Anthurium (flamingo flower)
Anthurium scherzeranum (Araceae)
Also called Flamingo Lily, Tail Flower, Oilcloth Flower, Pigtail Plant, Painter's Pallet.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Insoluble calcium oxalates.
Signs to watch for: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing
Source: ASPCA entry "Flamingo Flower", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Indoors it needs medium to high indirect light; NC State suggests south- or west-facing windows but warns direct sun can scorch the leaves. Too little light slows growth and reduces flowering.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Water when the soil is dry to the touch; overwatering can cause root rot.
Likes warmth (60 °F or above) and humidity; with bright indirect light it can bloom nearly year-round (NC State, UF/IFAS).
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Boston fern bright indirect light
- Cape primrose (Streptocarpus) bright indirect light
- Christmas cactus bright indirect light
- Earth star (Cryptanthus) bright indirect light
- Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Flamingo Flower"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Anthurium scherzerianum"
- Light and care: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, "Anthuriums"