Thaumatophyllum spruceanum 'Green Wonder' ('Fun Bun')

Where the species behind Thaumatophyllum spruceanum 'Green Wonder' ('Fun Bun') grows naturally

Thaumatophyllum spruceanum is native to northern tropical South America, including northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, French Guiana and Suriname. It grows in wet tropical forest, including forest that floods seasonally, forest that stays flooded for long periods, rainforest on unflooded ground and river margins.

Wild plants may root in the ground, grow on trees or climb while staying connected to the soil. Their roots receive frequent moisture, and many plants grow in humid places with moving air around waterways or among trees.

Indoor care for Thaumatophyllum spruceanum 'Green Wonder' ('Fun Bun')

• Light: Bright filtered light is ideal. Short periods of gentle sun are suitable when introduced gradually, and good light helps the mature leaves develop fully.
• Watering: Keep the potting mix evenly moist, watering when the surface just begins to dry. Water thoroughly and let the excess drain.
• Potting mix: Choose a well-draining potting mix that holds moisture evenly between waterings.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep it warm, with moderate humidity around new leaves and roots growing from the stem.
• Feeding: A light dose of complete houseplant fertiliser is suitable while the plant is putting out leaves.
• Growth and support: Leave plenty of room for the long leaf stalks. Add a stake or pole if the stem begins to lean or climb, and redirect long roots before they attach to nearby surfaces.
• Repotting: Repot when roots crowd the pot or push strongly through the drainage holes. Keep the stem base at the same depth.
• Propagation: Take a stem cutting with a healthy bud, or separate a rooted side shoot.

Common problems with Thaumatophyllum spruceanum 'Green Wonder' ('Fun Bun')

• The whole plant droops: The potting mix may be too dry, or the roots may be damaged after staying wet for too long. Check the pot before watering. Water thoroughly if the mix is dry; if it is still wet, check the roots. Remove rotten roots with clean scissors, cutting back to firm healthy roots. Discard what you remove and repot in fresh, well-draining mix. The root rot guide covers the remaining recovery steps.
• A leaf stalk or stem area turns soft, water-soaked and unpleasant-smelling: These symptoms can indicate bacterial soft rot. Isolate the plant immediately. If the affected area is still small, remove all soft tissue with a clean, disinfected tool, cutting back until only firm healthy tissue remains. Discard everything removed and keep the leaves dry. Discard the plant if the rot is spreading through the centre.
• Mature leaves stay small and leaf stalks become unusually long: Too little light can prevent the plant from developing its larger mature leaves with many leaflets. Check how much light reaches the plant and move it closer to a bright window gradually if needed.
• Small brown bumps, fine pale speckles or webbing appear: These signs can indicate scale or spider mites. Check the leaflets, leaf stalks and the places where they meet the stem. Keep the plant away from nearby plants while treating it, and follow the product label. The scale guide can help with identification.

Thaumatophyllum spruceanum ‘Green Wonder’ (‘Fun Bun’) 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 names Thaumatophyllum spruceanum and Philodendron goeldii

Thaumatophyllum means ‘wonder leaf’. The epithet spruceanum honours British botanist and Amazon explorer Richard Spruce.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Thaumatophyllum in 1859 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 7, page 31.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Thaumatophyllum spruceanum in 1859 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 7, page 31.

Cassia Mônica Sakuragui, Luana Calazans and Simon Mayo revived Thaumatophyllum for this group in 2018 in PhytoKeys, volume 98. Kew’s World Checklist treats Thaumatophyllum spruceanum as a synonym of Philodendron goeldii. Both names are still encountered.