Variety guide · Anthurium (genus)

Types of Anthurium

Anthurium is the largest genus in Araceae, with more than 1,400 accepted species native from Mexico to tropical America (per Kew’s Plants of the World Online). They split into two cultivated groups: the flowering Anthuriums (A. andraeanum, A. scherzerianum) sold for their colorful waxy spathes, and the foliage Anthuriums (A. clarinervium, A. crystallinum, A. warocqueanum) grown for their dramatic veined leaves.

AnthuriumAnthurium andraeanum

Bright indirect
Top 1" dry
Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)

Family: Araceae
Varieties covered: 2 cultivars and species

How to tell Anthurium varieties apart

Flowering Anthuriums have heart-shaped green leaves and produce bright red, pink, or white "flowers" (actually modified leaves called spathes); NC State Extension says A. andraeanum blooms multiple times a year in the proper conditions. Foliage Anthuriums have larger, velvety, often heart-shaped leaves with prominent white or silver veining and rarely bloom indoors. Both groups need high humidity (60 to 80% for A. andraeanum, per NC State Extension) and chunky aroid mix.

Which Anthurium should you buy?

For colorful flowers: Anthurium andraeanum (red, pink, white spathes). For dramatic foliage in a small space: Anthurium clarinervium. For larger velvet leaves: Anthurium crystallinum. For pendulous, very long leaves: Anthurium warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium). All foliage Anthuriums need high humidity to thrive.

Every Anthurium variety in this guide

Botanical references: Kew Plants of the World Online — Anthurium; NC State Extension — Anthurium andraeanum

For care that applies to all Anthurium varieties — watering, light, repotting, pests — see the Anthurium care guide.