Anthurium ‘Baby Purple’

Anthurium ‘Baby Purple’ is a beautiful compact Flamingo Flower prized for its unusual purple to violet-purple blooms held above glossy, dark green foliage. Unlike the much more familiar red and pink Anthuriums, ‘Baby Purple’ stands out for its distinctive colouring and abundant display of smaller, long-lasting flowers.

Supplied in a 12cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 40cm tall, this is a wonderfully colourful but relatively compact houseplant. The rich green, heart-shaped leaves provide an elegant backdrop to the purple flowers, making ‘Baby Purple’ an eye-catching choice for a windowsill, side table, desk or bright bathroom.

What Makes ‘Baby Purple’ Special?

‘Baby Purple’ is a distinctive flowering Anthurium selected for its smaller purple blooms and floriferous habit. Several flowers can be held above the foliage at the same time, creating an impressive display without the plant becoming overly large.

The colour can vary naturally as individual flowers develop and age, ranging from lilac and pink-purple through to richer violet and purple tones. This changing colour gives each plant a slightly different appearance and makes the variety particularly distinctive among flowering Anthuriums.

Are Anthurium Flowers Really Flowers?

What we usually describe as the Anthurium's flower is actually a colourful modified leaf called a spathe. The true flowers are tiny and arranged along the upright central spike, known as the spadix.

These waxy spathes are exceptionally long-lasting compared with many conventional flowers. With good growing conditions, an individual bloom can remain attractive for several weeks before gradually fading.

Light & Position

Anthurium ‘Baby Purple’ grows and flowers best in bright, indirect light. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, or position it slightly further back from a particularly bright south-facing window.

A little gentle morning or evening sun is usually fine, but avoid prolonged strong midday sunshine through glass, which can scorch the foliage. Very low light can reduce flowering, so choose a reasonably bright position if you want the plant to continue producing its colourful spathes.

Watering

Water when the compost is approaching dryness, checking below the surface rather than watering according to a fixed schedule. Water thoroughly and allow the excess to drain away before returning the nursery pot to its decorative pot.

Avoid allowing the roots to remain waterlogged, as Anthuriums can be susceptible to root rot. Watering will normally need to be reduced during winter when growth slows.

Humidity & Temperature

Anthuriums are tropical plants and appreciate warmth and moderate to high humidity. ‘Baby Purple’ is particularly well suited to a bright bathroom or kitchen, although it will also grow happily elsewhere in the home provided the air is not excessively dry.

Keep the plant away from cold draughts and direct heat from radiators. Normal warm household temperatures are ideal, with around 18–25°C providing excellent growing conditions.

Feeding

Feed regularly during the active growing season from spring into early autumn using a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser according to the manufacturer's dilution instructions.

Reduce or stop feeding during winter if growth has slowed significantly.

Flowering & Removing Old Blooms

With good light and warm growing conditions, Anthuriums can produce flowers repeatedly rather than having one short flowering season.

Once an individual spathe has faded and begun to deteriorate, remove the entire flower stem cleanly near its base. This keeps the plant looking tidy and allows its energy to be directed towards healthy new growth and future flowers.

Repotting

Anthuriums generally prefer to be moved up gradually rather than planted into an oversized pot. Repot when the roots have filled the existing nursery pot, choosing a container only slightly larger than the previous one.

Use an open, airy and free-draining compost. A mixture designed for aroids, or a houseplant compost amended with ingredients such as orchid bark, works particularly well.

Why You'll Love It

• Unusual purple to violet-purple flowers
• Produces multiple smaller flowers above the foliage
• Glossy, heart-shaped dark green leaves
• Compact size ideal for shelves, desks and side tables
• Long-lasting waxy flower spathes
• Can flower repeatedly with good light and care
• A striking alternative to traditional red and pink Anthuriums

Pet & Child Safety

Anthuriums are harmful if eaten and contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive system. The sap may also irritate sensitive skin. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children and discourage chewing or ingestion.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Anthurium (Andraeanum Group) ‘Baby Purple’
Common Name: Flamingo Flower / Laceleaf
Variety: Baby Purple
Family: Araceae
Nursery Pot Size: 12cm diameter
Approximate Height: Around 40cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 14cm
Flower Colour: Purple / violet-purple / lilac-purple
Flower Size: Small
Foliage: Glossy dark green
Growth Habit: Compact / upright / clumping
Position: Bright, indirect light

Please note: As this is a living flowering plant, the exact number of flowers and buds, height, shape and shade of purple will naturally vary. Individual spathes may range from pink-purple and lilac through to deeper violet-purple depending on their stage of development and growing conditions.