Fauna
Plant

Painter's-palette

Anthurium andraeanum

Also known as Flamingo Lily, Flamingo Flower, Oilcloth Flower, Tailflower

Painter's-palette thrives as an evergreen epiphytic perennial native to the wet tropical rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador. Renowned for its heart-shaped glossy foliage and waxy, brightly colored spathes that surround a tail-like spadix, it relies on specialized insects like euglossine bees for pollination in its native canopy. While cherished globally as a long-blooming houseplant, wild populations depend on rich leaf litter and high ambient atmospheric humidity.

TropicalFloweringHouseplant
Painter's-palette reference1 / 7
(c) agujaceratops, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Mealybugs
ThreatsDeforestation and wild overcollection for the horticultural trade
HabitatsTropical rainforests, cloud forests, and indoor cultivated spaces
Life span10–20+ years
Classification
  1. OrderAlismatales
  2. FamilyAraceae
  3. GenusAnthurium
  4. SpeciesAnthurium andraeanum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and humans if chewed or ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that trigger immediate oral burning, severe swelling, and drooling upon ingestion.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its waxy, heart-shaped red or pink spathe centered around a pale spike-like spadix.
What to do
Place out of reach of pets and children, and wash hands thoroughly after trimming damaged leaves.
Responsible observation
  • Light Needs: Provide bright, indirect sunlight to promote vibrant spathe production year-round.
  • Pet Safety: Keep plants elevated out of reach of inquisitive cats and dogs.
  • Humidity Care: Maintain ambient moisture above 60 percent to prevent leaf margins from turning brown.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…