Spade-Leaf Philodendron – Philodendron domesticum

Common Name: Spade-Leaf Philodendron

Botanical Name: Philodendron domesticum, fil-o-DEN-dron do-MES-ti-cum

Decorative Life: Years.

Availability: Year Round

• As a member of the Araceae (arum family), its common relatives include calla, anthurium, caladium, pothos, dieffenbachia and aglaonema.
• The origin of this species is unknown.

• Stems climbing, leaves 12-24 inches, glossy bright green but there are variegated cultivars that are splashed with yellow, cream and acid green.
• While not noted for flowers, it does produce spathes up to 7 inches that are green externally while being deep pink-red within and having a green border.

Chill sensitive, store at or above 55-60F.

• Most are classified as “epiphytes” or air plants as they grow on other plants and elevated supports. They are not parasites but obtain water and nutrients through a spongy covering of their roots.
• Philodendron: Greek for tree-loving, in reference to its native growing habit.
• Several arum family members (including taro) are grown in tropical regions for their edible tubers, representing starch staples for large populations. Many other species are grown for their beautiful foliage.

As summarized by Brown (1988) of the work by Wolverton et al. (numerous years), this is one of many foliage and flowering plant species that can remove air pollutants such as formaldehyde and/or benzene often found in cigarette smoke from interior environments.