Most of the flamboyant ones, in nurseries or as cut flowers, are hybrids of Anthurium andraeanum Linden and/or Anthurium scherzerianum Schott. Both species were named in honor of their 'discoverers'. The first was found by Édouard François André in the Colombian Andes in 1876; the second by Karl Scherzer probably in Costa Rica during the 1850s.

Both species come from wet tropical forests. And both tend to grow as epiphytes climbing on trees. The many varieties of A. scherzerianum have been popular houseplants since the late 1800s. Anthurium andraeanum has been mostly used in tropical gardens and for florists.

As part of a floral industry, Anthurium hybrids have been cultivated in Hawaii since the 1940s and recently in India. The plants are grown in loose potting mixes—bark or even volcanic pumice—more like one would cultivate an orchid.

The odd 'flowers' appear artificial, waxy, and provide a unique flair in exotic arrangements. They are also long-lasting with some hybrid inflorescences lasting almost two months after cutting. Growers classify the inflorescences by their shape—heart, tulip (with an upright spathe), and butterfly, and as solid-colored or obake—pink, red, white, or orange with green.

(Compiled from: "The Cultivated Anthurium", Paul M. Resslar, 2004, Virginia Wesleyan; "The Genus Anthurium Schott", Thomas B. Croat, International Aroid Society, no date; and "Anthurium", Hortus Third, Staff L.H. Bailey Hortorium, NY State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Macmillan, 1976)