Philodendron eximium

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron eximium

Philodendron eximium is native to eastern Brazil. It grows in Atlantic Forest in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and also occurs farther north in Pernambuco, at around 900–1,000 m.

Growing Philodendron eximium indoors

• Support and space: Use a sturdy vertical support and leave enough room for the broad leaves to spread. A thin stake may become too weak as the plant gains size.
• Leaf care: Wipe dust from the broad leaves gently with a soft damp cloth, supporting each leaf from beneath as you clean it.
• Light: Bright indirect light helps keep the vine compact. Protect the foliage from strong direct afternoon sun.
• Water: Let part of the mix dry before watering again, then water the pot evenly. Avoid both prolonged drought and a mix that stays soaked for long periods.
• Potting mix: Choose a chunky aroid mix that drains freely after watering.
• Temperature and humidity: Temperatures near 18–29 °C are suitable; use a warmer position during sustained periods below 15 °C. Keep humidity around 50–60%.
• Feeding: During active stem extension, give a restrained complete houseplant feed. Lower the feeding frequency when the main growth flush finishes.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the container or the mix becomes compacted and stays wet for too long.
• Propagation: Take a sound stem section with at least one viable node; an existing aerial root can help it establish.

Philodendron eximium troubleshooting

• The underside of a healthy leaf looks much paler: This is normal for the species. If the rest of the leaf and plant look healthy, no correction is needed.
• Broad leaves droop and the mix is very dry: Water thoroughly and let the pot drain. If the mix has dried unevenly, water slowly in stages so it becomes evenly moist again.
• Leaves yellow while the roots stay wet: Let the pot dry further between waterings and improve drainage. If the plant keeps declining, check the roots and remove only roots that are soft or rotten.
• Fine webbing forms under the large leaves: Check for spider mites. Isolate the plant, rinse both sides of the leaves and use a suitable houseplant mite treatment, following the label.

Philodendron eximium 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 name Philodendron eximium

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Latin eximius becomes eximium in this botanical name and means exceptional, distinguished, choice or excellent.

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

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Philodendron eximium in 1853 in Österreichisches Botanisches Wochenblatt, volume 3, page 378.