Xanadu Philodendron Philodendron xanadu

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.

More information on Philodendron.