Philodendron grandipes

Across the Central American isthmus into Ecuador

From south-eastern Nicaragua through Costa Rica and Panama into Colombia and Ecuador, Philodendron grandipes spans the Central American isthmus. In wet tropical forest it may grow across the ground, scramble or establish itself on trees. Kurt Krause published the species in 1913, and the IUCN classifies it as Least Concern.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Substrate: A chunky mix needs enough water retention for the large leaves and enough air for terrestrial or scrambling roots.
• Light: Give it strong filtered light for its broad canopy. Direct sun can scorch the leaves at the ends of its very long stalks.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate humidity is helpful. Keep air moving around the broad leaves and closely spaced leaf-stalk bases.
• Space and support: Provide a wide, stable base and room for long leaf stalks. If the stem begins to scramble, give it a low support and leave each leaf stalk free to move.
• Feeding: Active growth needs only a modest feed. Avoid heavy doses, which can lead to soft, weak growth.

Philodendron grandipes: droop, stalk damage and hidden pests

• Mechanical damage: The long stalks can snap during transport or when the pot tips. Stabilise the container and give the canopy room, supporting the stem without binding the moving leaf stalks.
• Leaf stalks that change angle: Long leaf stalks naturally flex and alter their angle as the broad leaves turn towards light. A firm bent stalk can remain functional; a soft constricted area or sudden collapse needs investigation.
• Persistent wilt: Drooping that does not recover after a thorough watering can indicate roots damaged by lack of air. Inspect the root ball, remove soft roots and replace dense mix before increasing the watering frequency.
• Leaf-edge burn: Direct sun, severe drying and fertiliser salts can leave crisp brown margins. Remove the exposure, restore even watering and flush excess salts through a freely draining pot.
• Pests in hidden areas: Mites and thrips feed on the broad lower surfaces, while mealybugs and scale collect at the stem base and leaf axils. Inspect each area, wipe away visible colonies and use a pest-specific indoor-plant treatment over the lower blades and affected crevices as its label directs.
• Damaged new growth: A new leaf that catches can crease or tear without infection. Let it release without pulling, clear the surrounding space and check inside the fold for silver thrips scars and black droppings.

Philodendron grandipes 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 grandipes, and what does the name mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Grandipes combines Latin grandis, large, with pes or pedis, foot.

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

Kurt Krause first described Philodendron grandipes in 1913 in Das Pflanzenreich, IV, 23Db, page 48.