Philodendron sharoniae

From Ecuadorian lowlands to 2,300 metres

From tropical lowland forest at about 40 m to wet mountain forest at 2,300 m, Philodendron sharoniae spans Colombia and Ecuador. It usually climbs trees but may also grow from the ground or rocks. Its 2016 description was based on a plant found in Carchi, Ecuador, at about 1,350 m.

Long-leaf care for Philodendron sharoniae

• Light: Use bright diffused light for long, narrow mature leaves. Strong direct sun and repeated contact can both damage the thin leaf.
• Water: Before most of the mix becomes dry, give the roots a thorough watering and allow the pot to drain fully.
• Humidity and airflow: Emerging leaves unfurl with less sticking in moderate to high humidity. Gentle airflow should reach the hanging foliage and the nodes.
• Temperature: This climber grows well in stable temperatures from mild to warm. Avoid temperature extremes and sudden changes.
• Substrate: An airy, moisture-retentive aroid mix suits the climbing root system.
• Support and clearance: Install a tall moss pole or textured board for the aerial roots. Leave clear space beneath the plant so the hanging leaves do not fold against furniture or walls.
• Feeding: Supply a mild balanced feed while the vine is extending and producing leaves.
• Repotting: Move to a slightly larger pot when the roots fill it or drainage slows. Keep the support stable and protect the long leaves.
• Propagation: A rooted air layer is especially suitable for a large top section. Stem cuttings taken from healthy nodes can also be used.

Philodendron sharoniae: long-blade tears, wilt and pests

• Folds and tears: Transport, walls, shelves and neighbouring leaves can crease the hanging blade. Give it clear vertical space and stabilise the support; existing dead creases remain, but future leaves can open cleanly.
• Long, regularly veined blades: The mature leaf is naturally very long, narrow and regularly veined. Whole-blade pleating and gradual size variation are different from isolated scars, black specks or one-sided distortion.
• Pests along the hanging blade: Local silver scars, black droppings and uneven expansion indicate thrips within the rolled leaf; fine stippling along the lower blade indicates mites. Separate the climber and choose an indoor-use control for the pest found. Check the full blade from base to tip between applications.
• Persistent wilting: Long leaves wilt quickly when roots are too dry or damaged by saturation. Inspect the root ball directly before adding water; remove soft roots and renew compacted mix.
• Crisp margins: Interrupted watering, fertilizer salts, dry air and root loss can all dry the narrow edges. Correct the identified cause and flush the mix when excess fertilizer is likely.

Philodendron sharoniae: safety around hanging leaves

• Long hanging leaves: Its long hanging leaves may grow within a pet’s reach. Its living tissues contain bundles of insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals called raphides. Chewing releases these microscopic needles, which irritate the lips, mouth and throat. Keep the tips of its long hanging leaves above pet and child reach as the plant climbs.
• If a person chews it: Chewing can cause immediate burning or pain in the mouth, redness, drooling and swelling of the lips or tongue. Swallowing may become painful or difficult. Remove any visible plant pieces. Rinse the mouth with water, then spit out the water. Contact a local poison centre and identify the plant as Philodendron sharoniae. Do not induce vomiting. Do not force fluids if swallowing is painful or difficult.
• If a cat or dog chews it: Cats and dogs may drool, paw at the mouth, gag or vomit after chewing. They may also refuse food or develop swelling of the lips or tongue. Move the pet away from the plant. If it is safe, remove visible plant pieces and gently wipe or rinse the mouth. Call a veterinarian or animal poison centre and identify the plant as Philodendron sharoniae. Do not induce vomiting. Do not force food or liquid.
• Sap on skin or in the eyes: A torn hanging leaf or cut leaf stalk can expose fresh sap. Sap can redden the skin and cause stinging or itching. In the eyes, it can cause painful irritation. Wash affected skin with soap and water for 15 minutes. If sap gets into an eye, rinse it with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical care if pain, redness or changes in vision are severe or continue.
• When to get urgent help: For a person, get urgent medical help for excessive drooling, severe swelling of the mouth or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or choking. For a pet, get urgent veterinary help for severe swelling of the mouth or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or choking.

A botanical dedication to Sharon Christoph

The Latinized genitive sharoniae means “of Sharon” or “Sharon’s.” The Greek roots within Philodendron give the genus its tree-loving meaning. Croat published the name in 2016 to honour Sharon Christoph, a botanical explorer, photographer and field collaborator who was also Christopher Davidson’s wife and botanical partner.