Learn the meaning of Anthurium flowers! We also explain their history and feng shui!
Discover the Language of Anthurium Flowers! History and Feng Shui Explained!
Anthuriums are summer-blooming flowers. They are characterized by their vibrant, clear colors and fan-shaped spathes.
Even if you're not particularly familiar with flowers, their distinctive appearance will make you say, "I've seen those before!" But do you know their flower meanings and history?
This article provides a detailed explanation of anthuriums, a classic summer flower. Learn about their flower meanings and history to fully enjoy these beautiful blooms!
What kind of flower is Anthurium?
| Botanical Name | Anthurium |
| Scientific Name |
Anthurium andreanum |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Arum |
| Origin | Tropical America and West Indies |
| Blooming Season | May - October |
Anthurium is a plant of the Araceae family with over 600 species. Its Japanese name is "Obeniuchiwa" (large red fan). This name perfectly describes its appearance.
Its peak season is summer, and its tropical atmosphere is captivating. Because its leaves and spathes are heart-shaped, it is known as a flower of love overseas.
A characteristic of anthuriums is their strong resistance to heat. They also grow well even in shade.
They are very robust plants, making them enjoyable even for those who are apprehensive about growing flowers.
What is the origin of the name Anthurium?
The name Anthurium comes from the Greek words "anthos" meaning "flower" and "oura" meaning "tail."
This is derived from the shape of the anthurium flower, where the slender flower (spadix) in the center of the fan-like part resembles a tail.
It certainly does look like a yellow tail.
The anthurium "flower" isn't a flower!?
The fan-like "flower" part of the anthurium is actually not a flower.
This is called a spathe, and it is technically part of the leaf. The slender yellow rod-like structure in the center of the spathe is the actual flower.
This spathe developed to protect the flower and has a beautiful, glossy appearance.
It has the cool name "buddha flame spathe" (仏炎苞), which comes from its resemblance to the flame behind a Buddha statue (仏炎).
What is the meaning of the Anthurium flower?
The flower meaning of anthurium is "a heart tormented by love." It has been given a passionate flower meaning.
This flower meaning was given because the anthurium's spathe appears heart-shaped.
In Hawaii, it is known as a flower of love, often given to partners on Valentine's Day and other occasions.
For those celebrating a wedding anniversary in the summer, it is recommended as a gift to express daily gratitude and unspoken feelings of love.
The language of red anthurium flowers
The flower meaning of red anthurium is "passion." Among flowers, the red hue of anthurium is particularly vibrant and special. No other flower boasts such a brilliant red as an anthurium.
With its powerful flower meaning, it is recommended for wedding anniversary gifts or birthday presents for loved ones.
Potted plants are a great choice. The contrast between the deep green leaves and the vivid red spathes is beautiful, bringing a touch of summer into any room.
The language of pink anthurium flowers
The flower meaning of pink anthurium is "unadorned beauty." This name comes from the simple, gentle glow of the pink anthurium's color.
Anthuriums are exotic-looking plants, but pink anthuriums exude a luxurious and elegant feel with their glossy texture, making them
frequently used in formal settings like hotels and in wedding bouquets.
The language of white anthurium flowers
The flower meaning of white anthurium is "earnestness." White is a color that symbolizes strength of will, so it has been given a powerful flower meaning.
Similar to pink anthuriums, their glossy, metallic-like texture evokes a sense of luxury and elegance,
making them frequently used in formal settings and weddings. They also tend to be preferred as potted plants.
The language of green anthurium flowers
The flower meaning of green anthurium is "innocent heart." Green is a color with a healing effect, and the sight of it blooming modestly among green leaves
was considered innocent, leading to this flower meaning. Green anthuriums are popular and frequently used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
When combined with yellow or red flowers, you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere.
The language of black anthurium flowers
The flower meaning of black anthurium is "playful heart." Black anthuriums are somewhat rare but can sometimes be found in markets as luxury potted plants.
They also seem to be used in floral arrangements with a slightly contemporary feel. In any case, they are a rare variety, so
if you're curious, you should consider buying one if you see it at a flower shop.
What is the history of Anthurium?
Anthuriums have a stylish appearance, but where did their history begin?
Here, we will take a closer look at the history of anthuriums. Please use this knowledge as an anecdote when giving gifts.
By knowing their history, you can more deeply appreciate the familiar anthurium flowers. Anthuriums are also flowers rich in historical romance.
Anthurium: A plant discovered in the 19th century!
Anthuriums are plants that grew wild in the tropical rainforests of South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil.
They primarily grew as epiphytes on trees rather than in the ground, but they were first discovered relatively recently, in 1876.
French botanist Édouard André found them in Colombia and brought them back to Europe.
After that, they were cultivated as greenhouse plants, mainly in France, and were reportedly popular among aristocrats as something "unusual!"
(Reference: Wikipedia "Anthurium andraeanum")
(Reference: Britannica "anthurium")
Anthurium means Hawaii
Anthuriums were brought to Hawaii in 1889. From there, cultivation expanded among horticultural enthusiasts, and serious breeding and commercial production began in the 1930s-40s.
Hawaii's warm climate and rich soil were suitable for anthurium cultivation, making it one of the world's leading production areas.
Even today, anthuriums are known as a representative plant of Hawaii, and are affectionately called "Heart of Hawaii."
In Hawaii, they are known as flowers given on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
(Reference: CULTURE AND CULTIVAR SELECTION FOR ANTHURIUM IN HAWAII)
History of Anthurium in Japan
The beginning of anthuriums in Japan is not well known. It is presumed to have been introduced around the end of the Meiji period, when many Western plants were imported.
After the war, anthuriums bred in Hawaii were introduced to Japan and became established along with greenhouse cultivation techniques.
In recent years, they have been actively used in plantings that adorn flowerbeds in amusement parks and theme parks. Additionally, their popularity has grown from a feng shui perspective, and they are favored as interior greenery.
(Reference: Acta Horticulturae 246, "Culture and Cultivar Selection for Anthurium in Hawaii")
Anthuriums are in season in summer! Recommended for gifts and interiors
Anthuriums are definitely a summer flower! With their tropical vibe, they are certainly a flower you'll want to display in your room during the summer season.
Here, we introduce perfect occasions to give anthuriums as gifts. Express your feelings through their flower meanings and give them to your loved ones.
They look lovely bundled with other flowers in a bouquet or floral arrangement, and of course, they are stylish on their own.
A bouquet including anthuriums for a birthday
For a loved one's birthday, it would be wonderful to present a summer bouquet with anthuriums bundled together with other seasonal summer flowers.
The flower meaning of anthurium is "a heart tormented by love." Entrust your unspoken passionate feelings to the flowers and send them as a gift.
When presenting a bouquet, it's important to check if the recipient has a vase. If they might not have one, consider giving an arrangement or gifting a vase along with the bouquet.
Summer Bouquet featuring Anthurium
Seasonal Bouquet "Vert Green" Summer Gift
¥12,100-
For Obon, a luxury anthurium plant!
Anthuriums are also recommended as a seasonal greeting for those you are indebted to.
Anthuriums have beautiful, lush, and vibrant leaves, so placing one in a room can drastically change the atmosphere.
From a feng shui perspective, they are also flowers that are said to attract good luck, so they are recommended as gifts for those who prioritize business, company owners, or for the offices of valued clients.
They are shade-tolerant plants, so they will thrive even indoors. Convey your feelings with the flower meaning "earnestness" when you give this gift.
Recommended! Anthurium Plants
Anthurium Summer Gift "anthurium white"
¥29,700-
Also suitable for Obon memorial arrangements
Anthuriums are recommended for memorial arrangements due to their elegant sheen.
Since they are in season in summer, incorporating them into an Obon floral arrangement creates a memorial arrangement full of seasonal charm.
They blend perfectly with any room, so you can offer them with confidence. Please offer them to those who were stylish in life, with heartfelt gratitude.
Memorial flowers using Anthurium
Memorial Arrangement "clarity white"
¥31,900-
Anthuriums look stylish even when displayed alone!
Anthuriums have a metallic-like sheen and are very stylish flowers.
They look beautiful even when displayed alone, without other flowers. Just by displaying them, they can dramatically change the atmosphere of a room.
In recent years, various new varieties of anthuriums have appeared, further enhancing their design appeal.
Recommended! Stylish Anthuriums
Seasonal Flower 40~50cm "Anthurium Maxima (Pink)" 5 stems
¥6,050-
Anthurium and Feng Shui
Anthuriums are plants that symbolize "love," "passion," "happiness," and "prosperity." They are popular as interior decorations because they are believed to attract good fortune.
Anthuriums have heart-shaped leaves and spathes, so they are said to symbolize love and have the effect of improving romantic luck.
Additionally, anthuriums are characterized by their shiny and glossy leaves and spathes. Therefore, they symbolize "prosperity." Among them, red anthuriums are believed to boost financial and success luck,
making them recommended for office decorations.
Furthermore, anthuriums belong to the Araceae family. They have a high air-purifying effect and are considered to be "plants that improve the flow of energy."
From a feng shui perspective, they are also said to improve health luck, so display them in your bedroom or entryway to ward off negative energy.
Summary
The flower meaning of anthurium is "a heart tormented by love." With its heart-shaped leaves and spathes, it is also known as a flower of love.
From a feng shui perspective, it is said to bring good luck, making it an appropriate gift for superiors. Please present it to your loved ones or those you are indebted to.
Of course, it's also recommended for your own home. Displaying it can bring the essence of summer into your room.
Since summer is its peak season, be sure to adorn your space with anthurium flowers when the weather gets warm.
◆Revision History
December 10, 2025: Some years corrected. References and sources added.
Apr 02, 2025
