Anthurium crassinervium ‘Jungle Bush’

A cultivated selection with a broad wild range behind it

The selection history of ‘Jungle Bush’ is not publicly documented. Anthurium crassinervium is native from Colombia to Venezuela and Curaçao, where it grows in wet tropical settings as a terrestrial plant, lithophyte or epiphyte. Its bird’s-nest rosette can occupy soil, rock crevices or tree forks and catch loose forest litter around the roots.

Growing Anthurium indoors

• Substrate and repotting: Let Anthurium crassinervium ‘Jungle Bush’ settle in the original container first, using pot weight, root activity and clean new growth through the rosette crown and outer roots to decide when a later repot will cause the least disruption. Later, use a stable close-fitting pot with coarse bark, coco chips, pumice and a modest amount of coir.
• Light: Give medium to bright filtered light, including gentle early or late sun after acclimation. Keep the rosette away from hot midday glass.
• Humidity and airflow: A range of moderate to high humidity suits this robust rosette when air circulates between the leaves.
• Feeding: Use a dilute complete fertiliser while leaves and roots are growing. If Anthurium crassinervium ‘Jungle Bush’ keeps producing roots or leaves under lower light, continue feeding lightly; reduce or pause when growth stops, and rinse the mix with plain water occasionally.
• Firm rosette leaves and propagation: Clear organic debris from between the thick leaves and keep the central growing point dry. Separate only basal shoots that have already produced their own roots.

Pest and health checks for Anthurium crassinervium ‘Jungle Bush’

• Yellowing linked to moisture: A lighter pot with dry mix below the upper layer and inward-folding leaves indicates thirst; soak the root ball and drain it. A pot that stays damp past the usual interval, together with soft yellow lower leaves, points to poor root aeration.
• Firm roots versus hollow roots: Healthy roots feel stout and firm beneath a dry central crown. Remove soft or hollow tissue with a disinfected tool, keep the base above a close-fitting coarse mix and let the upper 3–4 cm dry again after watering.
• Pest marks on opening foliage: Thrips feed inside the youngest folded leaf, while scale and mealybugs settle deep between the thick bases. Isolate the plant, lift off visible pests with a damp swab and treat the places they hide with a product labelled for the pest. Repeat at the label interval and inspect the centre after treatment.
• A smaller next leaf: A constantly wet pot, weak light or cold roots can slow the upright centre. Use medium to bright filtered light and 20–30 °C, then look for a firm new central leaf before changing the feeding routine.
• Brown margins after a dry cycle: Brown tips can signal an overlong dry period or fertiliser salts. Check deeper moisture, water thoroughly when due and flush the root ball; let the upper mix dry again afterwards.

Anthurium crassinervium ‘Jungle Bush’ is toxic to pets

• Anthurium crassinervium ‘Jungle Bush’ is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Flower and tail in Greek and Latin crassus, thick

Crassinervium combines Latin crassus, “thick”, and nervus, “vein”: “thick-veined”. The genus name Anthurium combines Greek anthos, “flower”, and oura, “tail”, referring to the tail-like spadix.