Anthurium Besseae × (Zara × Michelle) 'Bingo'

🌿 The Anthurium 'Bingo' is a stunning hybrid cross combining Anthurium besseae with the cultivars 'Zara' and 'Michelle', creating a collector's dream within the Araceae family. Native to the cloud forests of South America, this tropical aroid brings the exotic beauty of high-altitude habitats into your home. This is an intermediate-level plant that rewards attentive care with remarkable foliage and unique blooms. Fun fact: Anthurium hybrids like 'Bingo' can take years to develop in cultivation, making each named cultivar a testament to patient breeding work.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This hybrid displays an upright growth habit with compact form, making it perfect for smaller spaces. The leaves emerge with elongated heart shapes, featuring rich green colouration with subtle variations depending on light exposure. Leaf texture is semi-glossy with pronounced veining that adds depth and character. New growth often shows lighter tones before maturing to deeper green, creating a dynamic display as the plant develops.
FLOWER DETAILS
The 'Bingo' produces distinctive anthurium blooms with vibrant spathes that range from coral-red to orange-pink tones, surrounding a contrasting spadix. The flowers have a waxy, almost sculptural quality with subtle fragrance that becomes noticeable in warm conditions. These blooms provide months-long colour when they appear, making them incredibly rewarding. Flowering occurs most reliably during warmer months with consistent care, though mature plants may bloom sporadically year-round. To encourage flowering, maintain stable temperatures above 18°C, provide bright indirect light, and keep humidity levels high while allowing a slight rest period with reduced watering during winter months.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is essential, avoiding direct sun which can scorch leaves. Needs 6-8 hours of filtered light daily, with east or north-facing windows ideal.
💧 Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during spring and summer, reducing frequency in autumn and winter. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Bottom watering or slow soaking works best to avoid crown rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Requires high humidity between 65-80% for optimal growth and flowering.
🪴 Soil: Needs a chunky, well-draining mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir for aeration and moisture retention.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with excellent drainage, 12-15 cm diameter for young plants, repotting every 18-24 months in spring. Terra cotta or plastic pots both work well.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth, producing 3-5 new leaves over six months under ideal conditions. After one year, expect a fuller plant with 8-12 mature leaves. Maximum size reaches 30-40 cm in height and width.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in autumn and pause during winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Anthurium 'Bingo' thrives in warm, humid rooms like bathrooms with natural light, or living rooms near humidifiers. It works beautifully on plant stands or shelves where its upright form can be appreciated at eye level. Bedrooms with east-facing windows provide gentle morning light that suits this plant perfectly. Avoid placing it in cold drafts near doors or windows, in air-conditioned rooms with low humidity, or in direct afternoon sun which damages the foliage. Keep away from heating vents that create dry air.