How to Grow Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion
Wikimedia Commons
Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion
Anthurium andraeanum
flowerAnthurium is a tropical flowering plant prized for its distinctive heart-shaped spathes (modified leaves) that come in vibrant red, pink, white, and other colors, along with a prominent spadix (flower spike). These long-lasting blooms can persist for weeks, making them popular as both houseplants and cut flowers. The 'Red Champion' and 'Pink Champion' are cultivars bred for vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12 (tropical climates); grown as houseplant elsewhere
Sign up free to see if Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant with 2-4 leaves developing root system in new potting medium
Keep warm (70-80°F), humid, and in bright indirect light. Water carefully to prevent root rot. Avoid fertilizing until new growth appears.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksPlant produces new leaves regularly; leaf petioles lengthen and plant fills out; no flowers yet
Maintain consistent warmth and humidity. Fertilize monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Support with moss pole if desired. Ensure bright indirect light.
Flowering Initiation
2-4 weeksPlant shows vigor with mature foliage; flower buds begin forming at leaf axils as small green spathes
Continue regular watering and monthly fertilization. Increase phosphorus slightly (e.g., 5-10-5 ratio) to encourage blooming. Maintain humidity and warmth.
Blooming
4-8 weeks per flowerSpathes unfold and color fully (red or pink depending on variety); spadix shows pollen; flowers remain colorful for 4-8 weeks
Keep blooms out of direct sun to maintain color. Continue regular watering without overwatering. Maintain 65-80°F. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks. Support heavy flower stems if needed.
Post-Bloom & Renewal
Ongoing cycles every 6-10 weeksSpathes gradually fade and turn green; berries may form if pollinated; plant begins producing new leaves and flower buds again
Remove spent spathes to encourage continuous flowering. Maintain consistent care. Prune any damaged foliage. Continue regular watering and feeding.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity, mist foliage regularly, spray with water or neem oil; isolate affected plant
-
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days
-
Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Isolate plant, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity to deter
-
Repot into fresh, well-draining mix; reduce watering; improve air circulation; discard severely affected plants
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryAnthurium is toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals and should never be consumed. [source]
Ornamental houseplant
HouseholdPrized as an attractive indoor plant for living rooms, offices, and commercial spaces; its heart-shaped flowers add tropical elegance to any interior. [source]
Cut flower and floral design
HouseholdWidely used by florists in fresh flower arrangements and bouquets; lasts 2-3 weeks in water and is popular for weddings, events, and decorative purposes. [source]
Air purification
HouseholdAnthurium is noted as a NASA-identified air-purifying plant that removes formaldehyde, ammonia, and other volatile compounds from indoor environments. [source]
Traditional ethnobotanical uses
MedicinalIn tropical regions, various Anthurium species have been used in traditional medicine, though scientific evidence is limited and toxicity concerns exist. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowering stems with sharp scissors or pruners once the spathe is fully colored and the spadix is mature (usually 2-3 weeks after opening). Cut at the base of the petiole. Anthurium flowers last 2-3 weeks in a vase with fresh water changed every few days. Alternatively, enjoy blooms on the plant indefinitely with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The bright 'flower' is actually a modified leaf called a spathe; the true tiny flowers are clustered on the spadix (the finger-like spike), which can produce thousands of individual florets.
- 🌱 Anthurium thrives in warm, humid tropical conditions and is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
- 🌱 The 'Red Champion' and 'Pink Champion' cultivars are modern hybrids bred specifically for intense color, large blooms, and continuous flowering indoors, making them superior to wild species for cultivation.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Anthurium Red Champion / Pink Champion timeline →