This is an important genus with over 600 species of often epiphytic herbs native to tropical America. Anthuriums can be divided into two groups. The first are the flowering anthuriums grown for their inflorescences, and the second are those grown for their foliage, which come in a wide range of shapes, textures and colours.
Anthuriums differ considerably in their growth habits.
Some form clumps with basal leaves, others have erect, creeping or climbing stems. The leaves can be simple or divided with shallow or deep lobes. Many are arrow-shaped with prominent pale or faintly green veins. The cylindrical inflorescence is usually borne at the end of a long stalk and supported at the base by an often showy bract or spathe. Both the flowering and foliage anthuriums are suitable for growing in containers making ideal plants for indoor decoration.