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
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H1BBotanical 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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