Anthurium

The anthurium is the most dramatic tropical flower we work with at Flower Icon. A waxy, heart-shaped spathe — lacquered red, white, pink, or deep burgundy — with a central spadix that gives the flower its distinctive, sculptural quality. Anthuriums do not look like they came from a garden. They look like they were designed. This makes them one of the most striking choices for modern arrangements, corporate settings, and anyone who wants a lasting floral presence without the fragility of traditional flowers. The anthurium flower is also among the longest-lasting cut blooms available — weeks, not days.

What Makes Anthurium Different

The anthurium holds up better than almost any other cut flower. Where roses lose petals and tulips droop within a week, an anthurium simply stands — upright, glossy, and bold — for weeks. The spathe (the heart-shaped surface most people think of as the petal) is actually a waxy, modified leaf rather than a true petal. This structure is what gives anthuriums their extraordinary durability: it does not dry out or lose moisture the way a delicate floral petal does.

The visual effect is modern and deliberately unusual. An anthurium arrangement reads more like contemporary art than traditional floristry — which makes it a strong choice for people who do not usually think of themselves as "flower people." It suits clean, modern interiors in a way that rose arrangements often do not.

The spadix — the finger-like central protrusion — is the actual flower structure. It is what produces pollen and, on some varieties, a faint but pleasant fragrance. Most cut anthuriums have minimal fragrance, which makes them an excellent choice for settings where strong floral scent is unwanted: offices, hospital rooms, some homes.

Anthurium Care: Florist's Guide

1. Minimal maintenance required
Unlike most cut flowers, anthuriums do not require frequent recutting or daily water changes to stay fresh. Their tough, waxy structure holds moisture largely independently of what is happening at the stem base — making them genuinely low-maintenance in a way most flowers are not.

2. Use warm or room-temperature water
Anthuriums are tropical and prefer warmer water temperatures. Cold water can shock the stem base and accelerate browning. Room temperature water is ideal throughout the vase life.

3. Shallow water only
5–10cm of water is sufficient. Deep water encourages stem rot rather than extending vase life — exactly the opposite of most flower advice. Check and top up the water every few days rather than overfilling.

4. Keep warm — away from cold draughts
Unlike most cut flowers that prefer cool environments, anthuriums are tropical and actually fare better at room temperature. Keep them away from air conditioning vents, cold windows in winter, and any source of cold draught.

5. Wipe the spathe occasionally
Over several weeks, the glossy surface will accumulate dust and lose some of its lacquered appearance. A light wipe with a slightly damp cloth restores the finish and removes any discolouration.

6. Recut stems once a week for extended vase life
If your anthurium is lasting beyond two weeks — which is common — a fresh stem cut and water change once a week will push the vase life further. Many anthuriums reach 3–4 weeks with this treatment.

How Long Do Anthuriums Last?

Anthuriums are among the longest-lasting cut flowers available, full stop. With basic care — room temperature water, warm environment, occasional water changes — they typically last 2–4 weeks. Some specimens in ideal conditions last considerably longer. This makes them a strong choice for situations where you want a lasting floral presence without frequent replacement: a long-running event, a hotel lobby, a home arrangement that should still look good in three weeks.

Anthurium Varieties Worth Knowing

Standard red anthurium — the most recognised variety. Deep, lacquered red with a yellow-white spadix. Bold, tropical, and immediately striking.

White anthurium — the most versatile. White or cream spathe with a contrasting yellow spadix. Pairs with almost everything and suits formal occasions where red would read as too assertive.

Obake anthurium — a large, bi-color variety with distinctive green edges fading to white, pink, or red. More unusual than standard varieties and highly sought after for statement arrangements.

Tulip anthurium — a smaller variety where the spathe wraps more tightly around the spadix, creating a tulip-like shape rather than the flat, open heart. More delicate in character than standard anthuriums.

Anthurium in Bouquets and Arrangements

Anthuriums work best in modern, architectural arrangements rather than traditional mixed bouquets. A single anthurium in a bud vase is a complete and sufficient statement. In a mixed arrangement, they pair well with monstera leaves, birds of paradise, tall eucalyptus branches, and other bold tropical forms that share their confident scale and character.

For corporate settings or gifts that need to last without daily attention — a new office, a hotel lobby arrangement, a long-running event installation — anthuriums are the practical choice. They look expensive and hold up without maintenance.

Colour matters significantly. Deep red is the most striking and traditional. White is the most versatile. Pale pink reads as soft and sophisticated. Near-black or deep burgundy varieties are rare, extraordinary, and the most visually dramatic option available.

Order Anthurium Arrangements in San Francisco

Flower Icon sources anthuriums year-round. If you would like a custom anthurium arrangement — for a corporate setting, a modern home, a long-lasting gift, or an event — we are happy to discuss varieties and design. Same-day delivery available across San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Shop arrangements → Contact us →