture all help it flower well.

Is it poisonous?

Yes. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so grow it away from areas where children and pets play, and avoid contact with the sap on your skin.