Philodendron xanadu
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Philodendron 'Xanadu'
- Thaumatophyllum xanadu
- Phonetic Spelling
- fil-oh-DEN-dron ZAH-nah-due
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Xanadu philodendron thrives as a houseplant or in a warm-weather landscape. It was in the nursery trade long before it was given a formal species name. It is believed to be native to southern Brazil and Paraguay. This plant is a member of the Arum family (Araceae).
This is a low-maintenance plant and if planted outdoors, prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, rich, well-drained soils. It is hardy in zones 9b to 11b. Indoors, it prefers bright but indirect light, some humidity, and temperature ranges of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Yellowing of the leaves will occur if overwatered. Container plants may need to be repotted every 1 to 2 years.
It has a dense, mounding, spreading habit, and measures 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. The leaves are large, glossy, green, deeply dissected and lobed, and are born on long petioles. If grown outside, the bloom is a dark red spathe that surrounds a creamy white spadix. Indoor plants typically do not bloom. It also has large aerial roots and stout, unbranched, red stems.
This plant is sometimes given the cultivar name 'Winterbourn'. This cultivar name has not been registered with the International Aroid Society, and plants with this name appear to have no features that distinguish the cultivar from the species.
When planted outdoors in the landscape, consider this plant as a tropical accent for lining a walkway or driveway, along the edge of a patio or deck, or for foundation planting. In cooler climates, it is suitable as a houseplant.
Quick ID Hints:
- evergreen, dense, compact, spreading, mounding habit
- glossy, deeply lobed, green foliage on long petioles
- leaves measure up to 12 inches long and 7 inches wide
- if planted outdoors bloom is a dark red spathe with creamy white spadix
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Xanadu philodendron may be susceptible to aphids, mealy bugs, scale, thrips, and spider mites. This plant is vulnerable to leaf spots from fungi, and overwatering should be avoided.
VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
![low shrubby aroid with pinnatifid leaves.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Philodendron_xanadu__rpwyFb5xaO20.jpeg)
![Pinnatifid leaf](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Philodendron_xanadu__Fnwp4oJuxNoh.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Philodendron_xanadu__7FeVj8jLYBAq.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Philodendron_xanadu__zAVvHA568BJz.jpeg)
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Philodendron
- Species:
- xanadu
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- southern Brazil & Paraguay
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Mounding
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- When planted outdoors, the plant has a seasonal bloom that is a dark red spathe surrounding a creamy white spadix. The inflorescence measures 4 to 5 inches tall. Indoor plants seldom bloom.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are large and measure up to 12 to 18 inches in length and up to 7 to 14 inches wide. They are green, deeply lobed, glossy, and appear on long petioles.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems are stout, red, and unbranched.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Walkways
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- If the leaves or stems are eaten or chewed, swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth can occur. It may also cause mouth pain and drooling. The sap can cause skin irritation.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Calcium oxalate
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems