Flower Library
Anthuriums
Anthurium · Araceae
Anthuriums are the longest-lasting cut flower around — 2–4 weeks in the vase is normal, some varieties last a month. Their waxy-glossy spathe (what looks like a petal) and the yellow spike in the centre make them unmistakable.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 14–28 days
- Latin name
- Anthurium
- Colors
- Red, White, Pink, Green, Black-burgundy, Bicolor
Anthuriums read modern and graphic. For a classic bouquet mix with soft varieties (lisianthus, eucalyptus). For statement, bind 5–7 anthuriums alone in a cylinder vase.
Popular as business gifts and for receptions — their long life makes them efficient: a bouquet stands 3 weeks in a lobby.
Special varieties: 'Black Beauty' (deep burgundy), 'Tropical Mood' (orange-pink), 'Green King' (green-white). Size classes from mini (5 cm spathe) to XXL (25 cm).
Low maintenance: anthuriums want infrequent water changes, prefer warm-humid air. Direct heater air bothers them less than cold draughts.
Is Anthuriums toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All plant parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion can cause oral irritation and burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap also irritates skin — keep out of reach of pets and children.
Typical symptoms: Burning and swelling in the mouth, heavy drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stem on an angle, place in room-temperature water.
- 02Change water only every 5–7 days (not more often, that shocks).
- 03Location warm (above 18°C), out of cold draughts.
- 04Direct heater air is fine, even preferred — anthuriums like warmth.
- 05Caution: plant sap is skin-irritating, wear gloves when cutting.
Frequently asked
- Are anthuriums beginner-friendly?
- Very — the most long-lived cut flowers around. Also ideal as a houseplant for beginners. Low maintenance, long beauty.
- Why do anthuriums look like plastic?
- The spathe (the showy leaf) has a naturally waxy-glossy surface. Some new varieties enhance this through breeding — the 'plastic' comparison is common but refers to the natural sheen.
- Anthuriums as a newborn gift?
- Better as a potted plant. A potted anthurium lasts 3–6 months for young parents who can't change water daily — very practical.
- How long do anthuriums last in the vase?
- Exceptionally long — 2 to 4 weeks is normal, and robust varieties even manage a full month. That makes them the longest-lasting cut flower of all. Key: change the water only every 5–7 days and keep them warm.
- Are anthuriums toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. All parts of anthuriums contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Chewing causes burning and irritation of the mouth, heavy drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep both the bouquet and any potted plant out of reach of pets.
- When are anthuriums in season?
- Year-round. Anthuriums come from Dutch and Colombian greenhouses and are available in consistent quality all year — there is no real season.