Philodendron melinonii

Wet forests of northern South America

Philodendron melinonii is native to northern Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. It grows in wet tropical forest as a large plant that can climb trees while remaining connected to the ground, with closely spaced growth forming a broad crown.

Care for a mature Philodendron melinonii

The broad crown and large root system need a heavy, stable container with generous space around the leaves. The short stem is largely self-supporting; a backing board can steady an older plant, but the leaf stalks should remain free.

Water when roughly half of the mix has dried, checking the centre of a large pot rather than judging only the surface. Bright indirect light, warm conditions and airflow through the crown help maintain balanced growth.

Use a chunky, structurally stable aroid mix. Move up one pot size at a time and keep the central new growth above the mix.

When the short-stemmed crown outgrows its space

The broad rosette can become unstable before the plant shows an obvious root problem. Give the leaf stalks room to radiate naturally rather than tying them together.

• The pot tips as the crown widens: Move the plant into a heavier container and balance the light exposure. Keep the individual leaf stalks free.
• The centre stays wet although the surface is dry: Probe the middle of the root ball. Improve aeration and move the plant to a smaller pot if the roots occupy only a small part of the current container.
• A new blade catches inside the crown: Move older foliage aside and create more clearance around the central growth before the next leaf begins to open.

Water-soaked tissue that continues spreading is not a space problem. Separate the plant, keep the foliage dry and inspect the roots and short stem for decay.

Philodendron melinonii 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 the name Philodendron melinonii?

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.

Eduard August von Regel first described Philodendron melinonii in 1874 in Gartenflora, volume 23, page 67; Adolphe Théodore Brongniart had proposed the name.