Anthurium andreanum ‘Deep Red’, also known as the Deep Red Flamingo Flower or Painter’s Palette, is a striking tropical houseplant from the Araceae family, prized for its bold, glossy foliage and intense, long-lasting blooms. Native to the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador, this elegant plant brings colour, luxury, and vibrancy to interiors all year round.

The large, heart-shaped “flowers” are actually spathes — waxy, modified leaves that can last for several months. In ‘Deep Red’, these spathes are a rich, velvety crimson, offset beautifully by a contrasting yellow spadix (the flower spike at the centre). The plant’s lush, deep green leaves form a dense rosette at the base, creating the perfect backdrop for its jewel-toned blooms.

Sophisticated and easy to care for, Anthurium ‘Deep Red’ makes a stunning statement piece for modern homes, offices, and conservatories — combining tropical elegance with enduring beauty.

Anthurium andreanum ‘Deep Red’ – Care Guide

Light

Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while low light may reduce flowering. A bright room with filtered light is ideal to maintain both healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.

Watering

Keep the soil lightly moist, watering when the top 2–3 cm feels dry. Do not allow the plant to sit in water, as Anthuriums are prone to root rot. In winter, reduce watering slightly while keeping the compost just damp.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Prefers warmth, 20–28°C. Avoid cold draughts and temperatures below 15°C.

• Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity (60–80%). Mist regularly, use a pebble tray, or place near other tropical plants to maintain moisture around the foliage.

Soil and Potting

Use a light, airy, and free-draining mix — peat-free compost blended with orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir works best. Repot every 1–2 years in spring to refresh nutrients and encourage new blooms.

Feeding

Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser, diluted to half strength, to promote flowering. Do not feed during winter dormancy.

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove spent blooms and any yellowing leaves at the base to encourage new growth. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their glossy sheen.

Growth and Maturity

A compact, upright plant that typically reaches 40–60 cm in height. Under the right conditions, it can bloom multiple times a year, with each flower lasting up to 8–12 weeks.

Common Issues

• Brown tips or edges: Low humidity or chemical build-up from hard water — use filtered or rainwater.

• Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.

• Few or no flowers: Insufficient light or lack of feeding.

• Pests: Occasionally aphids, thrips, or mealybugs.

Background and Benefits

Anthurium andreanum is native to tropical South America and has been cultivated for over a century as a symbol of hospitality, abundance, and love. The ‘Deep Red’ cultivar stands out for its intense, velvet-like red blooms that convey a sense of richness and warmth.

Besides its beauty, the Anthurium also serves as a mild air purifier, filtering indoor air while adding a touch of tropical luxury to any space.

✅ Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect; avoid harsh direct sunlight

• Water: Lightly moist; allow topsoil to dry slightly

• Temperature: 20–28°C; avoid below 15°C

• Humidity: High (60–80%)

• Soil: Light, free-draining aroid mix

• Feed: Every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer

• Growth: Upright, 40–60 cm; deep red, heart-shaped spathes and glossy green leaves

⚠️ Toxicity Note: Like all Anthuriums, ‘Deep Red’ is toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

🌿 Styling Tip:
Place Anthurium ‘Deep Red’ in a decorative pot with warm neutral tones or metallic finishes to accentuate its velvety crimson blooms. It pairs beautifully with lush green foliage plants like Ficus ‘Belize’ or Philodendron ‘Brasil’ for a rich, tropical aesthetic.