Philodendron hastatum

RHS Plant Profile
silver sword philodendron

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A tropical evergreen vine, with oval shaped, glossy young leaves with tapered tips, and sometimes with a slight silvery sheen. Mature leaves become arrow-shaped, and can reach up to 60cm long. Spathe flowers, green on the outside and bright red inside, are rarely produced in cultivation

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing, Trailing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eatenskin/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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed surface sown at 19 to 24 °C in spring, or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Hanging Basket

Pruning

No pruning required, other thsn to trim stems as required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free