Philodendron Xanadu, a philodendron like no other

Philodendron xanadu grows in the tropical forests of southern Brazil and Paraguay. A member of the Araceae family, it is distinguished from other philodendrons by its bushy habit and highly dissected leaves.

Philodendron xanadu is a perennial with a bushy habit. Wider than it is tall at maturity, it reaches 1.60 m in height and 2 m in width.

Although Philodendron xanadu is not a creeping plant, it sometimes has aerial roots. These appear on the short green stem.

The leaves grow on long petioles. They measure between 15 and 45 centimetres. Most Philodendrons, like philodendron 'Pink Princess have cordate leaf blades. But those of Philodendron xanadu are cut into narrow, regular lobes. There are between 15 and 20 lobes per leaf.

In the botanical variety, the glossy leaves are plain and dark green. But there are also cultivars with yellow foliage, such as Philodendron xanadu Gold, or variegated white, like Philodendron xanadu "White variegated".

In the wild, Philodendron xanadu blooms in spring and summer. Blooms take the form of a narrow, dark-red spathe.

Philodendron xanadu is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of the reach of young children and pets. The plant can also cause skin irritation if in contact with the sap. Remember to wear gloves when pruning.