About
This vigorous, tropical climber with glossy, heart-shaped, lime green leaves to 30cm long, held on long leaf stalks. Dark red, arum-type flowers may sometimes 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
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 in standard houseplant compost in bright filtered or indirect light with high humidity. Provide a moss pole for the climbing stems. During the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningSee pruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by seed, stem tip cuttings or air-layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free