How to Grow and Care for Anthurium Jungle Bush

The Anthurium Jungle Bush, scientifically known as Anthurium schlechtendalii, is a distinctive houseplant prized for its structural foliage rather than its flowers. It brings a piece of the tropical understory into the home with its grand, leathery leaves. The plant’s impressive size and unique form make it a focal point in any indoor plant collection.

Identifying the Jungle Bush

The defining feature of the Anthurium Jungle Bush is its leaves. They are large, paddle or lance-shaped, and can reach lengths of several feet in mature specimens. The leaves have a tough, leathery texture, a deep green hue, and a prominent central midrib that adds to their structural appeal.

This anthurium’s growth pattern is a clear identifier. It forms a rosette with leaves emerging from a central base, creating a “bird’s nest” appearance. This is different from other anthuriums that may have a vining or more upright habit. While it produces an inflorescence, it is modest. The spathe and spadix are greenish or purplish and lack the bright colors of the common Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum), keeping the focus on the foliage.

Essential Care Requirements

Providing the correct light is a primary consideration for the Jungle Bush. These plants flourish in bright, indirect light, which mimics the dappled sunlight of a jungle canopy. An east-facing window is often ideal, but direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves and cause permanent brown patches.

The right soil composition is also important. As an epiphyte, it requires an airy and well-draining potting medium to prevent root suffocation. A chunky mix of orchid bark, coarse perlite, and coco coir provides excellent drainage and aeration, which helps prevent root rot. Standard potting soil retains too much water and should be avoided.

Watering practices must be carefully managed to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of the medium feel dry. Continue watering until it flows freely from the pot’s drainage holes, but do not allow the pot to sit in standing water. This method ensures the roots receive moisture without becoming waterlogged.

The Jungle Bush prefers the warm and humid conditions of its native habitat. Indoor temperatures should range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Place it in a sheltered location away from cold drafts. To meet its high humidity needs, you can mist the leaves, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or use a room humidifier.

During the spring and summer growing season, the plant benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 4-6 weeks. Reduce fertilization during fall and winter, as the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Common Growth Issues and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves are most often a direct result of overwatering. When the soil remains saturated, it deprives the roots of oxygen, leading to root rot that causes yellow, wilting foliage. To resolve this, allow the growing medium to dry out more between waterings and confirm the pot has adequate drainage.

Brown Leaf Edges

The appearance of brown, crispy leaf edges or tips is a sign of environmental stress. This is commonly caused by low humidity, where the plant loses moisture from its leaves faster than its roots can absorb it. Inconsistent watering can also cause these dry patches, so improving humidity and maintaining a consistent watering schedule will help.

Common Pests

The Jungle Bush can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing stippling and discoloration. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves to catch an infestation early, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Stunted Growth

Sluggish growth is often linked to insufficient resources. A lack of adequate light is a primary cause, as the plant cannot photosynthesize effectively to produce energy. Another reason is a lack of nutrients, so providing brighter, indirect light and a consistent feeding schedule will encourage robust growth.

Propagation and Repotting

Your Anthurium Jungle Bush will need repotting every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. Signs of a root-bound plant include roots emerging from drainage holes or compacted soil. Choose a container that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess soil that can hold too much moisture. Gently remove the plant, inspect the roots for decay, and place it in the new pot with a fresh, chunky soil mix.

The most reliable method for propagating a Jungle Bush is division, which is best done during repotting to minimize stress. Once the plant is unpotted, gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each new division has a healthy portion of both leaves and roots. These new, smaller plants can then be potted up individually into an appropriate soil mix and cared for just like the parent plant.