Philodendron campii 'Lynette'

Origin and natural habitat of Philodendron campii 'Lynette'

'Lynette' is a cultivated form of Philodendron campii. Where 'Lynette' originated in cultivation is not known.

The wild species grows from Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to northern Brazil in humid tropical forest. It usually grows on trees and can also occur on the forest floor, particularly at higher elevations. Plants in Colombia grow at roughly 100–600 m.

Caring for the dense rosette of Philodendron campii 'Lynette'

• Water the roots without filling the crown: Soak the pot when the upper mix has started to dry, but avoid leaving water sitting in the tight centre of the rosette.
• Give the crown room to spread: The short stem supports itself, so leave the arching leaf stalks loose and keep nearby plants from pressing into the rosette.
• Use an airy mix that holds some moisture: Choose a free-draining potting mix that keeps a little moisture available between waterings.
• Give the rosette even light: Keep it in a bright spot without harsh midday sun, and turn the pot occasionally if the crown starts leaning.
• Repot when the roots become crowded: Move to a slightly larger container or refresh the mix when drainage begins to slow.

Problems to check inside the rosette

• A new leaf sticks, tears or opens with silvery scars: First check whether it was caught inside the tight crown, then look for thrips and tiny black specks on the folded growth. If thrips are present, separate the plant and treat the infestation. If no pest is found, give the next leaf more room to open and keep watering consistent.
• The leaves look deeply pleated: This is normal for P. campii and one of its defining features. The deep pleating alone is not a sign of thirst; look for a genuinely dry pot or limp foliage.
• Lower leaves yellow and the centre becomes soft while the mix stays wet: Stop watering for the moment, inspect the crown and roots, and confirm that excess water can leave the pot. Take away rotten material and replace old, compacted mix when necessary.

Philodendron campii ‘Lynette’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

When was Philodendron campii first published, and what does it mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Campii honours the American botanist Wendell Holmes Camp, who collected the species in Ecuador in 1944.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Thomas Bernard Croat first described Philodendron campii in 2004 in Aroideana, volume 27, page 39.