About
A fast-growing, tropical evergreen climber between 3-6m in height, with heart-shaped, bronze-green leaves to 30cm long, red-tinted beneath, with large, overlapping basal leaf lobes; purple flower-spathes are 5cm long and may be produced on mature plants in summer.
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 typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico, Trop. 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
CultivationGrow under glass in well-drained, peat-free potting compost in bright but filtered or indirect light. Maintain a minimum winter temperature of 15⁰C and water moderately, less in low temperatures. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required but may need restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings in summer, layer or air-layer in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free