3 minute read
World of Philodendrons
By Abby Lapides
Easy to grow, Philodendrons are great houseplants for beginners, but with thousands of varieties featuring exciting and unique foliage, they can excite even the most experienced gardener. Philodendrons come in a wide array of shapes and sizes that fit into just about any space in the house. Learn about some of my favorite varieties and how to care for these fun and easy houseplants. The shiny and interesting leaves on ‘Dragon Trail’ Philodendron add lustrous texture to the home. New leaves emerge lance-shaped, and as they mature the ridges in this slightly puckered leaf split, creating deeply dissected leaves. This trailing type looks great on a shelf or table. It also may be attached to a totem to create height. While a decorative moss totem may be used, even something as simple as a bamboo stake works well to support climbing houseplants. When attaching, be sure to use a stretchy tie or keep the tie loose to accommodate the thickening of the stems.
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In high demand, ‘Lemon Lime’ Philodendron’s neon yellow leaves electrify even the darkest rooms. Like all Philodendrons, ‘Lemon Lime’ likes humid environments, so try to keep humidity levels at 50% or above. In the winter this may be difficult. Misting helps, but I find the best way maintain humidity is to cluster plants together. As plants respire, they emit water vapor, humidifying the air around them. And it’s a great excuse to get another houseplant.
With large highly dissected green leaves the lacy tree Philodendron,
Philodendron selloum, has been a staple houseplant for many years. Needing no staking the lacy tree Philodendron naturally grows into a shrub or tree. While this Philodendron matures into a monster-size plant that requires a lot of space, its smaller sister ‘Xanadu’easily fits into most living spaces. ‘Xanadu’ has showy dissected leaves and a high tolerance for neglect, which makes it a personal favorite. Like all Philodendrons bright indirect light is ideal, but most will tolerate dark spots as well.
New to the market is the Philodendron called ‘Fuzzy Petiole’. As the plant matures the petiole, the stem that connects to the leaf, becomes hairy and red. While the unique petiole is highly showy, the leaves are gorgeous as well. The matte leaves are ruffled and puckered, looking dramatic and blousy. This climbing type requires a totem for support.
A smaller, but no less showy Philodendron, ‘Birkin’ features striking white foliage. Fully white leaves emerge from the center and slowly turn green. As the green emerges the white recedes to pinstripes creating a two-toned zebra effect. ‘Birkin’ slowly grows into a small to mid-sized mound perfect for a coffee table or desk. While ‘Birkin’ thrives indoors, I like to take it, and all Philodendrons, outdoors in the summer. They can head outside once the lows are 55 degrees or above. Keep them in shady locations away from any intense sunlight. When it’s time to bring them indoors be sure to spray with an insect spray like neem oil to get rid of any unwanted interlopers. Long-lived, versatile and easy-care, Philodendrons are perfect introductory plants to the rewarding hobby of growing houseplants. All Photos by Ann Lapides
Abby Lapides is owner and a speaker at Sugar Creek Gardens Nursery. She has degrees from the University of Missouri, and is a member of the Landscape and Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis. You can reach her at (314) 965-3070.
