Philodendron 'Xanadu' (Philodendron xanadu)

Philodendron 'Xanadu' is a compact, clumping hybrid philodendron prized for its deeply lobed, glossy green foliage and tidy, mounding habit. A member of the Araceae family, it's a popular landscape and houseplant that doesn't vine like many philodendrons.

Description

Forms a dense mound 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide. Leaves are 12–18 inches long, deeply pinnately lobed (15–20 lobes), leathery, and bright green. Rarely flowers indoors; inflorescence is a typical aroid spathe and spadix. Does not produce aerial roots aggressively.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 10–11 outdoors; widely grown as houseplant.
• Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; part shade to full shade outdoors. Tolerates lower light but becomes leggy.
• Soil: Well-drained, rich, peaty potting mix.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; allow top inch to dry between waterings. Reduce in winter.
• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect from cold drafts.
• Humidity: Appreciates high humidity; mist or use pebble tray.

Care & Maintenance

Wipe leaves periodically to remove dust. Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer in spring–summer. Repot every 2–3 years in spring. Propagate by division of the clump. Remove yellowed leaves at base.

Uses

Tropical landscape beds, mass plantings, foundation plantings, and large containers. Excellent indoor floor plant for bright rooms. Air-purifying qualities.

Potential Issues

Root rot from overwatering. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale in dry indoor air. Leaf tip burn from fluoride in tap water or low humidity. Toxic to pets if ingested.

A versatile, architectural foliage plant that brings lush tropical texture to any setting.