The Anthurium genus, commonly recognized as the Flamingo Flower or Laceleaf, encompasses hundreds of species prized for their striking, tropical appearance. Though often mistaken for large petals, the glossy, waxy, heart-shaped structure is actually a modified leaf called a spathe. This spathe serves as a prominent background for the central, tail-like spike known as the spadix, which holds the plant’s multitude of tiny, true flowers. The remarkable diversity within the genus is evident not only in the wide spectrum of spathe colors but also in the dramatic structural variations of their foliage.
Categorizing Primary Flowering Colors
The most widely cultivated anthuriums, primarily derived from Anthurium andraeanum hybrids, feature a classic palette of vibrant, solid colors. The classic red anthurium remains the most popular, often exhibiting a deep, lacquer-like sheen on its spathe. The intense color in red and pink varieties is attributed to the presence of anthocyanin pigments.
Pink anthuriums range from subtle, pale blush tones to rich, deep magenta. The depth of color correlates directly to the concentration of anthocyanin compounds. White anthuriums offer a clean, elegant contrast, with their spathes often set against a pale yellow or creamy green spadix.
The intensity of these primary colors is significantly influenced by the plant’s light exposure. Insufficient light can lead to a noticeable fading of the spathe color, sometimes causing it to revert to a duller, greenish hue. Growers maintain color vibrancy by providing bright, indirect light. When the blooms begin to age, the spathe commonly develops green streaks as the flower’s life cycle concludes.
Unique and Specialized Color Forms
Specialized breeding has introduced a range of highly sought-after color variations beyond the common red, pink, and white forms. Among the most dramatic are the deep burgundy or near-black cultivars, which present spathes that appear almost ebony under certain lighting. These dark colors result from extremely high concentrations of deep red-purple anthocyanins, often giving the spathe a rich, chocolate-colored appearance.
Green anthurium spathes range from a bright chartreuse to a true emerald green and are frequently utilized in modern floral designs. Hybridizers have also successfully introduced purple and lavender tones. This is achieved by manipulating factors that influence the hue expressed by the anthocyanin pigments within the spathe cells.
A distinct group of specialized hybrids are the bi-color and speckled varieties, often referred to as ‘Obake’ anthuriums. These cultivars feature large, wavy spathes that display two or more colors, such as a green perimeter blending into a pink or red center. This creates a painterly, transitional effect with complex patterning.
Foliage Varieties Defined by Leaf Structure
A separate category of Anthurium varieties is cultivated primarily for their spectacular leaves rather than their inconspicuous spathes, which are often small and green. These foliage types are popular among collectors due to their distinct textures and striking venation patterns. The defining feature of these varieties is often a velvety, non-glossy leaf surface, which provides a dramatic backdrop for contrasting colors.
The velvet-leaf group includes species like Anthurium clarinervium and Anthurium crystallinum, both known for their deeply contrasting silver or white veins. A. clarinervium features a thick, leathery, heart-shaped leaf with bold venation. In contrast, A. crystallinum leaves are thinner and more elongated, with a shimmering texture that makes the silvery venation appear more delicate.
Other foliage types focus on structural complexity, such as Anthurium luxurians, which exhibits deeply ribbed or corrugated leaves that give the surface a highly textured, almost diamond-like appearance. Species like Anthurium veitchii, known as the King Anthurium, are prized for their immense, elongated leaves that hang downward and feature prominent, accordion-like ribbing. In these foliage-focused plants, the spathes are secondary, often small, pale, and green.