Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ (gloriosum x pastazanum)

A ground-running hybrid attributed to John Banta

Dean McDowell is traditionally attributed to John Banta, who introduced it in 1988 and named it for his friend Dean McDowell. A 1997 description identified one parent as Philodendron gloriosum and the other as an unnamed ground-growing, shield-leaved Philodendron from Peru.

The Peruvian parent was later generally identified as Philodendron pastazanum. Both parent plants have ground-running stems, which is reflected in the hybrid’s horizontal growth.

Care for creeping aroid roots and foliage

• Stem position: Rest the crawler at or just above the mix and point it horizontally across the pot. Keep the live tip clear of buried material.
• Light and settling in: Bright diffused light supports steady growth. Acclimatise the large leaves before increasing direct exposure.
• Watering: Water when the upper layer has dried but the root zone beneath remains lightly moist. Soak the complete root ball and drain it freely; do not leave the horizontal stem in saturated mix or let the fine roots dry hard.
• Climate and nutrition: A warm setting with moderate humidity and soft air movement helps fresh leaves expand. Apply a mild complete feed while growth is active.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ (gloriosum x pastazanum)

• Exposed horizontal stem: The creeping rhizome belongs at the potting-mix surface and is not an exposed root. Deep burial or constant wet contact can hide decay, so keep the growing point visible and firm.
• Active spots or rot: Mark the edge and keep water off the blades. A dry scar should stop enlarging. Move the plant away from others if tissue remains wet, soft or odorous, and do not divide or propagate it until the cause of active decay has been identified.
• Wilt in moist mix: Check roots at several points beneath the crawler. Compacted wet mix, damaged roots and infectious decay can look alike; remove fully dead roots and keep the rhizome exposed so that any spreading softness remains visible.
• Marks on quilted leaves: Pale veins, a soft texture, water marks and light abrasion can all be normal. Check below for thrips specks, silver scars, mites or webbing. If pests are present, include the broad lower surfaces and horizontal nodes in treatment.
• Growth stops at the pot wall: The rhizome may stall, turn or become damaged when it runs out of open surface. Move it to a wider container with clear space ahead before assuming that it needs more fertiliser.

Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ (gloriosum x pastazanum) 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.

About the names Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Gloriosum comes from Latin and means glorious or splendid. The epithet pastazanum is geographic and means from Pastaza.

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

Édouard-François André first described Philodendron gloriosum in 1876 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 23, page 194.

Kurt Krause first described Philodendron pastazanum in 1940 in Notizblatt des Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin-Dahlem, volume 15, page 42.