Philodendron gloriosum x pastazanum McDowell

Philodendron 'McDowell' is a very beautiful hybrid for our interiors. This plant with generous forms produces enormous heart-shaped, deep green leaves with pronounced white veins, on naturally creeping stems. Ideal for interiors with a tropical style, it thrives in bright spots, without direct sunlight and in high ambient humidity. This slightly demanding plant is best suited for those with some experience.

Philodendron 'McDowell' is a remarkable hybrid from the Araceae family, created in 1988 by botanist John Banta, who named it in honour of his friend Dean McDowell. This hybrid results from the cross-breeding of two botanical species: Philodendron gloriosum and P. pastazanum. This variety is sometimes referred to as "Philodendron Dean McDowell" in horticultural trade. It is characterised by horizontal growth and an overall creeping habit; its foliage typically reaches a height of 60 to 90 cm and a spread that can exceed 1.80 m. Its deep green, heart-shaped leaves feature pronounced white veins. They can measure up to 90 cm in length, with a velvety texture and slightly wavy edges. New leaves often emerge with a rosy hue before maturing to dark green. Although Philodendron 'McDowell' can produce typical inflorescences of the genus, flowering indoors is rare and insignificant compared to its ornamental foliage. Like many members of the Araceae family, Philodendron 'McDowell' contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested.

Philodendron ‘McDowell’ blends harmoniously into tropical, modern, or bohemian styles and pairs beautifully with textured ceramic pots or natural wood supports. To create a spectacular plant composition, pair it with an Alocasia ‘Polly’ or a Calathea orbifolia, which share its requirements for soft light and humidity.