About
A tropical evergreen vine, with oval shaped, glossy young leaves with tapered tips, and sometimes with a slight silvery sheen. Spathe flowers, green on the outside and bright red inside, are rarely produced in cultivation. Mature leaves become arrow-shaped, and can reach up to 60cm long.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Hanging basket
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
CultivationGrow under glass in a loose, well drained potting mix, in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Mist daily. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly at other times, allowing the top of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, other thsn to trim stems as required
PropagationPropagate by seed surface sown at 19 to 24 °C in spring, or by layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free