Pigtail Plant Anthurium scherzerianum
Other Common Name(s):
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
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is an orange to red berry.
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
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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
