Philodendron × mandaianum

Reported parentage of Philodendron × mandaianum

Philodendron × mandaianum is a horticultural hybrid generally considered a cross between Philodendron erubescens and P. hastatum.

Indoor care for Philodendron × mandaianum

• Keep the coloured vine attached: Provide a pole, plank or trellis as the stem lengthens. Secure the stem loosely at the nodes and keep red leaf stalks clear of ties.
• Give the green leaves bright indirect light: Move the plant towards stronger light in stages after a change of position so fresh growth is not abruptly exposed to heat or sun.
• Watering: Water deeply once the upper part of the root ball has dried, then let the pot drain completely and empty standing water from any outer pot or saucer.
• Potting mix: Use a chunky, airy mix that holds some moisture.
• Temperature and humidity: Stable conditions near 18–29 °C work well. As the room nears 15 °C, move it clear of cold windows or draughts. Use 50–60% as the normal humidity range.
• Feeding: During active stem extension, give a moderate complete feed; then ease off during a growth pause.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the container, drainage has slowed because the mix has broken down, or the support no longer stands securely.
• Propagation: Root a vigorous node-bearing cutting, preferably one that already carries an aerial root.

Troubleshooting Philodendron × mandaianum

• Later leaves become smaller after the vine loses support: Re-secure the stem and improve filtered light gradually. If later growth remains weak despite good attachment and light, check whether the root ball stays wet too long; pause watering and improve drainage when it does, and resume feeding only after healthy growth restarts.
• Several leaves yellow while the pot stays wet: Pause watering and clear any collected water first. If yellowing continues as the mix dries, inspect the roots; leave firm roots untouched, remove decayed soft sections and renew substrate that has become compacted or poorly draining. If little functional root remains, take a healthy node-bearing cutting from firm stem tissue and root it in unused, free-draining potting mix. If decay extends through the whole remaining stem and no firm roots survive, discard the plant material.
• A new leaf opens scarred or distorted: The folded blade may have rubbed against the support, or thrips may be feeding inside it. Increase clearance when the damage is mechanical. If black specks or insects are present, isolate the plant, remove accessible thrips and use a houseplant product labelled for thrips at the repeat interval stated on its label.
• Dry brown edges develop while the pot is light: The root ball may have dried unevenly. Wet it thoroughly, confirm that the centre has taken up water, let excess drain and begin checking moisture a little sooner.

Philodendron × mandaianum 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.

What does the name Philodendron mean?

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.