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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Alocasia Hand holding potted plant with heart-shaped leaves & white veins
Anthurium andraeanum
Begonia – Rex Types purple and silver leaves
Philodendron 'Birkin' has some common insect problems:
Banded Greenhouse Thrips

Philodendron 'Birkin'

Phonetic Spelling
fil-oh-DEN-dron BIR-kin
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This popular, evergreen, herbaceous perennial houseplant is a member of the arum family (Araceae). Philodendron 'Birkin' has glossy, dark green leaves with pinstripes of creamy white, yellow, or light green. The variegated pattern is different on each leaf, and as the plant matures the stripes become more pronounced. The plant has an erect and compact growth habit and may grow from 6 inches to 3 feet tall and equally as wide. The stems are thick and upright. This plant can produce flowers; however, the unique and stunning foliage is the main attraction. The flowers consist of a spadix and a greenish-white spathe. As with most houseplants, it rarely flowers indoors. 

It is unclear the origin of this hybrid. It is believed to be either a rare mutation of the Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' or a hybrid of the cultivars Philodendron 'Congo' and Philodendron 'Imperial Green.'

Philodendron 'Birkin' prefers bright, filtered sunlight. Too much sun will scorch its leaves. It thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils of loam and sand and warm, humid conditions. The room temperature should range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity level between 50 to 60%. This plant is not frost-tolerant, and cold drafts should be avoided. The bathroom may be a great place to accommodate the recommended warm and humid conditions. The plant may be propagated by stem cuttings.

This decorative, compact houseplant with a self-heading habit is perfect for a desk, tabletop or shelf in a home or office. The striking foliage has great visual appeal and will add brightness to your living space.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot and yellowing leaves, and leaf spots can occur if the leaves get wet during watering. Insufficient light can result in loss of variegation and leggy growth or small leaves. Brown leaf tips indicate a lack of humidity. 

More information on Philodendron.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#low maintenance#interesting leaves#herbaceous perennial#variegated#acidic soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#low maintenance#interesting leaves#herbaceous perennial#variegated#acidic soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Philodendron
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Description:
    The flower consists of a spadix with a greenish-white spathe. Houseplants usually do not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are thick, glossy, heart-shaped and dark green with pin-striped variegations of creamy white, yellow or light green. Each leaf is unique and different, and the pinstripes are more pronounced as the leaves mature.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are thick and upright.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Humidity
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If any part of the plant is ingested by humans or pets, it may cause pain and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and loss of speech may also result. The spa can cause skin irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium oxalate crystals
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds