Philodendron sharoniae

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron sharoniae

Philodendron sharoniae is native to Colombia and Ecuador, where it grows as a climber in wet tropical forest.

How to care for Philodendron sharoniae

Light and temperature: Bright indirect light supports strong climbing growth. Protect the long leaves from harsh direct sun, hot glass and cold draughts.

Humidity and airflow: Keep humidity steady while the long leaves are expanding. When indoor heating makes the air very dry, a nearby humidifier can help; keep gentle air moving around the stem and foliage. Maintain relative humidity in the region of 60–80%.

Water and potting mix: Use a loose, well-drained mix that still retains some moisture. Let the top layer dry slightly between waterings, but avoid large swings from very dry to waterlogged while a long new leaf is expanding. Water thoroughly and empty standing water from the saucer or cover pot.

Temperature: Give Philodendron sharoniae stable conditions around 18–29 °C; move it to a warmer position before temperatures remain under 15 °C.

Feeding and repotting: Feed while the plant is making active new growth. If the mix compacts, refresh it. Move to a slightly larger pot when roots are crowded, moving the plant and support together where practical so established stem roots are not torn away.

Support and leaf clearance: Give the plant a tall, stable support and enough open space for its long leaves to extend and hang freely. Reposition the plant before an emerging leaf reaches a wall or neighbouring foliage.

Propagation: Use a healthy node-bearing stem section for propagation and retain any aerial root already growing from that node.

Problems and solutions for Philodendron sharoniae

• A new leaf remains partly stuck: Check for an abrupt dry-out, very dry air or an obstacle around the emerging blade. Restore steady root moisture, improve humidity if the room is dry and let the leaf open by itself.
• Leaf tips or narrow margins become crisp: Review watering consistency, fertiliser salt buildup, root health and dry heated air. If salts are likely, flush the mix once with plain water and let it drain completely. See our brown leaf tips guide for further checks.
• The plant wilts although the pot is still wet: Stop watering and check drainage. If the plant does not recover as the mix dries, inspect the roots for soft tissue and repot only when root damage or collapsed mix is confirmed. See our root rot guide if roots are affected.
• Fine stippling or webbing spreads along the leaf undersides: Isolate the plant, rinse the undersides thoroughly and use a houseplant treatment suitable for spider mites. Follow the label for the repeat interval and keep checking from the leaf base to the tip.

Philodendron sharoniae 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 Philodendron sharoniae, and what does the name mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Sharoniae honours Sharon Christoph Davidson, a field companion and supporter of Thomas Croat’s aroid work.

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 sharoniae in 2016 in Aroideana, volume 39, page 216.