Meet the ultimate crown jewel for rare plant collectors: the Ulearum donburnsii. Often referred to by enthusiasts as the "Fox Face" or "Bunny Ears" plant, this breathtaking miniature aroid is native to the lowland tropical border regions between Ecuador and Peru.
What makes the Ulearum donburnsii stand out from typical house plants is its distinctive arrowhead, embossed leaf shape and deep green, velvety texture. Many specimens boast striking white or silver cloud-like markings running down the center of the foliage. Because it stays compact, reaching a maximum height of around 30 cm, it is the absolute perfect choice for space-constrained growers and high-humidity indoor terrariums.
Don't miss the chance to add this highly coveted, slow-growing Ecuadorian treasure to your rare aroid collection.
Ulearum donburnsii Quick Care Guide
To keep your exotic indoor plants thriving, mimic the humid, shaded floor of South American rainforests.
Light: Bright, indirect light (10,000–20,000 lux). Strictly protect the leaves from direct sun exposure.
Soil: Highly aerated, mega-chunky, and fast-draining potting mix. Lean toward organic materials that retain slight moisture without getting soggy.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water the plant when the top 20–35% of the substrate feels dry. The leaves will visibly droop to tell you when they are thirsty.
Humidity: Elevated humidity is best (50–60% minimum). It performs exceptionally well in glass terrariums or close to a humidifier.
Temperature: Keep temperatures warm between 18–27°C (64–80°F). Avoid letting conditions drop below 15°C (59°F).
Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ulearum donburnsii easy to grow?
It is best suited for intermediate to advanced plant parents. While it isn't overly demanding about heavy fertilizing, it does require consistent humidity and a very airy soil mix to prevent root rot.
How fast does the Fox Face plant grow?
This species is a notoriously slow grower. Expect it to push out a beautiful new leaf every few months. Patience is key, but the stunning, embossed maturity of the foliage is well worth the wait!
Does this plant go dormant in the winter?
Unlike some rhizomatous tropicals, indoor Ulearum donburnsii plants generally do not experience a true winter dormancy period if kept in a warm, temperature-controlled household or grow cabinet.