Philodendron hastatum
silver sword philodendron
A tropical evergreen vine, with oval shaped, glossy young leaves with tapered tips, and sometimes with a slight silvery sheen. Mature leaves become arrow-shaped, and can reach up to 60cm long. Spathe flowers, green on the outside and bright red inside, are rarely produced in cultivation
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a loose, well drained potting mix, in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Mist daily. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly at other times, allowing the top of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed surface sown at 19 to 24 °C in spring, or by layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- hanging basket
Pruning
No pruning required, trim length if necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.