Everything you need to know about

Anthurium

The impactful Anthuriums are a true tropical treasure. There are few cut flowers that are so attention-grabbing yet versatile. This is particularly true with the ever-increasing range of colours, shapes, and sizes. Anthuriums were once synonymous with bold, unusual designs; however, they now provide far greater freedom of choice and can be used within a whole range of designs.

So whether you’re looking for dainty buttonhole flowers, a long-lasting carefree flower for a boho selection, or that more typical exotic feel, Anthuriums can provide it all. It’s hardly any wonder that they have gained and retained such popularity in the flower world.

We challenge even the most experienced florist not to gain intriguing insights and practical knowledge from the information we’re about to share. So if you’re ready to be allured by the amazing anthurium, let’s begin.

What we'll cover:

General Anthurium Cut Flower Information

How it looks:

All Anthurium ‘flower heads’ consist of a smooth spathe from which a central spike protrudes. The flowers are always supplied fully open and are generally flat in appearance, although the veins in the flower heads (spathe/bract) vary with some being visually striking. These veins can also create a distinctive puckered effect that can influence the shape of the flower. Each head sits proudly on a smooth slender stem.

The bold, striking, glossy appearance of some Anthuriums often has them mistaken for artificial flowers. While many people envision Anthuriums as having large heart-shaped flower heads on long stems, this is a simplistic view. The range of Anthuriums available is extraordinary.

They feature different size heads and stem lengths. The shape of the flowers vary from heart-shaped, broad ovate, or a combination of the two. The colour range is vast and truly remarkable.

With all this diversity, some flowers are bold to the point of being brash, while others are dainty and possess a wild look, making them incredibly versatile. The variety of Anthuriums is in constant flux due to ongoing breeding and the development of new varieties.

Grouping of Anthuriums:

Despite the wide variations of Anthurium cut flowers they are all placed within the single Anthurium product group 1 01 012 03 by VBN (the Dutch Flower Auctions Association).

Full disclosure regarding Anthurium Product Group

For full disclosure there is a further two Anthurium product groups.

- Historically there has been: Anthurium Andreanum Per Bunch 1 01 012 04 This specifically refers to ‘Anthurium Andreanum Per Bunch’ which consist of bunches containing 3 flowers and one leaf. We seldom see these for sale. It’s worth noting that these bunches are not Anthurium flowers in Flowpacks – sealed clear sleeves (which are supplied by the box, but some suppliers may sell by the sleeve) this is just a different form of packing Anthuriums in the 1 01 012 03 product group. Nor are they small headed Anthuriums that come in a bucket of water. Again this is just a different type of packaging. Packaging isn’t usually relevant to the grouping of flowers as it’s not a flower characteristic.
- Anthurium (leaf) 1 01 012 05 is the final product group. However, as the name suggests this is a category for Anthurium leaves only.

Tell me more about 'Product Groups'

Group codes:
Whilst each flower and plant variety has it’s own product code they are classified into product groups. Each product group has a separate VBN group code. Categorising plants and flowers into groups with similar characteristics, is helpful on many levels; grading criteria and checks, and recording statistical information being just a couple.

As an example:
Gerbera large flowered (grp 10100601) is a different group to Gerbera large flowered spider shaped (grp 10100607). Gerbera mini (grp 10100602) is a different group to Gerbera mini spider shaped (grp 10100608). Whilst each Gerbera group have many similar characteristics, they also have important differences, hence the different product groups.

Just some of the

Anthurium Varieties

See Anthurium in the Webshop

Whilst there is only one product group for all Anthuriums, despite how diverse their appearance can be, there are terms that can be used to describe the different shaped heads. This is the case for both cut flowers and flowers on Anthurium plants.

We’ve used these descriptive terms to share some of the Anthurium varieties below. Although these represent only a fraction of the vast range of Anthurium varieties available.

These helpful categorisations are used by growers and publicised by anthuriuminfo.com but not everyone is familiar with them.

Some example of heart shaped Anthurium varieties:

Anthurium Amigo Improved

Anthurium Ecstasy

Anthurium Rembrandt Purple

Anthurium Showtime

Anthurium Danielle

Anthurium Pink Jesolo

Anthurium Cognac

The most popular and traditional shape of an Anthurium is the heart-shaped flower. Although these come in many shapes, sizes and colours.

Some example of Cup-shaped, Tulip, Ribbon & Calyx Anthurium varieties:

Anthurium Peruzzi

Cup-shaped

Anthurium Lumina

Ribbon-shaped

Anthurium Previa

Tulip-shaped with a tone-on-tone spadix/spike

Anthurium Cerato

Cup-shaped, with tone-on-tone spadix/spike

Anthurium Alero

Calyx shape

Anthurium Xavia

Tulip-shaped with a tone-on-tone spadix/spike

Anthurium Scoop

Tulip-shaped. The ONLY Anthurium without a spadix/spike

Cup-shaped: This is exactly what the Dutch call this type of flower shape; they explain it as “a literal translation of its English name”.

Tulip-shaped: As the name suggests, the shape of these Anthuriums resembles a tulip.

Ribbon-shaped: The narrow ribbon-shape of their flowers is often accompanied by a slight twist or curl, adding to their elegance.

Calyx-shaped: These Anthuriums are less flat than most; their shape is a partial cone, or as the name suggests, a calyx.

Some example of Lovely's Varieties:

Anthurium Black Love

Anthurium Princess Amalia Elegance

Anthurium Violet Heart

Anthurium Fantasy Love

Cup-shaped, with tone-on-tone spadix/spike

Anthurium Pure Orange

Anthurium Snowy

Anthurium Peachy

The Lovely’s are the small-flowered cut anthuriums. They are exclusive to the Anthogether Anthurium grower association group made up of six growers that have approximate 210,000 m2 of nursery and production area between them.

→ Discover more about the Lovely Anthurium here.

Some example of the VIP Toppings range of Anthuriums:

Anthurium Holographic

Anthurium Oxidised Copper

Anthurium Winter Wonderland Champagne

Part of a seasonal range

Anthurium Latte

A matt effect

Anthurium Danielle

Anthurium Satin Violet

Part of a wide 'Satin' colour range

Anthurium Bubblegum

VIP Anthuriums have each been airbrushed by hand to create these unique effects. We have shared a few of the range available. Soft tints, holographic and satin effects and joined by seasonal additions. View VIP Anthuriums here. Or shop for the current range of VIP Anthuriums here. A wider range of VIP Anthuriums can be pre-ordered here.

Number of Varieties:

There are currently around 235 different varieties of commercial Anthurium cut flowers being traded, with 636 having been register to date. As with all flowers, some varieties are superseded by new breeds which are developed and added to the selection available all the time.

It’s also worth noting that this number doesn’t include tinted and dyed varieties (some of which are featured above).

Classification Names:

Family: Araceae

Genus: Anthurium

Species:

Whilst there are many species of Anthurium the two main varieties used for cut flowers (and the hybridisation and breeding of Anthurium cut flower) are:

Anthurium Scherzerianum
Anthurium Andreanum

Common Names:

Flamingo flower
Painter’s Palette
Pigtail plant
Tailflower
Laceleaf
Flamingo Lily
Boy Flower
Heart flower
Painted Tongue
Willies on Plates
Heart of Hawaii

Pronunciation

Anthurium are pronounced: an-THUR-ee-uhm

Fragrant:

No, commercial Anthuriums varieties are not fragrant.

Vase life:

← – 14 – 20 days – →

Available in these Colours:

White: from pure white to Ivory and lemon shades
White and green bicolour shades | white with green veins
Green: vibrant to very pale and olive green
White, green & Pink | Salmon | Coral | brown combinations including varieties with highlighted veins
Pink: blush and pastel shades to mid pink, bright pink to raspberry tones
Purple & Lilac
Peach, Apricot & Salmon tones
Orange, burnt orange, red/orange
All shades of red to burgundy, two toned burgundy to bright red.
Red and green combinations
Tan, terracotta, brown, dark brown to black tones
Bicolours (two colours on the same flower) numerous combinations of different colours edging and striping through the flowers
There are also a range Anthuriums that are dyed through airbrushing (we illustrated some above) these gives an even greater range of colours which will likely adapt with colour trends.
With faux colour Anthuriums too, there are very few colours that are unavailable.

Anthurium availability throughout the year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Natural Season:

Anthuriums are not associated with any specific season. In their countries of origin, they flower consistently throughout the year due to the warm climates.

Anthuriums originated from

Anthurium originates from the Anthuriums are native to the lush, tropical forests of Central and South America. Particularly in countries like Colombia and Ecuador where they thrive in the warm, humid environments that are ideal for Anthurium’s growth.

Write the name of the country or location of origins. can add some more info about when they were brought over etc. if required.

Florist Information

Product Group Number:

10101203

More about Product Group Number

Group codes:
Whilst each flower and plant variety has it’s own product code they are classified into different product groups. Each product group has a separate VBN group code. Categorising plants and flowers into groups with similar characteristics, is helpful on many levels; grading criteria and checks, and recording statistical information being just a couple.

Current Number of Varieties:

There are currently 235 cut flower varieties of Anthurium with product codes, enabling them to be traded through the Dutch flower auctions (or directly from growers). However, to date 636 Anthurium varieties have been registered with PlantScope, the comprehensive database of all global floriculture products.

Commercially available from:

The 1980’s become more easily available in the 1990’s

(The first varieties were registered in January 1988)

Shape & Visual texture:

Shape: Round form

(Whilst they aren’t ’round’ they do have a bold form that draws the eye. Please see the section below for further clarification.)

The sections in varieties shares other terms that reflect their shape too.

More about flower shape

Shape and form are terms that are often used together but have two different meanings. Form is three-dimensional with width, height and depth. Whereas a shape is two-dimensional. As an example a tennis ball (or Craspedia head) have a spherical form, but a round shape.

Whilst most flowers have a three-dimensional form within floristry they are traditionally categorised in three basic ways:

Round – round materials are bold and generally have high visual impact
Line – line materials have directional pull that aids visual movement
Transitional – transitional materials (often called filler flowers) have smaller branching stems or sprays of small flowers. They are used to fill in and act as stepping stones between line and round materials

These are the categories we have used within this section.

Visual texture: Glossy

More about visual texture

Texture is the surface appearance and feel of any object, in our instance a flower or plant material. There are two main categories of texture: Actual texture – the feel of something, and Visual texture – the way it looks. We are focusing our information on the ‘Visual texture’.

The visual texture is when something’s appearance gives the impression of the texture without having to touch it. Whilst there could be many ways of describing a visual texture we have limited ours to: Waxy e.g. Hoya or Cymbidium, Rough e.g. eryngium, Glossy e.g. anthurium, Velvety e.g. celosia, Lacy e.g. Ammi majus, or fluffy e.g. Ageratum houstonianum. Whilst there could be countless descriptions of textures, we have selected these as they are stated in the Professional Floristry Manual Edited by Lynda Owen and published by the British Florist Association.

Florists appreciate the importance of visual texture of flowers and plant materials it adds impact, interest and contrast to a design.

Plant type:

Perennial

Inflorescences & Stem type:

Inflorescences: Most of what is perceived as the “flower” of an Anthurium is, in fact, not a flower or a petal but a spathe — a large bract, which is a modified leaf. This spathe, sits beneath he spadix, the spike to which the flower clusters are attached. In the case of Anthuriums, these are the bumps that run along the spike, which are completely indistinguishable as anything resembling a traditional flower at all!

About Inflorescences

Inflorescence is the categorised way that the flowers are arranged on a main axis/stalk/peduncle, stalk and by the timing of the flowering.

We will state the type of inflorescence from the following groups:

Single Inflorescence:

Single or solitary – single flower on an upright single stem, it can also be called terminal or axillary flower

Indeterminate Inflorescence:
(Monopodial (racemose) growth where the terminal bud can keep growing and the oldest flowers are at the base or outermost part of the flower and the newest at the top, central or innermost.)

Raceme – Flowers are attached to main stem by short stalk e.g. Antirrhinum, Phalaenopsis
Spike (or sometime called Sessile) – flowers are attached without stalks e.g. gladiolus
Spadix – A type of panicle but the flowers are really tightly packed, often surrounded by a spathe (we usually think of the spathe section as the flower and the spike; that actually is multiple tiny flowers, as a less significant part of the overall flower) e.g. anthurium and Zantedeschia
Panicle – highly branched racemes with multiple clusters on several branches e.g. syringa
Simple Umbel – Flower stalks arise from one point on the stem and are the same length e.g. allium
Compound Umbel – collection of simple umbels e.g. Ammi
Corymb – Flattened top with flowers of different stalk lengths e.g. achillea
Capitulum – a flower head composed of many separate unstalked flowers close together e.g. asters, sunflower, single bloom Chrysanthemum. It looks like one flower, but is actually made up of multiple tiny heads together

Determinate Inflorescence:
(Sympodial (Cymose) growth where the terminal bud flowers first and prevents any further bud being developed on the stem. The oldest flowers are at the top, central or innermost and the newest at the bottom, or outermost.)

Simple Cyme – These can be in different forms but all have the characteristic of the oldest flower being in the innermost section of the stem. e.g. spray chrysanthemum, ranunculus stem etc.
Helicoid Cyme – Successive flower heads are developed along one side of a single axis e.g. freesia
Scorpioid Cyme – Successive flower heads are developed from alternate sides of a single axis e.g. Myosotis
Dichasium Cymes (Double cymes) – two flower buds occur in axils of bract behind terminal position
Mixed Inflorescence (A raceme of cymes) – multiple flower buds are developed along multiple flower axils e.g. Euphorbia fulgens (multi stemmed)

Stem type (General): Soft stem

Stem tissue type: Smooth stem

The effects of these stem types are in the Florist Care Information

About different stem types

Different types of cut flower (and foliage) stems behave differently. Understanding what type of stem the flower has give you a greater appreciation of how best to care care for the flower.

We have divided the flower stems into two categories their:

General stem type, these will include:

Woody – as the name suggests a woody inflexible stem that don’t often die down over winter
Semi woody – these stems are usually quite strong and have a combination of woody and soft fibres to different degrees
Soft & Bulbus stems – usually an annual summer flower or a spring bulb flower with a often with a fleshy stem
Hollow stems – again, as the name suggests a stem with a hollow centre (occasionally a very soft pulp centre) these hollow stems usually entirely fill with water
Latex stems – these stems exude or ‘bleed’ a milky substance call latex. Different plants have different strength of milky latex; some types of plant with this sap are sticky and can be an irritant to people and other flowers

Some flower may fall into two categories, e.g. narcissus and amaryllis are both hollow and a soft bulbus stem type, in these instances we will categorise them in the group that is most important to understand with these examples narcissus will be classes as a soft bulbus stem, whereas the amaryllis will be classes as a hollow stem.

Stem tissue type, these will include:

Different stem tissue types ‘pollute’ water in different ways, having an understanding about these as different stem tissue types means that you can act accordingly, both in their conditioning and continued treatment. This enables you to get the best out of them and importantly, the other flowers around them that could be negatively impacted without the right understanding and care.

Whilst some stem tissue titles may be similar to those above they may be different (and without an understanding of how and why we’re using both terms, may seem contradictorily).

Woody
Hairy
Smooth
Soft
Waxed.

Micro-organism bacteria are attracted to stems to a greater and lesser degrees depending on their stem tissue type. When micro-organisms ‘attack’ and begin decomposing flower stems it can negatively impact the flowers lasting ability and those in the same vase, or in some situations very close by.

Phototropism:

Anthurium cut flowers don’t typically show any phototropic response.

About Tropism

Tropism is a growth response to an environmental stimulus. The direction is determined by the direction from which the stimulus strikes the flower or plant.

Positive = the flower or plant, or a part of it, grows in the direction from which the stimulus originates.
Negative = growth away from the stimulus.

Why is this important?

Flowers can have varying levels of phototropism – where they grow towards a light source. and this can hugely effect the flowers stems and the impact that has on a design.

A familiar example of this maybe sunflower heads facing towards the sun whilst growing, in a field of sunflowers this is an endearing phenomena.
However, if you were to place Gladioli into a design horizontally and the only light source was from above all the ends would turn upwards towards the light source, usually detrimentally impacting the desired look of the design. This happens with a whole range of flowers and is especially noticeable with line forms e.g. Antirrhinum, Matthiola, etc.

Flowers and Plants respond to:

Phototropism

As established this relates to the external stimulus of light

Light = phototropism.
- Stems are positively phototropic.
- Roots are negatively phototropic.
Another phototropic characteristic is when light can effect the colour of flower. This is can be present in some varieties of roses, where the shade of the rose can change during it’s maturity, or the same variety can look a slightly different shade depending on the amount and type of light it receives whilst growing.

Geotropism

Directional growth of a plant as a result of earth’s gravitational forces

Gravity = Geotropism/gravitropism
- Stems are negatively geotropic/gravitropic while
- roots are positively geotropic/gravitropic.

The adaptive value of these tropisms is clear.

Roots growing down and/or away from light are more likely to find the soil, water, and minerals they need.
Stems growing up and toward the light will be able to expose their leaves so that photosynthesis can occur.

Ethylene sensitivity:

Anthuriums have low sensitivity to Ethylene

Is it poisonous or harmful?

To Humans: Toxic
To dogs: Toxic
To Cats: Toxic

Whilst Anthuriums are generally classed as toxic, it is generally classed as mildly to moderately poisonous. Severe poisoning is rare but possible if a considerably large amount is ingested.

All parts of the Anthurium plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. These are microscopic needle-like crystals that are released when the plant is handled, chewed, or bitten. Instant pain is the main symptom as these needle-like crystals are released inside the mouth, immediately followed by burning of the lips, mouth, gums, tongue, and throat. Sometimes, drooling can occur as swallowing is painful – this would be true for humans, cats, and dogs. Other times, it can cause nausea and vomiting and make voices hoarse.

As if the calcium oxalate crystals weren’t bad enough, enzymes that break down protein are also released, which contribute to inflammation. It’s said that life-threatening symptoms are extremely rare; however, severe irritation of the throat and tongue can result in swelling, which can threaten to block the windpipe (although the likely hood is that ingestion of this quantity is unlikely in the vast majority of cases).

The same effect can occur on the skin (or in the eyes). The symptoms are limited to just the site of contact, like the mouth or eyes, and the calcium oxalate crystals do not break down in the body. Whilst this initially does not sound reassuring, it usually prevents whole-body poisoning (unless an unusually large amount is ingested). Not every exposed individual will develop symptoms. There are likely many florists who don’t find the sap irritating, or have ever heard of it every being irritating, however, occasionally some may find it so.

Anthurium cut flowers are commercially grown in:

The Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador. Whilst Anthuriums are commercially grown in other countries they don’t supply the UK.

Where Anthurium cut flowers are commercially grown and imported into the UK

Useful Brochures & Resources

Our friends at Anthura are leading experts and breeders of Anthuriums, as well as Bromeliads and Orchids. They supply young plant material to hundreds of growers in more than 70 countries around the world, many of these grow amazing Anthuriums, both plants and cut flowers.

Discover more about Anthura

Points of Interest

Meaning of the name:

The name “Anthurium” comes from the Greek words “anthos” meaning flower and “oura” meaning tail, which refers to the spadix spike that resembles a tail.

The two main varieties used for cut flowers (and the hybridisation and breeding of Anthurium cut flower) are:

Anthurium Scherzerianum – Dr. Karl van Scherzer named this Anthurium species after himself once he discovered it in 1857.
Anthurium Andreanum – Similarly Eduard Francois Andre named this Anthurium species after himself in 1876 after discovering it in the Andes Mountains of Colombia.

Whilst there are many similar accounts of other species named this way, these are two main varieties used for cut flowers (and the hybridisation and breeding of Anthurium cut flower).

Language of flowers meaning:

As Anthuriums are quite a modern flower in the West it doesn’t have any traditional Victorian flower meaning.

However, in contemporary floriography, Anthurium has acquired some symbolic meanings including:

Hospitality: The heart-shaped flowers are seen as welcoming and inviting.
Exotic Beauty: Due to its tropical origin and unique appearance, it symbolises exotic beauty and attraction.
Abundance: The long-lasting nature of the flower represents abundance and plenty.
Passion: The bold red varieties are often associated with passion and intense emotions.
Happiness: In some modern interpretations, Anthurium is said to bring happiness and positive energy to a space.

Birth & Star sign flower info:

Zodiac Sign: There seems to be no clear agreement on which star sign the Anthurium flower is connected to, we have discovered it being associated with: Aries and Scorpio.

Cultural and Symbolic meanings:

Anthurium holds various cultural and symbolic meanings across different regions:

Hawaiian Culture: In Hawaii, Anthurium is a symbol of hospitality and is often used in leis and designs for welcoming guests. It is also believed to bring good luck and protection from harm as its beholders are ‘bestows blessings and safeguards’ as it ‘invokes protection and serenity’.

South American Significance: Local cultures in South America, particularly in Colombia and Ecuador, see Anthurium as representing beauty and elegance.

Artistic Representation: Anthurium’s striking appearance has seen it featured in various art forms, where it symbolises exotic beauty and allure. It so clearly represents tropical themes and has often appears in paintings and photography for this reason.

Modern Cultural References: In contemporary culture, Anthurium is frequently used in interior design, whether in homes or workplaces, not just because of its aesthetic appeal, but its longevity. However, for some it also symbolises prosperity and brings positive energy.

Asian Cultures: Some Asian countries consider anthuriums as an auspicious flowers that bring prosperity and abundance.

Other fun info:

New varieties of cut Anthuriums are being bred to be happy at lower temperatures. In this instance, these different temperatures are featured on the sides of the box.
The largest Anthurium flower recorded was 111 cm long, belonging to the species Anthurium watermaliense.
Anthuriums are one of the few flowers that don’t need cut flower food; however, they are not harmed by it either.
Some Anthurium species have thermogenic properties, meaning they can raise their temperature above that of the surrounding air. (Although don’t rely on this to care for your Anthuriums!)
The largest Anthurium nursery in Europe is AnthurMiddendorp, consisting of 60,000 m² of heated glass and company buildings based in Belgium.
Anthuriums are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers; with the right treatment, they can last well over a month (although this is quite exceptional).
The Anthurium plant is a very impressive flowerer too. It flowers for months at a time and several times a year. What’s most usual is 3 months of flowering and then a couple of rest months before they’re waking up from their flower hibernation stage and beginning to flower once more.
Anthuriums are good at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia from the air, making them a great choice as an air-purifying plant.
Anthurium flowers aren’t actually flowers at all – the colourful part is a modified leaf called a spathe, while the real flowers are tiny and found on the spadix.
Despite the showy flowers we’re highlighting on this page, many Anthurium plant species are grown purely for their amazingly decorative leaves. One such type is Anthurium clarinervium with amazing velvet leaves – which can be purchased as cut foliage and usually arrive in a box, as the flowers usually do. Interestingly, the flowers of this species are extremely understated and can easily be missed entirely.
Although an unlikely flower to dry, dried Anthuriums contort into very interesting shapes. Air drying by laying them in a box in a dry location is one of the easiest methods of drying.
Some Anthurium species are epiphytes that grow on trees; piggybacking in this way can give them an optimal sunnier spot without harming their hosts. They simply get all their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain and the environment around them.
The Netherlands is the country that grows the most Anthuriums in the world.
André Marie Constant Dumeril was the French zoologist responsible for giving them their ‘Anthurium’ name.

Information for florists on

Buying wholesale Anthuriums flowers

Our complete buying guide

The growers share so much information about each stem of Anthuriums that are sold. This mandatory info is crucial to fully appreciate and understand. It explains to the florist, every flower characteristics. In the instance of Anthuriums is usually the quantity they’re sold in, their head size, and their packing methods. All information to buy the exact and best products required.

We’re going to share this below so you can gain a real understand in the best ways to buy Anthuriums. Ready? Let’s dive in…

Tell me more

The information and characteristics provided about the vast majority of commercial cut flowers is epic!

Product codes: Every flower has it’s very own product code. This code is specific to that flower variety so a Gerbera mini ‘Kimsey’ would have a different product code to a Gerbera mini ‘Bridal Kimsey’ just as a Spray Roses ‘Coral Bubbles’ would have a different code to Spray Roses ‘Orange Bubbles’.

Flower specifications: Each individual product, of the same code, has a set of specific characteristics that will always be present, ensuring they are consistent.

Sort codes:
Whilst every flower of the same variety (and product code) might be the same in many ways, they can still be very different in others.

This is where sort codes come in, it’s vital for florists to understand and fully appreciate these codes.

Sort codes include:

Minimum length of flower stem – generally shortened to ‘length’
Weight (average) in grams
Minimum number of flower buds – generally shortened to ‘bud count’
Stage of maturity – often called ‘ripeness’
Minimum flower diameter – often called ‘head size’
Minimum bud height – often called ‘min head size’

Not every flower will have all these sort codes. For example spray roses will have details of their length, bud count, and maturity.

Group codes:
Whilst each flower and plant has it’s own product code they are classified into product groups. Each product group has a code. Categorising plants and flowers into groups with similar characteristics, is helpful on many levels; grading criteria and checks, and recording statistical information being just a couple.

Colour codes:
To clearly communicate the colour of a product it is assigned colour codes when it is registered (it has to be registered so it can be sold). The colour is established using a colour chart issued by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Each colour is indicated by a code, the RHS colour code of which there are 969 colours (the auctions have corresponding codes to match each of these). However, as these codes are such a detailed way of giving the product it’s colour, the flower auctions also use another colour classification to provide information onto webshops.

What we do: Colour codes are provided to us along with the other data, but even the shortened list is very long. That’s why we’ve created a set of ‘Colours’ where we’ve grouped together flowers colours, this means purple flowers that span across 15 different codes can easily be found all together by using our webshop filter.

Logistic codes:
These codes include information on the number of stems in the bunch, the amount of items per bucket, and the type of packaging etc. We present the essential information that you’ll need in different ways, here’s a good example of why packing type it’s important…

Consider the Kimsey mini Gerbera, these can be sold in:

bunches in a bucket of water
boxes or half a box
diamond packs

You will want to know which way you’re buying them.

Quality Groups:
These indicate if a product is A1, A2, or B1. The only 3 quality ratings. Almost all products ever sold are A1, and this is certainly the case with us at Westflor (however, occasionally you may wish to buy B1 Porta Nova red roses for two-thirds of your red rose coffin spray for example).

Other codes:

Company code: Which shares all the details of the grower

Country codes: These countries are identified by two letters.

Certifications: Showing MPS rating, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, GlobalGap, etc.

Marketing concept codes: This would share information such as ‘Meilland Jardin & Parfum Rose’ or ‘Hypericum Romance Series’.

Post harvest after-treatment: Types of cut flower food used immediately after the flowers have been harvested.

Cultivation method: For example, under glass or outdoors.

Wrapping material: This could share info such as no wrapping, compostable sleeve, cardboard or plastic.

Vase life index: How many days it lasted in tests.

Transaction Characteristics: This includes things like Producer Groups, like: Decorum, Parfum Flower Company, Floral Fundamentals and 365 days of flowers, and more mundane transaction info such as a products Vat rate, weather it’s priced per stem, bunch, etc.

Webshop Product Details

Anthurium page listing examples

Anthurium cut flower list example - box of 16 Anthurium Acura

Anthurium cut flower list example - aqua bucket peachy love

Anthurium cut flower list example - pre order Anthurium Extase

These examples from our webshop begin to illustrate the diversity of Anthurium range and information.

The first is a Anthurium Acura a box of 16 held in our London stock.
The second is an Aqua Anthurium listing of Peachy Love, this example was from our ‘Flowers Holland’ section of the buying list.
The third ‘Anthurium Extase/Ecstasy is from the pre-order list and therefore has far less information available.
The final example is also from the pre-order list and shows the Anthurium variety ‘Summer’. As pictured this is available in multiple quantities.

As these final two examples are for pre-ordering (but not yet picked and packed) there is only the stock image and limited flower details shared. However, there is some reliable information you can use to garner more information. As we share shortly.

Anthurium multiple cut flower boxed quantity listing for Anthurium Summer

Product selected example

Anthurium cut flower list example - box of 8 Tropical Night Anthuriums

Anthurium cut flower list example - box of 10 Mixed Anthuriums

Anthurium cut flower list example - box of 16 Acropolis Anthuriums

Anthurium Box Grading Criteria

The standard practice is for cut flower Anthuriums to be packed into boxes.

The diameter of the flower head determines how many flowers are packed in a single box. As we have shared below this results in boxes of: 10, 12, 15, 16 or 20 flowers per box. We have started the most standard size heads in the list, 10, 12 & 16.

Occasionally there are very large Anthuriums heads, such as ‘Jumbo’. These anthuriums are packed in a larger packaging, resulting in 6 or 8 anthuriums are packed in one box.

→ More information on these specifications from VBN (the Dutch Flower Auctions Association)

However, please continue to read on to gain a full insight in new packaging and sales quantities.

Number per Box = 21

Flower Diameter = 6cm - 7.4cm Grading code/size: 006 | 6

Minimum Stem Length = 25cm

Packing Code: 620

Number per Box = 15

Flower Diameter = 7.5cm - 8.9cm Grading code/size: 007 | 7

Minimum Stem Length = 30cm

Packing Code: 620

Number per Box = 20

Flower Diameter = 9cm - 10.9cm Grading code/size: 009 | 9

Minimum Stem Length = 35cm

Packing Code: 690

Number per Box = 16

Flower Diameter = 11cm - 12.9cm Grading code/size: 011 | 11

Minimum Stem Length = 40cm

Packing Code: 690

Number per Box = 12

Flower Diameter = 13cm - 14.9cm Grading code/size: 013 | 13

Minimum Stem Length = 45cm

Packing Code: 690

Number per Box = 10

Flower Diameter = 15cm - 17.9cm Grading code/size: 015 | 15

Minimum Stem Length = 50cm

Packing Code: 690

Number per Box = 7 or more

Flower Diameter = 18cm - 20.9cm Grading code/size: 018 | 18 or Flower Diameter = 21cm - 24.9cm Grading code/size: 021 |21

Minimum Stem Length = 50cm

Packing Code: 622 | 624 | 690

Number per Box = 5 or more

Flower Diameter = 25cm and larger. Grading code/size: 025 | 25

Minimum Stem Length = 50cm

Packing Code: 622 | 624 | 690

Anthurium alternative packaging

Whilst we’ve shared the ‘normal’ Anthuriums packaging above, Anthogether Anthurium grower group have some new quantities and packaging for their Anthurium cut flowers that it’s helpful for florists to be aware of.

Anthogether Small Pack

These nifty little boxes called ‘Small Pack’, fit 6, 8 or 10 Anthurium flowers in. The box is far narrower than the standard Anthurium boxes we have covered above and the size of Anthuriums are too. They generally host: size 7 Anthurium with a flower diameter of 7.5cm – 8.9cm, or size 9 Anthurium with a flower diameter of 9cm – 10.9cm.

An added advantage is that florists can buy Anthuriums in smaller quantities or better still more of different varieties.

Anthogether Smart Pack

These ‘Smart or Double Pack’, in contrast are larger that the standard anthurium boxes. Reflecting this they fit 24 Anthuriums in one ‘Smart box’ or, by carefully packing the cut Anthuriums in the lid of the box too, the quantity can be increased to 40. These space saving boxes generally host: size 11 Anthurium with a flower diameter of 11cm – 12.9cm.

For florists that need a larger amount of Anthuriums it’s a win-win and an environmentally sound option, with less packaging and more flowers able to be transported in the same space.

XXL Anthuriums Aqua

Recent packing developments have seen more standard size Anthuriums packaged in alternative ways.

There are some of Anthogether Anthuriums that are perfect to be sold with longer stems, usually a minimum stem length of 65cm but can be as tall as 80cm. The are called ‘Anthuriums XXL’ and whilst they are generally sold in water, as in the image, they are also sometimes available in long boxes too.

There are other ‘Anthuriums Aqua’ that can be sold in water, again to offer them with a longer stem. These often with a protective colour around the bucket, and whilst they don’t necessarily get the XXL status and title, they often offer taller stems that those of the same varieties in the boxes, as we shared above.

Anthogether Lovely's Packing

We highlighted the ‘lovely’s’ Series of Anthuriums in the variety section. These are the small-flowers cut anthuriums in the Anthogether collection. As they have smaller head they can be packed in different ways. They are often available in boxes of 15, 16 and 20 but also in buckets of water or ‘Aqua’ where they have a stem length of at least 30cm.

→ More information on Anthogethers packaging

Anthurium sorting description details:

Length (cm)

Available: 25cm - 50cm

In London we stock: 25cm - 50cm. In Holland we stock: 25cm - 50cm. From Pre-order: 25cm - 50cm.

Minimum flower diameter

Available: 6cm - 15cm and greater

In London we stock: 6cm - 15cm and greater. In Holland we stock: 6cm - 15cm and greater. From Pre-order: 6cm - 15cm and greater.

Other available information

Maturity: Whilst the stage of maturity or ripeness is mandatory information that must be given by the growers, as we have a limited amount of space to share information on our webshop, coupled with the fact that we always ensure the flowers we sell are exceptionally fresh, we don’t always share this is information.

Maturity or Ripeness:

Anthuriums are sorted by maturity or ripeness as shown in the example(s) below.

As with all cut flowers sold through Holland, Anthuriums have maturity codes assigned to them with one represents the most immature flower sold by the grower and five represents the most mature it can be sold by the grower.

However, with Anthuriums there is often very little if any visual difference between 1 – 5 codes, especially when considering that “the minimum maturity criterion for Anthurium is that all stems in a lot must have a fully opened bract.” In other words even the most immature flower must be fully open. Maturity can often be determined far more easily by the colour of the spike/spadix, as it changes as the flower ages, although the colour will depend on the variety. This colour change is present win the maturity diagram below.

Anthurium maturity sorting example. Westflor flower wholesale

Whilst regulations dictates flowers can be sold in stages 1 – 5 in reality flowers are often unavailable in all maturity or ripeness stages (it’s just not practical or beneficial).

More information on maturity/ripeness codes:

Flower maturity or ripeness can be shown in different ways.

One number repeated: When one number is repeated it indicates all the flowers are of that maturity. This number can be shown with or without a hyphen e.g. 3-3 or 33

Different numbers shown: When the numbers are different it indicates flowers in that bunch have a maturity range of between the lowest to the highest number. e.g. 2-3 or 23. It is very unusual that flowers are ever sold as a complete maturity mixed bunch, but it is technically possible, this would be represented as 1 – 5 or 15.

Why it’s important to know and use this information: Knowing this information can be very helpful to florists.

For example a florist may welcome buying a more mature rose of 4 if they need to create a flower wall or large archway for a wedding, or similarly, if they are creating a coffin spray of roses for a funeral.

However, if they are looking to buy roses for stock, or general gift work, they are likely to want 2 or 3 maturity flowers.

Some roses are only ever sold from maturity 3, this includes all Meijer roses and the vast majority of Porta Nova roses – they’re naturally a large head that opens beautifully, they don’t sell it when it’s very closed (unless they’re sending it to a country that takes over 24 hours for the transport to arrive. In this instance, as they are transported in water, they leave the growers at stage 2 and arrive at stage 3!).

Cut flower Anthurium care guides

We’ll cover all the care information for florists and for enjoying Anthurium at home. The expert information we share will ensure you get the very best out of your cut Anthurium .

FLORIST CARE INFORMATION
CUSTOMER CARE INFORMATION

Florists care and conditioning advice

Special care considerations for Anthuriums:

Besides all the usual cut flower conditioning and care good practices (which are led out in the ‘Consumer / at home care information section) the points below are specific to Anthurium cut flower care.

Anthuriums are tropical flowers and don’t like to be chilled. Take special care in colder months to ensure they remain at a temperature that does not damage them. Generally 13 – 18°c / 55 – 65°F. Before unpacking them be mindful not to place or store them directly on cold floors etc. (Cold damaged Anthuriums will react similarly to refrigerated bananas, where the the head/bract may be mottled or entirely turn brown (grey, or black).
Take care when stacking items on Anthurium boxes so they do not get squashed or collapse in on themselves. This can happen more easily if the box becomes moist or wet.
If the Anthuriums are left in the box (e.g. before an event) ensure the water level in the tubes is sufficient.
Anthuriums generally have few problems. However, if they are left in cooler damp conditions without good air flow botrytis can occur on spathe or at the base of spadix. For this reason do not leave them in the box they arrive in for very long, especially if the box has become damp or a build up of moisture or is present.

If you receive a box of Anthuriums with a strip of red tape – this is an indicator of where to start removing them from the box. So it’s red to start!
Anthuriums usually come with plastic covering to protect the heads, take care when removing these.
Cut flower food is not necessary, but will not harm the Anthuriums. It is also preferable to use water with cut flower food over very soft water, which should be avoided.

Avoid placing Anthuriums into very cold water where possible. Room temperature to temped is preferable.
Anthuriums will behave well in well soaked floral foam, although their longevity maybe compromised.
Anthuriums can enjoy a light spot, but not direct sunlight.

Best flower food:

Whilst in stock: Avoid using Chrysal professional 2. Chrysal pro 3 or Universal cut flower (that you’d provide to customers can be used, but is not really necessary, unless they’re placed in with other flowers)
For aqua pack, vases, foam soaking prior to delivery: Chrysal pro 3 if used with mixed flowers
Sachet to send to with flowers: Universal clear | Chrysal bio based compostable or paper sachets

Cut flower food:

Shop cut flower food

Stem type effect:

Stem type: Soft
Effect: Can be carefully manipulated to bend slightly

Stem tissue type: Smooth
Water polluting level: Low

Optimal temperature:

13–18°c / 55–65°F

Caring for flowers at home

Step by step guide

Select a suitable vase for the flowers:
- Usually the minimum vase size should be at least 1 litre
- Where possible avoid antique crystal, metal or porous vases, or use a plastic inner container to line the vase
Clean your vase thoroughly, if you feel it is clean still rinse it out or brush or wipe the inside
Use fresh tap water however, really cold water should be avoided, tepid is better
If you are only adding Anthuriums to the vase you don’t need to use cut flower food, but if the Anthuriums are with other mixed flowers it’s important to add and mix the correct quantity of cut flower food for the amount of water you use, it won’t harm the Anthuriums.
Whilst Anthuriums don’t have leaves it’s worth remembering to remove all leaves that would go below the water level (leaving the stems as clean as possible) of any flowers with the Anthuriums
Avoid damaging the stems
Cut at least 4cm off the end of the flower stems at a 45° angle with a sharp clean knife or secateurs. The aim is to get a clean cut that doesn’t crush and damage the stem (which scissors can sometimes do). Dirty tools can pass bacteria to the fresh cut
Place the freshly cut materials directly into water – do not leave them on the side to ‘breath air’
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, draughts and excessive airflow, heat, ripening fruit, and smoke. They especially dislike the cold
Keep a close eye on the water:
- Ensure all stems are still below the water level
- Top up the water (or change it) if it falls below 1/3 or the initial volume
- Change the water if it becomes visibly dirty; cloudy, discoloured, including sediment at the bottom of the vase, or if smells bad (micro-organisms in the water cause these issues).
- When using professional cut flower food the water will rarely need changing before 3, 4 or more days, in most cases you can simply top the water up with more of the cut flower food solution. However, some types of flower stems and warmer weather or locations, cause result in the water needing to be changed sooner.
When changing the water, rinse clean the vase, add more cut flower food solution recut the flower stems
If you do not have (and can not get) cut flower food, change the water more frequently, ideally every other day and recut the stems each time
Ensure flowers are not overly crowded
Remove any fading flowers promptly