Philodendron plowmanii

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A creeping, terrestrial species found growing in tropical rainforest in Peru and Ecuador. Strong leaf stalks which arise directly from the creeping stem support heart-shaped semi-glossy evergreen leaves. The lateral veins are sunken on the upper leaf surfaces giving a quilted effect. Juvenile leaves are green with splashes of silver grey between the veins. Mature leaves are green and can be very large; over a metre across in some cases. The flowering spathe is only produced on mature plants and is purple and white, while the spadix, or column, inside the spathe is cream. These are usually produced during the warmer months. Its large, ornamental foliage makes it attractive to grow as a houseplant

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid 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)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Unresolved
Plant Range
Peru, 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. Allow the surface of the compost to become just dry before thoroughly watering the compost once more. Avoid plants sitting in water which can cause the roots to rot. During the growing season, April to September, apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser monthly. Water less frequently in winter, when growth slows right down, and stop feeding until the spring. Repot every 2-3 years. Plants can be trained to climb a moss pole indoors and reach 2.5m high. If allowed to creep naturally, plants are best suited to a wide shallow container rather than a deep pot. 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