Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’

The documented background of Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’

In September 1977, Paul DeCoster obtained several hundred random seedlings. He grew and evaluated them in Melle, Belgium, where he discovered and selected the plant that became Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’.

Propagation through tissue culture began around 1982. The plant’s parentage remains unknown.

Everyday care for Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’

When to water. Pay close attention to the compact root zone. Feel below the surface of the medium and lift the pot to judge its weight. Water once the upper layer feels dry, has lost its cool dampness and the pot is noticeably lighter. A damp upper layer or heavy pot signals more drying time. Water the medium thoroughly, let all excess drain and empty collected water.

Light and growing space. Place the plant in bright filtered light with open space around its free-standing rosette. Let the compact crown maintain its natural self-supporting form.

Keep the crown dry. Direct water onto the potting medium and keep the tight centre dry.

Rotation and sun exposure. Rotate the pot gradually for even exposure. Acclimatise the plant carefully during any move to brighter conditions and shield it from intense sun.

Warmth and feeding. Keep the plant warm and protected from cold draughts. Feed modestly during active growth.

Changes in Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ and what they mean

A tightly grouped centre: Close central growth is normal for this self-heading plant. Keep the centre intact and let the rosette maintain its free-standing form.

A pinkish sheath or red-purple flower bud: These colours can be normal when the tissue remains firm. A sheath or bud that becomes soft, wet or foul-smelling, especially as damage spreads, can indicate rot. Isolate the plant, keep the centre dry, improve warmth and airflow, and remove dead, soft tissue.

A rosette leaning to one side or making the pot unstable: Uneven light, asymmetrical foliage, crowded roots or a light container can each contribute. Rotate the pot gradually and check its stability and root space. Repot when crowding or instability confirms the need, choosing a stable container that supports the self-heading crown.

Pest signs hidden in the crown: Stippling or webbing can indicate mites, cottony deposits mealybugs, fixed bumps scale, and silvering with dark specks thrips; sticky residue with clustered visible insects can also point to aphids. Isolate the plant, identify the pest and clean accessible material. Use a suitable product labelled for that pest on exposed surfaces, leaf undersides, sheltered crown tissue and leaf-base sites. Follow the label for repeat treatment.

Advancing water-soaked, haloed or dead spots: An advancing pattern can indicate bacterial or fungal leaf-spot disease, often encouraged by wet foliage and weak airflow. Sun, cold, spray and physical contact can leave fixed marks. Isolate an advancing case, keep the crown and leaves dry, improve airflow and remove badly affected tissue cleanly. Obtain a diagnosis before applying any disease-specific chemical.

Crisp tips or edges and droop when the pot is light and dry: Dry roots or incomplete wetting can cause this response. Water until the whole root ball, including its centre, is rehydrated, then drain it fully and begin checking sooner. Continued wilt in moist medium calls for a root inspection and a pause in watering.

Yellowing or droop with wet, heavy medium: Prolonged saturation or poor drainage can reduce root-zone oxygen and may lead to root rot. Pause watering, remove standing water and clear the drainage path. Inspect the roots when decline persists, retaining firm roots and removing dead, soft tissue. Repot into an airy, freely draining mix when the medium has become compacted or collapsed, then align watering with the available light.

Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ 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.

Who first published Philodendron, and what does the name mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”

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