Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’

Jose Buono and the imbe misidentification

Jose Buono has circulated for decades as a large-leaved, cream-variegated climbing cultivar. The older horticultural label Philodendron imbe variegata is a misidentification. True Philodendron imbe is a different Brazilian species.

Texas Jose Buono, released in 1960, is a separate cultivar with its own history.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Light around cream and mint: Strong diffuse exposure lets the green areas sustain broad pale sectors. Introduce the palest foliage to stronger light slowly.
• Water and root structure: Once the surface starts drying, soak the pot and let it empty completely. A durable open mix should carry moisture without compacting around vigorous roots.
• New-leaf climate: Steady warmth and humidity with air movement help fresh leaves open. Feed lightly and flush accumulated fertiliser salts from the mix.
• Choosing a cutting: Choose a stem tip or node that carries a healthy growth bud and a reasonable amount of green. The arrangement of cream and mint can change after propagation.
• Repotting the support: Repot Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’ when roots densely line the pot, using a larger, heavier container that keeps the climbing support stable.

Problems and solutions for Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’

• Rot or recurring spots: Keep expanding wet lesions away from other plants, stop splashing and use clean tools. Propagate only from firm nodes with no nearby discolouration or softness.
• Pale tissue turns brown: Check if the damage follows a cream block, a hot exposed side, a crease or salt build-up. Remove the immediate stress. A wet edge that advances beyond the pale sector calls for moving the Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’ away from neighbouring plants and keeping its foliage dry.
• Pests on the large leaves: Inspect the complete lower surface, major veins, climbing nodes and rolled leaf for silver scars, black specks, mites, webbing, cottony wax or scale. Treat the whole vine after identification, first trying the product on a small pale section.
• Smaller or weaker climbing growth: Check light, support contact and root health. Poor attachment can reduce leaf size, while wilting in a wet pot points to root trouble.

Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’ 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 first published, and what does it 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.