Before making Hawai’i its home, the anthurium plant thrived in the rainforests of Central and South America. This vibrant plant is native to humid and hot regions where it grew for thousands of years undisturbed. In the late 19th century, its journey to Hawai’i began with a specimen sent to Europe in 1876. The botanist, named Edouard Andre, spotted this beautiful plant while on an expedition in the rainforest of Columbia.

It made its way to Kew Gardens in London 13 years later, in 1889. Samuel Mills Damon, a prominent figure in Hawaii’s government, brought the anthurium from England to his private estate in Hawai’i, making it the first documented presence of the plant on the islands.

Here is a bit of the Hawaiian history:

The year was 1936. It was a breakthrough year for Hawaii’s anthurium flower industry. Until that time, the anthurium was cultivated by backyard hobby gardeners. A small amount of anthurium sales was beginning to happen, but only locally, within the Hawaiian Islands.

This was the year that a red anthurium was developed in a garden in Hilo on the Big Island.  This red anthurium became known as the Ozaki. The Ozaki went on to become one of the best-selling varieties of anthurium from Hawai’i.

Those red Ozaki anthurium bouquets were popular for many years. They stayed popular even after other colors began to emerge.

Ten years later, in 1946, a beautiful orange anthurium was discovered. Some say that it has a striking resemblance to the original anthurium that was discovered by Edouard Andre in South America.

Then, in 1950, the University of Hawai’i launched an anthurium research program, which made a significant impact on the expansion of the anthurium industry overall in Hawai’i.

The rest is anthurium history. As each new flower was developed and revealed, they were named and sometimes patented.

Anthurium’s Unique Characteristics

There are over 1,500 species and their heart-shaped “flowers” are not true flowers but modified leaves that display an impressive range of colors from red and pink to green and white. It contributes to the plant’s vibrant and long-lasting appearance, making it popular in floral arrangements.

Because it often grows on other plants, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air rather than relying solely on the soil they can thrive indoors and outside. They flourish best in tropical or subtropical climates with high humidity and indirect sunlight and grow quite well in shady areas.

Since then, Hawai’i has developed several notable anthurium varieties, each with unique traits that appeal to different tastes. For example:

Ozaki: Known for its large leaves with green margins, this variety is a favorite in Hawaii.

Nitta: This medium-to-large species features vibrant orange hues and tall growth.

Tulip White and Tulip Purple: These hybrids have a tulip-like appearance with contrasting spadices, offering a distinctive aesthetic.

Obake: This hybrid variety, developed in Hawaii, produces particularly large blooms—some reaching up to 11 inches in width—which has made it highly sought after by floral designers and collectors alike .

Anthuriums in Hawaiian Culture and the Global Market

Hawaiian anthurium varieties have garnered a reputation for their beauty and resilience, making them a significant agricultural product in the state. The adaptability of these plants, coupled with their appealing aesthetic, has helped them move beyond the floral market to become popular in indoor plant collections worldwide.

From Colombia’s rainforests to Hawai’i’s gardens and greenhouses, anthuriums have become a cherished plant globally. Their journey highlights the role of horticultural exploration and cultivation in creating a thriving market for unique plants that continue to captivate and beautify spaces around the world.

Next time you are standing in front of live, multicolored anthuriums, you will know this delightful flower’s phenomenal journey to arrive before you. Perhaps knowing this story will give this amazing flower a place of prominence and aloha on your table.