Philodendron ‘Jungle Fever’

Cultivated origin of Philodendron ‘Jungle Fever’

‘Jungle Fever’ is a horticultural Philodendron cultivar that exists only in cultivation.

Indoor care for Philodendron ‘Jungle Fever’

• Support: Add a pole or board only after the stem begins to lengthen; a short central stem can remain unsupported.
• New leaves: Give unfolding lobed leaves enough space to open without rubbing against nearby pots, walls or older foliage.
• Light: Use bright filtered light and keep pale new leaves away from hot direct midday sun.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after the upper part of the mix begins to dry, then let excess water leave the pot.
• Roots and potting mix: Use an open aroid mix that holds some moisture while keeping plenty of air around the roots.
• Temperature and humidity: Use about 18–29 °C for routine growth and protect it from extended periods under 15 °C. Keep the plant at roughly 50–60% relative humidity.
• Feeding: During fresh leaf and stem development, use a modest dose of complete houseplant fertiliser; then cut back during slower growth.
• Repotting: Root crowding or an insecure support are the practical cues to repot ‘Jungle Fever’. Choose a pot only slightly larger for ‘Jungle Fever’ and secure its support again during repotting.
• Propagation: Use a healthy stem cutting that has at least one node. If the node already has an aerial root, leave it attached to support establishment.

Problems to watch for on Philodendron ‘Jungle Fever’

• A pale new leaf turns greener: This is often normal hardening. Keep the routine steady when the leaf is firm and the plant continues to produce healthy growth
• Several leaves yellow and the pot stays wet: Let the upper substrate dry further and make sure water can leave the container freely. If the plant also keeps wilting, check the root ball once. Leave firm roots intact. If the mix has broken down and stays wet, replace it, cutting away only roots that are clearly soft or foul-smelling. The root-rot guide explains how to repot after root damage
• A dry bleached patch appears on pale foliage: Check whether the mark faces a hot window or a direct beam. Move the plant out of that exposure and judge the new position from the next leaves
• A new leaf opens scarred or misshapen: First look for rubbing against a wall, pot or older leaf, then inspect the folded growth for thrips or mites. Give the next leaf more clearance when contact caused the mark. If pests are present, isolate the plant and use an indoor treatment whose current label lists the pest, repeating it as directed

Philodendron ‘Jungle Fever’ 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.

About the name Philodendron

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.