Birkin Philodendron Philodendron 'Birkin'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- fil-oh-DEN-dron BIR-kin
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
![Leaves with white pinstripes; decorative container](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Philodendron_Birkin__3hDALNXMhtg5.jpeg)
![Large leaves with white pinstriped veins](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Philodendron_Birkin__Gzo4zoFRfpob.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Philodendron_Birkin__sweKvSfHlKYr.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Philodendron_Birkin__HvqwOtxqofTz.jpeg)
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems are thick and upright.
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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
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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