Wave of Love Bird's Nest Anthurium

Wave of Love Bird's Nest Anthurium (Anthurium plowmanii 'Wave of Love') is grown for its foliage, not its flowers: a rosette of broad, deep green leaves with deeply rippled edges. It reaches about 1m tall and 70cm wide, and it suits tropical gardens, big pots and bright rooms. It is an architectural plant that needs warmth, humidity and a sheltered spot.

Why you'll love it

• Ruffled, dramatic leaves. Each long leaf has a wavy, ruffled edge, so the rosette looks sculpted even when nothing is in flower.
• A collector's plant. In Indonesia around 2008 to 2010 this anthurium was such a craze that single plants sold for extraordinary sums. It is now far more affordable.
• Red seeds instead of showy flowers. It does not flower in the usual anthurium way. It forms a spike with red seeds, which adds a little colour to the foliage.
• Shrub like presence. At about 1m tall it gives a pot or a shady bed height and structure that smaller anthuriums cannot.
• Garden, pot or room. It works as underplanting in a tropical bed, in a large container, or indoors in bright light.

Where it works best

Tropical feature planting. In a frost free, humid garden, use it as a single feature or plant 70cm apart for a layered, leafy border beneath taller plants.

Large pots and indoors. A generous container with good drainage suits the rosette and makes a strong centrepiece for a shaded patio, courtyard or bright room. Allow space for the leaves to arch out, and keep it away from cold draughts.

Growing Wave of Love Bird's Nest Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, filtered light, with perhaps four hours of gentle sun, and shelter from hot midday sun and wind. It likes warm, humid conditions and must be protected from frost and cold, so outdoors it belongs in the tropics and frost free subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors.

Soil. Light and free draining but rich in organic matter. In a pot, use a good quality potting mix and mulch outdoor plants to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and provide plenty of water in dry periods. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed every two to four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half strength.

Pruning. None is needed beyond removing old or damaged leaves at the base. Wipe indoor leaves with a damp cloth to keep them glossy, and repot container plants at the start of spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Wave of Love Bird's Nest Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. It starts as a small plant with only a few leaves and builds into a rosette with time. 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. Pot it up promptly, water it in and keep it warm and out of direct sun 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

• House and indoor plants
• More tropical plants
• Indoor exotic plants guide
• Designing a tropical garden that stays lush

Common questions

Does Wave of Love flower?

Not in the usual way. It produces a spike with red seeds rather than a showy spathe, so buy it for the leaves.

How much light does it need?

Plenty of bright, filtered light, around four hours of gentle sun, but not hot direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Indoors, a bright room away from the glass works well.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, so grow it where children and pets cannot chew on it.