PLANT OF THE WEEK

FOR a change from the usual Christmas pot plants, try anthurium – sometimes known as painter’s palette because of the characteristic shape of its flowers.

Anthurium grows to between 12 and 18 inches. You get a number of long stems, each topped with a bright red flower shaped like a palette, with a long, buff tail growing from the centre. If a regular anthurium is too big, there is also a miniature variety that has more flowers.

Anthuriums used to be challenging to grow but modern versions have been bred to suit living-room conditions, enjoying all the warmth and humidity you can give them. Stand it in good, natural light (but not strong direct sun) in summer and you’ll find a plant will last for many seasons, flowering on and off throughout the year.

Water little and often to keep the compost moist, and add a drop of liquid feed every few weeks – but take care not to overdo it.