Fabulous Flowers

Bring a tropical look indoors with this pretty houseplant.

It's easy to mistake this plant for a peace lily with pink blooms. But don't be fooled. These island-in-the-sun flowers are actually anthuriums, aka flamingo flowers. "They give you a tropical feel indoors, like being on a Hawaiian vacation," says Nancy McDonald, a professional grower in Mount Dora, Florida. In short, this is the ideal houseplant for summer.

Glossy, deep green foliage surrounds flowers in shades of pink, red, coral, purple, or white. "The lure of anthuriums is the color options," Nancy says. "A peace lily is white, white, white, but there are incredible shades of anthuriums." As the plant matures, old blooms fade and new ones open in lush hues. The result is a plant with an ever-changing palette.

Size also factors into an anthurium's appeal. Large plants in 8- or 10-inch containers make great focal points in blank spaces, while a small selection turns an ordinary tabletop into a miniature South Seas paradise.

Grow Like a Pro

Besides stunning foliage and colorful blooms, these beauties entice you with their easy care requirements. As owner of NGM Productions, which grows anthuriums and other plants, Nancy has these helpful hints.

* Light: Place the plant in a very bright location but not direct sun. An east window works well. If a plant stops blooming, move it to brighter light.

* Water: Good drainage is a must. These plants are tropical. They're used to the rain forest, where water runs through them. But indoors, you can overwater an anthurium. Water your plant when it's dry, and allow the moisture to drain away from the pot. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.

* Pots: If your anthurium appears crowded in its container but seems to be thriving, don't change a thing. They like tight shoes-and dry feet.

-ELLEN RUOFF RILEY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2006
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