Variety is the spice of plant life – particularly house plant life—and philodendron is one fine-foliaged example. Varied leaf design, size, texture, color shadings, plant size, habit, and rate of growth all spell the fact that there’s a philodendron for your every whim.
This is probably news to many people, for most of us think of philodendron in terms of two plants: Philodendron CORDATUM, the twining vine with heart-shaped leaves, and MONSTERA DELICIOSA, the strong-climbing standard used by decorators in ultramodern homes.
Actually, the latter is not a philodendron at all, although, in its immature leaf stage, it is sold under the name of Philodendron pertusum.
But lured of late by intriguing catalog illustrations of “different” philodendrons, I’ve been experimenting with some of them to see how successful they would be in the average living room. The results have been richly rewarding.
Large Heart Shape Vine
A vine to cherish is silver-mottled Philodendron SODIROI. Very slow-growing, it has large heart-shaped, somewhat quilted leaves. If I ever get a pot complete, it will be a thing of absolute beauty to highlight my indoor garden.
Another gem of a vine is Philodendron scandens. Although slow-growing when small, it becomes a rapid grower with age. The soft green of older leaves is lovely. New leaves are reddish-brown, as are leaf undersides.
Three and a half inches is the maximum length of leaves, which are relatively small.
Large Arrow Shaped Leaves
PHILODENDRON HASTATUM has large arrow-shaped leaves of dark glossy jade. New leaves, though, are pretty light.
Philodendron IMBE bears a longer, more pointed, and much thicker leaf. It is as heavy as chamois skin. Dark green on top, it has a red underside. Plant stems are spotted with red.
The copper-colored leaf undersides of Philodendron ERUBESCENS shine through the upper surface with a warm coppery glow. The leaves are slightly ruffled and of an elongated heart shape.
Pretty Red Leaves
The new ones are pretty red. A similar species is Philodendron MANDIANUM, which has larger leaves and is a more rapid grower. On the whole, though, Philodendron erubescens is preferable.
There are many degrees of leaf indentation in the various species. Some are so deeply cut there is little left but the veining system. The highly decorative Philodendron DUBIUM boasts the deepest cut leaf, with Philodendron CRESTIFOLIUM not quite so deep.
The coloring and growth habit of the two are similar, and both grow faster than hastatum or imbe. The indentations of Philodendron LACERUM are so restrained – as compared to the others – they seem mere scallops.
Light Green Leaves
The one plant I lost in my “test group” was Philodendron VERROCOSUM, whose unusual stems or petioles make it highly desirable.
They are covered with fleshy bristles (similar to those on many rhizomatous begonias) and chartreuse hairs. The leaves are light green.
Generally speaking, though, hardiness is a prime virtue of philodendron and one of the chief reasons for its popularity as a house plant. It not only lives but thrives under the most adverse conditions.
The dry air of modern steam-heated homes deters it not at all. And it prefers a sunless location. It appreciates light soil, good drainage, and frequent watering, and weekly spraying of foliage in the winter.
If this is not practical, “rubdowns” with a damp cloth can be substituted. Come summertime, and philodendron likes the fresh air of a sheltered porch spot and biweekly sprayings.
44659 by Ferne S. Kellenberger