Philodendron xanadu: Easy to grow indoor and ornamental plant
Image Source: Piwaiwaka / CC BY-SA
They are evergreen plants grown for its thick dissected leaves. Unlike the other species, P. xanadu has an erect stem. The plants require humid conditions to thrive. They are easy to grow and can be grown indoors as an ornamental plant or outdoors as a landscape plant. The parts of the plants are toxic and should not be ingested.
Quick Details of Philodendron xanadu
| Other Common Names | Philodendron Xanadu, Winterbourn |
| Type | Indoor/outdoor ornamental plant |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Late spring/ early summer (in natural conditions) |
| Light | Low to moderate bright indirect sunlight, can tolerate partial indirect light. |
| Water | Regular watering but do not over water |
| Temperature | Warm humid conditions |
| Soil | Well drained potting mixture |
| Fertilizer | Any house plant fertilizer. Normally Philodendron Xanadu requires more fertilization. |
| Habitat | Brazil |
| Toxicity | Toxic to animals |
| Common Diseases | Aphids, spider mites, root rot |
| Scientific name | Philodendron xanadu |
Philodendron xanadu – Buying Instructions
- Ensure healthy leaves on the plant as plant is known for it’s foliage
- Root system should be well developed. This you can see by looking on the soil. Roots will be visible on above the soil as well.
- There should be minimum patches on the leaves.
- Plant is slow growing plant so ensure you are taking plant as per your size expectation.
Overview of Philodendron Xanadu
They are evergreen plants belonging to the family of Aeraceae and are native to Brazil. The stems are erect and have leaves arranged alternatively. The leaves are oval shaped and dissected, dark green in colour, shiny and leathery. Sometimes the plant can produce aerial roots. They flower when mature. The flowers are mostly red in colour and arranged in spathes. The plants can grow up to a height of 2 to 4 feet tall.
Special features: They are patented species. They differ from other species of the same genus in that the stems are erect, the sexual parts are spadix, the leaf scars on the rhizomes are of different shape when compared to the other species.
Usage and Advantage of Philodendron xanadu
- They are grown as ornamental plants.
- They are widely used in landscaping in at various places such as hotels, malls and offices.
General Care for Philodendron xanadu
Soil: They prefer well drained, organic matter rich potting soil with a ph ranging between 5.6 to 7.5
Water: The plants can be watered regularly. They require moist soil. Regular watering can be done during the growing period (summer and spring) the plants can be deep watered ones in a week during this period. Care should be taken to completely drain out the water from the soil. During winters, the plants can be watered ones in a while. Watering should be done only when the soil is dry.
Light: They prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Light shade suits the best and can survive in shade. The leaves can get easily sunburned if exposed to direct sunlight. The colour of the leaves changes to darker shades when kept in shade or lower light.
Temperature and humidity: The plants prefer warm climates and survive best in areas where the temperature is warm throughout the year. Harsh winters can be harmful to the plant. Since they are native to the tropical forest the plants thrive best when the conditions are humid. A pebble tray or a spray bottle can be used to maintain the humidity of the surrounding. The pot can be placed inside the pebble spray. The water inside the pebble tray evaporates making the surroundings humid or water can be sprayed on to the foliage to give the humid effect.
Pruning: The plants can be pruned to remove diseased, dead or yellowing leaves. The leaves can be clipped off from the base near the stem. Excess growth can also be removed. Pruning helps in preventing crowding over thus preventing formation of moulds or other fungal growths.
Fertilizer: Any house plant fertilizer can be added ones in a month during the growing period.
Special Care: Keep the leaves clean. Leaves can be wiped with water dipped cotton cloth. You can spray water on leaves regularly. This plant needs regular fertilizer to grow well.
Pests and other problems for Philodendron Xanadu
They are not prone to many diseases. However, excess watering can cause root rot. The presence of dead foliage in the pot can lead to the formation of moulds and also attract fungal pathogens.
The plants can be attacked by some of the common house plant pests like the mealy bugs, spider mites and aphids. Hose spraying water or spraying neem oil or soap solution can help in getting rid of pests.
Propagation of Philodendron Xanadu
Division Method: Propagation is done mostly by division. The parent plant can be uprooted and the root balls can be separated. The separated part of the plant can be grown in a new pot to develop into a new plant. The division can be performed whenever the plant has to be re-potted.
