Today's Gardener (todaysgardener.com) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
Philodendron xanadu is a very bold, leafy tropical plant that adds a touch of class to a shady corner or hallway where a bulky plant is more than needed. It features a fountain of glossy green leaves that form dense clumps and make up for a lack of blooms.
It is a very easy, low-maintenance plant. Plant in soil-based compost in a large plant pot, keep away from direct sun and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth once every two weeks. Allow the top to dry between winter waterings and mist every few days in summer. Susceptible to spider mites and root rot.
Here, you can read about:
- About Philodendron Xanadu and Philodendron Species
- Comprehensive Care Guide
- Special Plant Care Notes
Keep reading to learn more about how to keep Philodendron xanadu thriving in your home.
About Philodendron Xanadu
- Botanical name: Philodendron xanadu
- Popular name: Philodendron Winterbourn
- Plant family: Araceae
- Genus: Philodendron genus
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Type: Upright, foliage plant, not a climber
- Height: 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm)
- Spread: 18 inches (45 cm) in length
- Care: Easy
- Toxicity: All plant parts are poisonous and can cause skin irritation
Foliage
This Philodendron is an upright plant that boasts bold and lobed leaves with a very compact growth habit, making it ideal for a shady corner. The glossy, deep green leaves can grow up to 45 cm in length, forming a compact dome. As such, it makes a wonderful vertical accent.
The leaves of Philodendron xanadu house plants need to be frequently wiped with a soft, damp cloth so as to increase the amount of light the plant can absorb and keep the plant neat.
Flowers
While Philodendron xanadu tropical plant is known to be a flowering species in its native habitat, producing deep red spathes that contrast beautifully with the deep green foliage, it is not likely to flower in regular household conditions.
Still, a lack of flowers doesn’t diminish the beauty of the plant.
Philodendron Species
- Philodendron Birkin
- Philodendron Brandtianum
- Philodendron Cordatum
- Philodendron Gloriosum
- Philodendron Hederaceum
- Philodendron Micans
- Philodendron Splendid
- Pink Princess Philodendron
Philodendron Xanadu Care Guide
Foliage plants like Philodendron xanadu make a great landscape plant or focal point and can be grouped together to create a calming green oasis.
Besides, it is easy to care for and happy in rooms that receive very little direct sunlight. This is why many plant enthusiasts grows it as an indoor plant.
Let’s see what conditions you need to provide to keep Philodendron xanadu plant happy and thriving.
Light
Philodendron xanadu plant requires indirect light to light shade, especially morning sun beside an east-facing window on an elevated plant stand in the corner of the room. It can tolerate shady corners for a brief period, but for the bushier growth, provide light shade.
To increase the amount of light the plant gets, wipe the leaves occasionally. Avoid direct sun by all means since too much direct sun will cause this philodendron plant to develop scorch marks.
Temperature
Philodendron Winterbourn plant thrives in room temperatures of between 15 and 24 degrees C (60–75°F). Ideally, maintain constant room temperatures without temperature fluctuations, sudden drops, frost, drafts and cold.
However, don’t position the plant next to the heating sources, either. Provide fresh air in the summer or bring the plant outside, in the shade.
When you bring it indoors, isolate it for a few days and inspect the soil surface and leaf undersides to see if any insects have paid the plant a visit.
Humidity
Philodendron xanadu plant requires moderate to average household humidity. To elevate it, you can stand it on a pebble tray filled with water or mist the plant a few times per week, especially in the summer.
However, don’t expose it to bright indirect light until the leaves have somewhat dried or else they will show leaf spot which doesn’t look attractive at all.
Water
When it comes to watering, similar principles apply to Philodendron xanadu like with other foliage plants.
Keep the compost moist from spring to fall. Allow the top to dry out between waterings in winter.
Since it is a larger plant, it will take longer to dry out.
When temperatures are higher and the air is drier than usual, usually in the summer, water more frequently.
Weigh the pot in your hand and if it feels light, water it. Additionally, do a stick test to check the level of dryness.
To be on the safe side and grow a healthy plant, err on the drier side.
Mist the leaves every few days or set on a tray of damp pebbles.
Soil
Like most foliage plants, Philodendron Winterbourn appreciates quality, well-draining soil. Use soil-based compost and a pot that’s large enough to accommodate the root ball.
To improve drainage, add perlite, coarse sand, and vermiculite to the potting soil and the plant’s aerial roots will happily thrive.
You can add some organic matter too or peat moss on the soil’s surface to improve moisture retention.
Repotting
This Philodendron plant should be repotted every two to three years when root-bound.
Besides, you can tell when it is time to repot if your plant is living in soggy soil which doesn’t drain well, but keeps water on the soil surface.
Also, constantly damp soil can lead to root rot, in which case you can also try saving the plant by repotting.
Once it is time to repot, use fresh soil and replace the existing pot with a slightly larger one.
Gently pull out the plant from its original pot, remove the old soil, make a hole in the new pot filled with fresh soil and firm the soil around it.
Then, water the plant and let the excess water drain out. Leave the soil to dry in a shadier spot before providing more light.
Fertilizing
If your plant is displaying poor growth, it might be because it is in a dire need of fertilizer. Xanadu Philodendron houseplant should be fertilized monthly from spring to autumn.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Bear in mind that using more fertilizer than necessary may cause the roots to burn.
Propagation
Philodendron xanadu plants can be propagated in two ways: division or cuttings.
Division
- Water Philodendron xanadu about an hour before removing it from its pot.
- Remove compost from the root ball so you can clearly see where the stems are attached to the roots.
- Tease apart new shoots from the mother plant, making sure that abundant roots remain attached to both sections.
- Cut the root ball into sections if too congested.
- Fill pots with multipurpose compost.
- Plant the divisions into pots, not burying the stems.
- Water.
- Set in a warm, bright spot with enough light, but away from direct light.
Stem Cuttings
- Choose a healthy, non-flowering plant.
- Using sharp scissors or a knife, cut off a 10-15 cm section from the tip, just below a leaf joint (node).
- Remove the 3 lover leaves.
- Dip the end of the cutting into hormone rooting powder.
- Fill a small pot with cuttings compost.
- Make a hole in the compost with a stick or a pencil.
- Place the cutting into the hole and firm around it gently.
- Insert up to 3 cuttings per pot.
- Water lightly with a watering can.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag. Secure with a band.
- Keep the compost moist, not wet.
- Transplant into small pots filled with multipurpose compost after rooting.
- Set in bright indirect light.
Which method is better? Well, the stem cutting method is suitable for most soft-stemmed plants and the division method is best used on plants with fibrous root systems, so both are effective with Philodendron xanadu.
Special Plant Care Notes
To maintain its compact appearance, remove yellowing leaves and wipe the surface of the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and keep the plant looking its best.
Some other species you can try cultivating are Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Thaumatophyllum xanadu or golden philodendron xanadu.
Common Issues
The most common issue in the care of Philodendron xanadu are presented below.
Spider mite
If the foliage of your plant loses its color and falls off, you want to check for spider mites.
If you find some, remove and bin the affected parts immediately. Mist plants regularly to reduce spider mite attacks. Alternatively, use a pesticide.
Yellow leaves
Philodendron xanadu can sometimes show yellow leaves and the most likely cause for that occurrence is underfeeding, overwatering, underwatering, or cold draughts.
To safeguard against this, apply a balanced fertilizer in the right way, follow a healthy watering routine, and don’t expose your plant to cold air.
Disease
The plant may also fall victim to bacterial diseases, in which case it will show spots on leaves. Inspect the leaves regularly for diseases and pests.
In case of a fungal infestation, remove the affected leaves and provide good ventilation.
Virus
The yellowish-green color of the leaves in the form of spots, streaks, rings, or mosaic patterns may be the cause of the virus. Bin infected plants as there is no chemical cure.
Prevention is better than cure, so make sure your plant is growing in good, hygienic conditions with good ventilation.
When you purchase a plant or bring one inside after a summer refreshment outdoors, always isolate the plant and check for insects and diseases.
Most importantly, check the leaf undersides as these are insects’ favorite hiding places. If you notice that something is wrong with your plant, identify the cause and nip it in the bud before the infestation spreads.
Final Word
Philodendron xanadu is a tropical plant that bears intriguing dark green, lobed foliage. It is often grown indoors because it is perfectly accustomed to sharing the same living environment as humans.
It softens a corner of your room with the splaying stems and undulating leaves. It grows into its tropical flair and looks better with age.
In a nutshell, provide enough bright indirect light as too little light may impede the overall growth. Use quality potting soil with peat moss on the surface for moisture retention.
Water thoroughly and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Follow these tips on Philodendron xanadu care and your indoor plant will thrive.
FAQs
How Do You Care for a Philodendron Xanadu?
Philodendron xanadu plant requires a quality, well-draining potting soil with some organic matter, bright indirect light, watering once the soil has dried out somewhat, fertilizing monthly during the active growing season, and repotting when root-bound. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and mist occasionally to reduce spider mite attacks.
How Much Sun Does a Philodendron Xanadu Need?
Plants Philodendron xanadu grow in tropical areas, but they don’t require direct sunlight. Rather, you want to provide indirect light such as next to an east-facing window, ideally the gentle morning sun. It requires sun for around 5 hours a day and it can be kept in the light shade for the rest of the day. Too much light will damage the plant.
How Big Does a Philodendron Xanadu Get?
Growing houseplants successfully involves knowing how big they can get so you know how much room to give them to spread and grow. Philodendron xanadu plant can get between two and four feet tall, which makes it an ideal indoor plant for a shady corner.
Does Philodendron Xanadu Produce Flowers?
Philodendron xanadu plant blooms in its natural habitat but, like other Philodendron plants, it rarely blooms indoors, so don’t expect to see any flowers. Still, plants like Philodendron xanadu grow to become exceptionally beautiful even without any flowers.
How Do You Make a Philodendron Xanadu Bushy?
Xanadu Philodendron care requirements are not in the least demanding. To make this plant bushy, provide enough light for the lobed leaves, water thoroughly, and let the soil dry out, mist often, use a fast-draining potting mix, and fertilize monthly using a balanced fertilizer. Wipe the leaves clean to increase the amount of sun that gets to the leaves.
Is Philodendron Xanadu Poisonous?
Philodendron xanadu plants are poisonous to people, cats, and dogs. That said, position it on an elevated plant stand or on a shelf. If your pets ingest it, check for any symptoms and take the pets to the vet. For more information on Philodendron xanadu care, refer to the text above.