Philodendron mexicanum

From Mexico’s seasonal forests to Colombian mountains

Philodendron mexicanum grows in seasonally drier forests of western Mexico as well as humid forests on the Atlantic side and in mountain regions. Its range extends through Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica to western Colombia, from near sea level to about 1,900 m. Adolf Engler described the species in 1878.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Light: Well-developed rear lobes and compact climbing growth require bright filtered light. Acclimate the plant before any direct exposure.
• Water: Soak the root ball once its top layer starts drying, then let all excess water drain away.
• Temperature: Keep conditions warm and stable while avoiding cold draughts.
• Feeding: A modest dose of balanced fertilizer is sufficient during active growth.

Troubleshooting Philodendron mexicanum: normal changes and damage

• Red or magenta undersides: Red, magenta or brown colour beneath the leaf can be normal. It should be even and firm; soft dark areas, foul tissue or expanding wet patches indicate damage.
• Rear lobes with maturity: Rear lobes and the narrow central outline develop gradually as the vine climbs. Simpler young leaves or a temporary reset after propagation are not signs of infection.
• Torn rear lobes: Projecting lobes can catch on walls, supports and neighbouring leaves. Increase side clearance and inspect a fresh tear for thrips scars and black specks before deciding it was purely mechanical.
• Pests on the coloured underside: Thrips usually mark a rolled leaf with silver scrapes, black dots and uneven expansion. Mites form much finer stippling across the mature lower surface. Inspect the projecting lobes and coloured underside closely, then treat only after the pest has been identified.
• Temperature-related stress: Cold exposure can leave limp, dark or water-soaked tissue, while hot dry exposure can crisp margins. Use the recent exposure history and tissue texture, then move the plant gradually into stable conditions.
• Wet roots or a dry root ball: Several yellowing leaves justify a direct look at the root ball. Prolonged wetness, soft roots and odour require dead tissue to be cut away and an open replacement mix. A dry root ball should instead be rewetted evenly without standing water.

Philodendron mexicanum 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.

The meaning and history of Philodendron mexicanum

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The epithet mexicanum means from Mexico.

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

Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler first described Philodendron mexicanum in 1878 in Flora Brasiliensis, volume 3, issue 2, page 143.