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Philodendron plowmanii

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

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

1–1.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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

Botanical 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: 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

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