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Climber Wall ShrubConservatory GreenhouseSynonym

Philodendron scandens

ivy-leaved philodendron

A fast-growing, tropical evergreen climber between 3-6m in height, with heart-shaped, bronze-green leaves to 30cm long, red-tinted beneath, with large, overlapping basal leaf lobes; purple flower-spathes are 5cm long and may be produced on mature plants in summer

Other common names
heart-leaf philodendron
sweetheart plant
see moreheart-leaf
Synonyms
Philodendron scandens
Philodendron scandens subsp. scandens
see morePhilodendron scandens subsp. scandens f. micans
Philodendron micans

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Bronze Green Red
Summer Purple Bronze Green Red
Autumn Bronze Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Araceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
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

Correct

Plant range
Mexico, Trop. America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in well-drained, peat-free potting compost in bright but filtered or indirect light. Maintain a minimum winter temperature of 15⁰C and water moderately, less in low temperatures. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings in summer, layer or air-layer in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required but may need restrictive pruning under glass

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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