Philodendron patriciae

The Chocó forests around Quibdó and Lloró

In the very wet Chocó forests around Quibdó and Lloró, Philodendron patriciae roots closely against trees at roughly 90–465 m. The species was described in 2010 from plants found in this region.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Light: Long, thin and pleated leaves develop well in bright diffused light, while strong direct sun can scorch them.
• Water: Keep the roots evenly moist by watering thoroughly as the surface starts drying, then let all excess drain.
• Humidity and airflow: Its long new leaves unfurl more easily when humidity is moderate to high. Keep air moving so the grooves and hanging foliage do not stay wet.
• Support: Warm, stable indoor conditions suit this lowland Chocó climber.
• Feeding: While the stem and leaves are lengthening, apply a mild dose of fertilizer.

Pest and health checks for Philodendron patriciae

• Transport folds: A leaf can remain folded or creased after rubbing during transport. Give it free hanging space and support the climbing stem; dead creased tissue will not flatten again, but new leaves can develop normally.
• Corrugation along the blade: Deep regular pleats and waves run along the long blade. Local creases, scraped patches or a one-sided failure to open are damage and should be checked for contact or thrips.
• Wilt after propagation: A large top section can wilt when its small root system cannot replace water lost through the leaf. Maintain steady root moisture, moderate to high humidity and gentle air movement while roots establish.
• Pests from blade base to tip: Silver scars, black droppings and asymmetric opening indicate thrips within the rolled leaf; fine fixed stippling along the lower surface indicates mites. Move the climber away from other plants and apply an indoor-use control for the pest found. Recheck from the blade base to its tip between applications.
• Crisp edges on a hanging leaf: Root damage, interrupted watering, fertiliser salts or very dry air can crisp the narrow edges. Check roots and substrate moisture, then flush salts or correct watering as needed.

Philodendron patriciae 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 patriciae

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Patriciae honours Patricia Swope Croat, wife of the species’ author, Thomas Croat.

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

Thomas Bernard Croat first described Philodendron patriciae in 2010 in Willdenowia, volume 40, page 117.