Josefia intricata

Botanical identity and natural origin of Josefia intricata

Josefia intricata is native to Central Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo. It grows in very wet lowland forest on volcanic rock beside streams and waterfalls.

Its habitat is exposed to flowing water and regular flooding. It was previously sold among growers as ‘Aridarum prisai’.

Care for Josefia intricata

Grow Josefia intricata with its stem and leaves above the waterline.

• Light: Give moderate to bright filtered light. If you move the plant to a brighter place, increase the light gradually.
• Temperature: A range of 20–28 °C suits Josefia intricata. Avoid leaving it where temperatures stay below 18 °C.
• Humidity and airflow: Aim for 60–80% humidity around the foliage, with gentle air movement around the growing point.
• Watering: Keep the mix consistently moist and water until excess drains from the pot.
• Potting mix: Use a loose, freely draining mix. Combine pumice, fine lava, perlite or another coarse mineral material with bark, coir or another material that holds some moisture.
• Feeding: Apply a weak balanced fertiliser while fresh leaves are developing.
• Repotting: Repot when roots and shoots from the base fill the container.

Common issues with Josefia intricata

• Leaves soften after staying under water too long: The stem and foliage need to remain above the waterline for continued growth. Move the plant into humid conditions with the leaves above the water and keep the roots steadily moist.
• Roots or the stem base turn soft and dark: Dense, waterlogged substrate may have started rot. Cut away all soft, dark tissue with a clean tool until only firm healthy tissue remains, discard the rotten material and repot the healthy section in fresh loose substrate.
• Leaf tips or margins turn crisp and brown: Uneven watering, dry air or salt buildup may be drying the leaf edges. Restore steady moisture, raise humidity if the surrounding air is dry, and flush the substrate if mineral residue is present.

Josefia intricata is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does Josefia intricata mean, and who first published it?

Josefia honours Josef Bogner (1939–2020), a German botanist and leading specialist in the arum family. Intricata comes from Latin intricatus, “intricate” or “entangled”, referring to the intricate raised veining of the leaf blade.

David Scherberich, Keisuke Hase, and Peter Charles Boyce established the genus Josefia in 2023 in Aroideana, volume 46, issue 2, page 7.

David Scherberich, Suwidji Wongso, and Keisuke Hase first described Josefia intricata in 2023 in Aroideana, volume 46, issue 2, page 7.