You have probably noticed that philodendron is very trendy right now. And it’s not generally the trailing philodendron that are trendy, although occasionally you might see a well-grown patterned one like ‘Brasil’ show up.
No, for lack of a better description, these are the shrubbier container forms. Philodendron tend to have two habits: they vine or climb (or trail from a hanging basket) or, with some breeding, they remain small and “house plant” like for a number of years, before they develop the forms they had as understory plants. In other words, they either revert to their climbing or trailing ways, or develop wild obtrusive aerial roots. But that’s what happens with living things. They grow and evolve. It pays to know their habits.
Both of these plants–Prince of Orange and Dark Knight–were specifically bred to retain their character as house plants. And so far so good. I think that I have had them for 3 years now and I am not seeing much reversion to the wild understory plants that they could be.
This, however, is a reversion, or sport, that I pulled out of my ‘Birkin’ when I transplanted it. It was too healthy to discard. We’ll see how long I tolerate it–maybe as long as I have window space.
These plants are very easy to care for. They like bright, indirect light and will tolerate a bit of dryness (but don’t let them dry out completely between watering). Mine have never been bothered by pests.
Again, for easy care, colorful plants, I can highly recommend these.
Gardendaze 