Philodendron mamei
blotched philodendron
A creeping, terrestrial species found growing on steep banks in Ecuador. Strong leaf stalks which arise directly from the creeping stem support heart-shaped evergreen leaves up to 45cm across. The leathery leaves are green with splashes of silver grey between the veins. The flowering spathe is only produced on mature plants and is purplish green, while the spadix, or column, inside the spathe is cream. Its ornamental foliage make it attractive to grow as a houseplant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Cream Green Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Cream Green Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Ecuador
How to grow
Cultivation
Under 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
Propagation
Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealy bugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.