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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Alocasia x mortfontanensis Dark metallic green leaves with white veins.
Anthurium Anthurium
Helleborus orientalis Flowers and leaves
Anthurium scherzerianum has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage

Anthurium scherzerianum

Previously known as:

  • Anthurium rothschildianum
  • Anthurium williamsii
Phonetic Spelling
an-THUR-ee-um sher-zer-ee-AY-num
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

The Pigtail Plant is a popular houseplant. It is an evergreen perennial that is native to tropical Costa Rica. The plant is erect and with a clump-forming habit and lance-shaped or narrow oblong, dark green leaves. The bloom has a showy, bright red spathe and an orangish-red corkscrew-like or coiled spadix. This species can grow up to about 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The Pigtail Plant is very similar to another species, Anthurium andraeanum. The difference is that the Pigtail Plant is smaller, has elongated leaves, and a coiled spadix. Both are members of the Arum family (Araceae).

This plant prefers medium to high indirect sunlight, moist well-drained soil, and warm and humid conditions. Too little light will cause the plant to bloom less and grow slower. South or west-facing windows are best. Light and airy soil is required, and water when the soil is dry to the touch. High-phosphorus fertilizer will encourage more blooms, as well as pruning away old spent blooms. Wipe down the leaves of indoor plants periodically to remove dust. It will survive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. It prefers temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It can be repotted every few years, depending on its growth.  

Consider this unique plant for your home or office.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for aphids, scale, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. If ingested, this plant is toxic for pets and humans.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Anthurium.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#houseplant#pink flowers#red flowers#showy leaves#orange flowers#interiorscape#long-lasting flowers#spadix#herbaceous perennial#clumping#humidity tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#tropical feel#clay soils intolerant#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#erect
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#houseplant#pink flowers#red flowers#showy leaves#orange flowers#interiorscape#long-lasting flowers#spadix#herbaceous perennial#clumping#humidity tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#tropical feel#clay soils intolerant#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#erect
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Anthurium
    Species:
    scherzerianum
    Family:
    Araceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Container plant
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Costa Rica
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is an orange to red berry.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Heart-shaped, colorful spathe and coiled orangish-red spadix. The orange bloom may have red, pink, or orange spathes, the sheathing bract that encloses the flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Auriculate
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are moderately thick, linear to elliptic or lanceolate. They are from 2 to 8 inches long and 0.75 to 2.5 inches wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested, oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The sap can cause skin or eye irritation upon contact.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Insoluble calcium oxalates
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems