Many Philodendron varieties are known as easy to grow plants, viny appearance, and their aerial roots. However, with all the varieties of Philodendrons there is one that is very different than the other types of Philodendron – the Philodendron Xanadu.
One can easily distinguish this exotic tropical plant from the others, because of its uniquely-shaped leaves. It has deeply dissected grey-green leaves.
The dissection results into 15 to 20 lobes for each leaf. Although its flowers are not that showy, once in a while, Philodendron Xanadu produces green or cream or tan flowers.
Philodendron Xanadu grows into a medium-sized upright philodendron shrub. This makes it a popular addition to large rooms, hallways, bathrooms, or any part of one’s home.
Its dramatic effect will make you feel as if a part in your home is made for any safari adventure.
When used in landscapes, Philodendron Xanadu creates its very own tropical plant statement. Its clumping growth habit as a shrub makes it a handsome foundation or specimen plant.
The leaves of this plant are usually drooping and close to the ground. This characteristic makes Philodendron Xanadu an ideal ground cover. It can also be grown in pots or in containers which you can then put at pool sides.
Many homeowners assume Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Selloum) and Xanadu are the same but they are not.
There are several other Philodendron varieties you may find at the garden center.
Philodendron Prince of Orange
Philodendron “Prince of Orange” is a hybrid with very distinct colorful foliage vibrant compared to other Philodendron cultivars.
The dynamic growth and coloration of the Prince of Orange leaves is so amazing. The new leaves unroll a bright orange or copper-orange color and fades to a pale green color when they mature.
In addition to this unique leaf color are the pinkish-red petioles. This self-heading Philodendron variety grows up to 24″ inches in height.
Philodendron Prince of Orange is good in landscaping and interior designs. It is widely grown for foliage where the elliptic to ovate leaves could show off their striking colors.
Because of its compact growth habit, Prince of Orange plants can be grown as a group of shrubs in a large planting with lost soil. Small Prince of Orange plants are usually seen placed on a top level table while the large ones are commonly placed at the floor.
NOTE: With all the many different Philodendrons available today the common green Philodendron cordatum is one of the best plants for a well-lit bathroom (aka bathroom plants). Also the Pink Princess Philodendron is one variety you probably will not find at your garden center.
Philodendron Rojo Congo
Philodendron Rojo Congo (Philodendron red congo plant) is a new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron. It is a product of the cross or breeding between Philodendron Imperial Red as the female parent and an unidentified cultivar of the Philodendron tatei.
This plant grows vigorously in an upright but spreading or open manner. New Rojo Congo leaves are brownish maroon to almost red in color while the large mature ones are dark green in color with a touch of red.
The plant’s leaf petioles remain reddish purple to bright right with long-lasting petiole sheaths.
Rojo Congo’s thick and glossy leaves growing on long stems appear to be spreading and open making it suitable for indoor use. Oftentimes, nurseries and even households grow Rojo Congo plants in containers.
Although this evergreen tropical plant appears large, it is perfect for pots indoors used in landscape philodendron.
Philodendron Mamei
Philodendron species are known as popular indoor plants with beautiful foliage. They belong to the Araceae family that are easy to grow and are commonly used as houseplants.
The name ‘philodendron’ came from the two Greek words philo meaning love and dendron meaning tree.
One popular Philodendron cultivar is the creeper, Philodendron mamei. Philodendron mamei is a suitable plant for indoor growing. Its medium-green leaves are about 12″ inches long and are triangular in shape. Each corrugated leaf is accentuated with silvery patterns.
Philodendron mamei plants are sometimes put to large containers. When grown outdoors, Philodendron mamei makes a spectacular specimen.
Philodendron Brazil
Philodendron Brazil is a yellow variegated cultivar of Philodendron hederaceum (Philodendron scandens). Its dark green leaves are rounded in shape with elongated apieces that make them look almost heart-shaped.
Young heart shaped leaf is reddish pink in color. As they mature, they become reddish orange and eventually light to dark green.
The same color development is also observed on the stems of Philodendron Brazil. Each glossy leaf is splashed with cream and green colorations, which is distinct to this cultivar.
Most plant owners grow Philodendron Brazil in hanging baskets or as a foliage accent plant. But this showy low-growing plant is naturally a climber.
When grown on totem poles, they exhibit a cascading or trailing growth manner with dense foliage. Whether they are grown in containers or in totem poles, Philodendron Brazil is great indoors or as a house plant.
Philodendron Plant… Need Leaf Cleaning
These types of Philodendron house plants are low maintenance overall but can’t be neglected.
When growing in the nursery many plants build up a nice layer of spray residue and need a good cleaning.
However, house plants build up dust and grim as they work on cleaning the air, make sure you clean your house plants correctly.
image: flickr