About
This climbing vine, native to the northern states of S America, where it grows up and along the trunks and branches of tropical forest trees. The juvenile form has green heart-shaped leaves, heavily marked between the veins with silver. The adult form has larger, all green, heart shaped foliage to 30cm long. The silver variegation of the juvenile form makes it attractive to grow as a houseplant. In habitat, the adult foliage is only produced once the plant has grown high into the tree’s canopy. Greenish purple spathes are produced on mature plants.
About the genus
Philodendron can be shrubs, trees or climbers, with glossy, leathery, evergreen, simple to pinnately divided leaves, and tiny flowers borne within arum-like white, green or reddish spathes
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toN South America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in well-drained, ericaceous, loam-based, peat free, potting compost, mixing in some extra perlite, choosing a position in bright but diffused light. During the growing season, April to September, allow the surface of the compost to become just dry before thoroughly watering the compost. Avoid plants sitting in water which can cause the roots to rot. Apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser monthly. Water less frequently in winter, when growth slows right down, and stop feeding at this time until the spring. Repot every 2-3 years. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, other than to trim stems as required
PropagationPropagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealy bugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free