🌿 The Majestic Jungle Bush Anthurium (Anthurium hookeri 'Jungle Bush')

The Anthurium hookeri 'Jungle Bush' is a stunning and statement-making houseplant, primarily grown for its voluminous foliage. Unlike its more common relatives prized for their colored spathes, this plant is admired for its magnificent green structure. It is native to the tropical forests of the Caribbean and northern South America.

Foliage and Form

The main feature of this plant is its leaves, which are vibrant, glossy, and very large. They are wide, leathery, dark green, and usually grow upright on short stems, creating a dense, bush-like appearance—hence the name 'Jungle Bush'. New leaves tend to unfurl in a lighter shade before darkening. This species is an evergreen plant, providing a continuous display of lush, jungle-like beauty all year long.

Flowering and Scent

While the Anthurium hookeri does produce a flower, it is inconspicuous and usually hidden deep within the foliage. The bloom consists of a thin, greenish-yellow spike (spadix) and a narrow, green spathe. The plant is not known for a strong fragrance.

Height and Spines

This particular plant is a substantial size, standing at a current height of about 70 cm (around 27.5 inches). Its large 30 cm pot size further emphasizes its status as a significant floor or large tabletop decoration. It naturally grows into a wide, robust clump. This plant does not have thorns or spines.

Care and Requirements

Caring for this Anthurium is noted as easy, making it a great choice for all experience levels. It is quite adaptable, preferring a spot in half-shadow, which means it thrives in bright, indirect light or filtered light. Too much direct sun should be avoided as it can damage the glossy leaves. As a tropical plant, it appreciates high humidity.

Watering

The Anthurium requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Note: Like all plants in the Anthurium genus, the 'Jungle Bush' contains calcium oxalate crystals. This makes the plant toxic if ingested and can cause painful irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive system. It should be kept safely out of reach of pets and children.