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Anthurium Care Guide

Anthuriums are striking tropical cut flowers known for their glossy, heart-shaped spathes and bold, architectural appearance. They are popular for modern weddings, luxury arrangements, tropical designs and contemporary styling. 

Anthuriums are available in a wide range of colours and sizes, from classic red and white varieties to softer pink, peach, green, brown and purple tones. Their long vase life and sculptural shape make them especially useful for statement floristry. 

 

Key Information about Anthurium

Availability: Generally available all year round

Vase life: Approximately 14 to 28 days

Colour Range: White, lemon, red, pink, purple, brown, green as well as bicoloured varieties 

Family: Araceae

Form: Round

Best for: Tropical designs, modern bouquets, event flowers, installations and contemporary wedding flowers 

Fun Fact: The colourful, glossy part commonly described as the flower is actually a modified leaf called a spathe. The true flowers are found on the central spike. 

 

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When Should I Order Anthurium?

 

We recommend delivery 2-3 days before your event. Anthuriums do not need to open in the same way as many traditional flowers, but they should still be allowed time to hydrate and recover after travelling before they are arranged. Anthuriums are tropical flowers and must be kept warmer than most other cut flowers. Do not place them in a standard flower cooler. 

 

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Step-by-step Conditioning Guide

To get the best from your wholesale Anthuriums, please read the care instructions carefully: 

1. Carefully remove the Anthuriums from their box and protective packaging. Handle each flower individually to avoid marking or bruising the glossy spathe. 

2. Most Anthuriums arrive with a small water bottle or vial attached to the bottom of the stem. Remove and store the vials for later use (or dispose of it properly). 

3. Fill buckets of fresh, clean water. 

4. Flower food is not essential for Anthuriums. When conditioning them alongside other flower varieties, correctly measured flower food can be added to support the other flowers. 

5. Place the Anthuriums into the buckets, making sure the flower heads are properly supported and are not pressed against each other. 

6. Leave the Anthuriums to condition overnight before arranging. 

7. Store in a warm, low-lit environment. A centrally heated home or warm room is suitable. 

8. Avoid excessive humidity, as this may damage the flowers. Never leave cut flowers in direct sunlight, near a radiator, in a draught or close to ripening fruit. Keep out of reach of children. 

 

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Common Problems & Solutions

Blackening or Dark Marks: Black or dark marks on the Anthuriums often are a result of being exposed to cold temperatures. Move the flowers into a warmer environment and keep them in a centrally heated or warm room. Unfortunately, severe cold damage is permanent. Never store Anthuriums in a standard flower cooler, cold garage or vehicle. 

Marked or Bruised Flowers: The glossy spathe can mark easily if it is pressed, folded or handled roughly. Handle each flower with care and support the flower heads when moving it. Avoid overcrowding whilst in the flower buckets or allowing the flower heads to rub against one another. Light surface marks may be wiped gently using a clean, soft cloth. Avoid applying pressure or rubbing the flower. 

Short Vase life: A shortened vase life may be caused by low temperatures, bruising, dirty water, excess humidity or placing the flowers into floral foam. Refresh the water, keep the flowers warm and check that the flower heads are properly supported. 

If you continue to experience problems with the Anthuriums, contact the wholesaler for further guidance and/or replacement. 

 

Who is this Guide for?

DIY Customers 

Florists 

Wedding and Event Organisers 

Venue Stylists 

Anyone purchasing wholesale Anthuriums 

Customers creating tropical, modern or contemporary arrangements 

Common Questions

  1. What temperature should Anthuriums be stored at? The optimal temperature for Anthuriums is approximately 15 degrees. They prefer warmer storage than most other cut flowers. Lower temperatures can cause the flowers to wilt, darken or turn black.
  2. Can I refrigerate Anthuriums? No, Anthuriums are tropical flowers and should not be placed in a standard cooler. A warm room or a centrally heated house is more suitable. Keep them away from cold windows, air-conditioning and draughts.
  3. Why are my Anthuriums turning black? Blackening is commonly caused by exposure to temperatures that are too low. Move the flowers into a warmer environment. Cold-damaged areas may not recover.
  4. Can I revive limp Anthuriums? Yes, Anthuriums affected by dehydration may recover. Lightly mist the flowers or submerge them in lukewarm water for a few minutes. Place them back into a clean bucket of fresh water and allow them to rehydrate before arranging.
  5. Do Anthuriums need flower food? Flower food is not necessary for Anthuriums when they are conditioned on their own. When they are being conditioned or arranged with other flower varieties, correctly measured flower food may be used to support the other flowers.
  6. Can I wipe the flower heads? Yes, the glossy spathe can be gently wiped with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid rubbing, pressing, or using household cleaning products, as the flower's surface can be easily bruised or damaged.
  7. Can Anthurium be used in floral foam? Yes, but their vase life may be reduced when they are arranged in floral foam. Make sure the foam is fully saturated before inserting the stems, and keep it topped up with water.
  8. How long do Anthuriums last? Anthuriums generally have a vase life of between 14 to 28 days when they are stored and conditioned correctly. Their longevity will depend on variety, temperature, handling, water cleanliness, and design mechanics used.
  9. What colours are Anthuriums available in? Anthuriums are available in a wide range of colours, including white, lemon, red, pink, purple, brown, and green, as well as bi-coloured varieties. At Christmas, they are available in metallic gold, silver, bronze and red.
  10. How are wholesale Anthuriums supplied? Wholesale Anthuriums are supplied in boxes. The number of stems in each box depends on the size of the flower heads. Larger Anthuriums may be supplied in boxes of approximately 8-10 stems, medium varieties 12-16 stems and smaller varieties 20+ stems.
  11. Which flowers work well with Anthuriums? They pair well with other bold and architectural flowers, including lilies, Eremurus, Calla Lilies, Amaranthus, and Strelitzia.