Purple Arc Anthurium

Purple Arc Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Purple Arc') is a new mini anthurium with glossy dark green leaves and slender, spoon shaped purple flowers on thin stems. It stays small, at 30 to 50cm tall and wide, and flowers through the year rather than in short seasons. It is a bright, unusual choice for indoor rooms and shaded beds in tropical gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Purple spoon shaped flowers. The smooth, teardrop shaped spathes are glossy and bright, and carry darker purple spikes in the centre.
• Flowers held up high. They rise on slender stems above the foliage, so you see them easily instead of hunting for them under the leaves.
• Compact by breeding. As a mini variety it stays 30 to 50cm tall and wide, which fits a windowsill, a desk or a small garden corner.
• Blooms through the year. Where conditions suit, flowers come on and off all year instead of a short burst.
• Easy to place. It lives happily indoors as a houseplant and in shaded beds in tropical gardens.

Where it works best

Indoor pots. Its small stature suits a pot on a side table, bench or bright windowsill out of direct sun. Mist the leaves regularly in dry rooms.

Shaded beds in tropical gardens. In a frost free garden, plant 30cm apart as low underplanting. The purple flowers show well against dark, glossy foliage.

Small spaces. A pair of plants in matching pots makes a neat entry or bathroom display without taking up floor space.

Growing Purple Arc Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position with bright, filtered light and avoid direct sun. It needs warmth and humidity and must be protected from frost, so outdoors it suits tropical and frost free subtropical gardens. In cooler regions, treat it as a houseplant.

Soil. A light, free draining and organic rich mix. Mulch garden plantings and water regularly until the plant is established.

Water and feed. Keep the soil moist but never soggy, especially in dry periods. Anthuriums thrive in humid conditions, so mist regularly. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and half strength liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in the warmer months.

Pruning. Remove spent flowers and old leaves at the base. Indoors, wipe dust from the leaves with a damp cloth, and repot at the start of spring when the pot fills with roots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Purple Arc Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes well once potted on. Plants grow slowly when young and are propagated by tissue culture, so you are buying a small plant that will build over a season or two. The tube is supplied by our grower and is not on offer every week. A sold out tube means the grower has none at present, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

It travels upright and settles quickly in warmth. Unpack it promptly and keep it in bright, indirect light while it adjusts.

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
• Plants for small gardens
• Tropical plants
• Keeping indoor plants alive

Common questions

How big does Purple Arc get?

It is a mini variety that reaches 30 to 50cm in height and width, much smaller than the standard red anthuriums.

Does it need misting?

Anthuriums thrive in humid conditions, and misting regularly helps in dry rooms. A tray of damp pebbles under the pot also lifts the humidity around the leaves.

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so keep it out of reach of pets and children, and avoid skin contact with the sap.