anthurium matata Anthurium andraeanum 'Matata'

This Flamingo Flower's waxy green leaves mirror the candyfloss-pink bracts around the flowers with their slimmer than usual pointed ovate shapes. The gorgeous colouring of this plant makes it great as a gift - especially since the flowers bloom almost year-round! In their natural habitats, these plants are epiphytic (they grow on trees) so they need to be well-drained rather than waterlogged at the root and benefit from above-average humidity. Don't worry if the roots seem to be climbing out of the pot - this is normal, it's just the plant looking for a tree, but it will be fine staying in its pot. Growing up to a foot (30cm) tall, Flamingo flowers are great compact flowering plants, and this variety's vibrant colours and narrower leaves and bracts help it stand out from the rest.

Scientific Name
Anthurium andraeanum

Common Name
Flamingo Flower, Tailflower, Laceleaf, Painter's Palette

Origin
Native to tropical areas in Colombia and Ecuador

Light
Likes a bright location with an hour of morning or evening sun; a north, noth-west or north-east facing windowsill will be ideal.

Water
Allow a third of the soil to dry out between waterings in spring and summer, and a little more in autumn and winter. Since flamingo flowers are epiphytic, they are not tolerant to waterlogging!

Humidity
Loves high humidity; will benefit from regular misting, especially where it gets a lot of light.

Soil
Plant in well-draining soil; a mix with added bark for drainage would complement its epiphytic nature. Look out for mixes designed for Anthuriums or Orchids. Repot every three years only if absolutely necessary.

Food
Feed every couple of weeks in spring and summer, reduce to every month in autumn and winter. Roots are sensitive so take care with fertilisers which pour directly into the soil.