Philodendron xanadu

The Philodendron or Thaumatophyllum xanadu is characterised by a bushy habit, finely cut foliage, and a specific resistance to cold. It is a lush plant with a tropical appearance. It is easy to grow indoors, on a well-sheltered terrace, or even in the ground in our mild regions spared from frost. Over time, it forms a large tuft of heavily cut leaves with a gleaming dark green colour. This plant can regrow from the stump after being destroyed by frost. Still, late in spring, it risks exhaustion in rebuilding its vegetation after 3 or 4 years. We recommend growing this marvel in a large pot and protecting it from frost in winter. It is a splendid indoor or conservatory plant, essential for creating a lush decor on a terrace or patio.

The Philodendron Xanadu, now renamed Thaumatophyllum xanadu, is a large perennial shrub belonging to the arum family, like Colocasia and Monstera. It is a terrestrial species native to subtropical forests in Brazil. It is not a liana but rather a bushy plant with a spreading habit, developing a vegetation dome slightly wider than tall over time, occupying about 1.30 m (4ft) in height and 1.60 m (5ft) in spread. Its growth is relatively slow. The stems transform over time into rigid trunks, ranging from brown to grey, marked by numerous foliar scars. At the top of this trunk, a cluster of huge, long-petioled leaves develops. Each leaf, measuring up to 40 cm (16in), is divided into 15 to 20 narrow, regular lobes with a leathery texture and smooth edges. The lamina is bright green, glossy, and marked by lighter veins. Like all philodendrons, Xanadu produces multiple long aerial roots, primarily capturing humidity from the air. Flowering is rare in cultivation. It appears as a spadix surrounded by a narrow reddish spathe.

Philodendron xanadu is an impressive plant on the terrace and in the house, but easy to grow in rich and lightweight soil. It prefers partial shade, tolerates dry air and occasional forgetfulness of watering, and its foliage only truly suffers below 0°C (32°F). It is a focal point in contemporary or exotic decor, whether planted in a large container on the terrace, in a spacious living room, or in a lightly heated and bright dining room. This robust plant goes well with banana plants, Tetrapanax, and Cycas, whose magnificence recalls Andalusian patios.

Philodendron is also known as an air-purifying plant: it apparently can partially eliminate toxic molecules such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, toluene, benzene, hexane, trichloroethylene, and ammonia in our apartments.