Anthuriums are another very special kind of flower. Its exotic beauty makes it stand out from most flowers and other plants. Its beauty is the reason why so many people marvel at its flower the first time they see it.
It is used in the ornamental industry where it functions as a houseplant and an indoor air purifier. Additionally, Hawaiian florists and garden lovers ravel at the meaning and symbolism behind the anthurium.
For example, a white anthurium flower means hospitality. A red or pink anthurium flower symbolizes emotions or sensuality. Lastly, a yellow or an orange anthurium blossom represents joy or abundance.
Growing these Anthuriums will make a lovely addition to your garden and certainly add a more tropical vibe!
History of the Anthurium Plant
The anthurium is a tropical plant with not so tiny flowers first defined in 1833. It is defined as a plant with a large dark green foliage and a beautifully colored heart shaped spathes.
The unique shape of the flowers is what makes it popularly cultivated in the florist trade and that is because anthuriums appear like open heart shaped flowers that are long lasting.
These heart shaped blooms belong to the genus Anthurium (one of the largest genus) of the Araceae family or Arum family. It is an herbaceous perennial flowering plant with 825 other species! And these flowers can re bloom every 3 months!
Native to tropical areas of Central and South America, most of these Anthurium species are commonly known as indoor purifying plants. And thanks to Samuel Damon, these tropical plants were first brought to Hawaii in 1889. The flowers are now found all around the world and bloom all year round.
When it comes to origins and history, how these exotic florals got their name is quite interesting. The genus name Anthurium takes after the two Greek words Anthos meaning flower and Oura which means tail.
The literal translation of its name has the meaning tail flower because of its spathe and heart shaped leaves. Although anthuriums are not true flowers, you can still grow these in the right place with indirect light and avoiding cold weather.
The anthuriums can also be known by many distinct names. These include the Tail flower, Flamingo flower, the Heart of Hawaii, the Laceleaf, Little Boy flower, Painted tongue, or Painter’s palette – all of which are referring to how the flower resembles. If you use your imagination this flower does resemble a tail because of its spathe or flamingo given its long stalk!
Some of the amazing species of anthuriums are known as the Flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum), the Pigtail plant (Anthurium scherzerianum), Bird’s Nest anthurium (Anthurium bookeri), the Crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), Lace lead (Anthurium magnificum), and the Dwarf Purple anthurium (Anthurium sp).
Anthurium Symbolism
Anthurium plants take their flower symbolism after many interesting ideas. The flowers symbolize sincerity and purity because of how delicate and elegant the flowers are in full bloom.
These flowers are also called the Heart of Hawaii for such a beautiful reason.
Hawaiian traditions regard flowers in a very historic cultural way. Like how the hibiscus, plumeria, and birds of paradise symbolize welcome or hello – the symbolism of anthurium is something similar.
An anthurium flower symbolize a lifelong friendship and healthy romantic or family relationships and is known to bring luck!
Meaning of the Anthurium Blossom
Exotic anthurium flowers take their unique meaning after their shape and the many colors it has – not just its etymological meaning. One of its flower meanings usually mean hidden powers and a secret message of love and happiness.
Anthuriums have a strong sense of expressing emotions and inner feelings. It is said to attract good luck and bring life to romantic relationships. In the Victorian language of flowers, it conveys the meaning of deep adoration, especially of love and romance.
The many bright colors of anthuriums have different meanings to it. Here are some of those different colors and the symbolic meanings behind each.
What does a White Anthurium Blossom Mean?
White anthuriums are more popularly known as the hospitality flower. This flower color is known to mean purity and innocence.
These white flowers, aside from meaning innocence and purity, also speak of hospitality and kindness in the language of flowers.
What does a Red Anthurium Blossom Symbolize?
Red anthuriums symbolize love and the strong emotions and feelings that come with it. Its deep and bright red color stands for one’s intense attraction of love, friendship, or whatever kind of relationship! Additionally, this red blossom can also symbolize being impressionable.
What does a Pink Anthurium Floret Indicate?
Pink anthuriums are often dubbed as a preppy and fun kind of flower. Similarly, it indicates expressions and emotions of sensuality. And whenever it feels safe to express sensualities, this flower also stands for feelings of security.
A pink anthurium also speaks of motherly love and is perfect to give on Mother’s day.
What does a Yellow Anthurium Bloom Represent?
If you’re looking for a blossom that represents joy and happiness, then a yellow anthurium blossom will express just that! Being joyful and happy can also represent something more interactive, such as being hospitable and approachable!
What does an Orange Anthurium Blossom Symbolize?
Orange anthuriums symbolize something quite unique. It is a flower gracing a symbol of abundance and good fortune. Amidst this, such flowers may also stand for a state of complexity on how to handle such graces of course!
What is the Cultural Significance of an Anthurium Blossom?
Many ancient cultures believed in the importance of the anthurium. Different cultures all over the world have something to say about this beautiful flower – but one thing is for sure, anthuriums symbolize hospitality.
The ancient art and knowledge of Chinese Feng Shui regard anthuriums as important flowers to express emotions and maybe thoughts. According to tradition, anthuriums are lucky plants that bear good fortune in life and beautiful relationships. It was also believed to bring positive vibes or good vibes.
A red anthurium plant holds a special significance because it regards very passionate feelings of love and friendship. Quite interestingly, the leaf’s heart shape isn’t random at all. It was created by nature that way to help emphasize the symbolic meaning of love.
Although not as popular to present on Valentine’s day as the rose, these beautiful flowers can also be gifted on the day of love to someone you feel passionately for!
What is the Spiritual Influence of an Anthurium Floret?
Since an anthurium plant is highly symbolic of love and affectionate emotions, the spiritual influence of these is similar to that. The presence of such exotic flowers creates an expressive form of balance for masculine and feminine energies to form – meaning that all love is love regardless of sexuality.
The essence of flamingo flowers also enhances the emotions of passion, love, and romance. It opens up the mind and its ideas to have a healthy expression of sexuality and the strength to communicate feelings of the heart.
It also helps in initiating healthy dialogues about love and its many meanings. The energies are focused on love and connect on a deeper level of understanding and acceptance.
What are the Folktales Associated with an Anthurium Bloom?
There is a certain legend in ancient Greece that tells of the beginning or reason for anthurium flowers. According to Greek mythology, anthuriums were once the arrows of the ancient god of love, Cupid – he who could make people fall in love with the strike of his bow and arrow.
Many Greeks believe that Cupid gave this flower the power to symbolize love since it is the world’s longest blooming plant! And you know what they say about a love-struck by Cupid – it is a love that lasts forever and can even transcend through lifetimes.
Another legend involves magical fairies. It was believed that fairies slept under anthuriums when their petals closed at sunset. This was symbolic of anticipation as the fairies would wait to awake and sleep at the flower’s opening and closing.
What does an Anthurium Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
Anthurium flower tattoos are not very famous as floral tattoo designs such as the rose, tulip, or daisy. Since it is symbolic of expressing emotions and love like the rainbow, a tattoo of this would symbolize freedom.
Having this tattoo will symbolize the freedom to express any emotion and feeling. It is also an embodiment of strength to be who you truly are!
Uses of Anthurium Plants
Anthuriums are primarily cultivated as garden flowers for their beautiful spathes. It makes for great cut flowers indoors or an outdoor plant to brighten up the environment with its vibrant colors!
Brides also opt this blossom on their bridal bouquets. for Many plant enthusiasts use these flowers in bouquet arrangements and vases as the perfect housewarming gift.
According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, the anthuriums made it to the lucky list of the best indoor air purifying plants that remove toxins. Surprisingly, the sister species of anthurium flowers – the peace lily – is also on this list!
Such plants were proven a good way to remove air pollutants such as formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and calcium oxalate crystals. It has become increasingly popular as perennial houseplants and is a popular choice or the perfect gift for a friend.
Although the leaves and stems are poisonous, the flowers when burned to ash can be used as an additive in oils and essences to treat boils, muscles aches, and little bumps. Similarly, Chinese traditional medicine uses the plant to treat rheumatic pains. In the Philippines, native folks use a drink leaf decoction for kidney diseases.
A word of warning that it’s a must to always consult a medical professional before using this plant or any part of it for medical purposes.
We hope you enjoy our guide about Anthurium flower meaning. Learn more about flower symbolism on our blog.
