A Profile In Diversity: Philodendrons

Another day in Test Garden Paradise

            Welcome back to another episode of Lost In The Farmer’s Market, where we take a look into varied topics regarding sustainability, horticulture and organic practices. This week I had intended talk about Philodendrons, but due to the extreme cold at the beginning of the year many of my specimens simply did not make it. While this is sad it allows for some unique and interesting filler material before we get to the main topic. I rarely use filler material in these posts but since I only have five specimens of Philodendrons, and technically one of those is a variegated version of one of the others that doesn’t make for a satisfying read. So, with that in mind, expect a bit of a test garden update. Let us start with some interesting stuff, first I did promise in an earlier episode that I would post more pictures of the Limelight Christmas cactus in normal camera settings to help you the reader get a better grasp of how different the variety really is.

I like this one because of the large bud in the background and the neon-pink looking petals.

Obviously I used flash to try and get more out of the petals themselves to show off the yellow-chartreuse.

Oh myyy! theres that yellow-chartreuse I was talking about!

How about that, it’s pink, and yellow-chartreuse and totally outrageous by Christmas cactus standards. I hope these new photos help all you out there really grasp what kind of colors Limelight is capable of.

But what’s this down here? What you see is a Dwarf Peace Lily in a domed terrarium, I recently came across a large batch of these plants, which were legally cloned. They do get larger eventually but what makes them much more interesting is that their blooms which are actually called Spadix, and the ‘petals’ are actually a modified form of bract.

If you recall, bracts are modified leaves that serve in place of flower petals for plants with differing floral arrangements. The colored ‘flowers’ on poinsettias are actually bracts while the true flower is the tiny thing at the center. Likewise, with Peace lilies which are not lilies but actually Arum, the crinkly thing at the center of the ‘flower’ is actually a cluster of flowers. In case you are wondering, this little gem is available at LeClair’s General store along with a selection of other terrarium options.

Phone photo does this no justice.

This picture is of the bloom of Hatiora/rhipsalis type cacti, it’s a bit blurry because it was taken with my phone but it does give a general idea. Now it’s time we get onto the actual topic at hand, the Philodendrons.

 

Epipremnum hybrid ‘Marble Queen’

Marble queen is sort of a hit and miss in the industry because it’s either got the genetic toughness of normal devil’s ivy or it simply does not. Add in that the unique white variegation inhibits its ability to photosynthesize and you get a very slow growing form of devil’s ivy that is almost anti-invasive. Unlike normal devil’s Ivy or golden pothos, the marbled white colors of Marble queen make it an excellent secondary plant in a pot with a faster growing but taller primary plant. For the purposes of accuracy there is a common misconception about devil’s ivy that is somewhat of a problem. Devil’s Ivy is not a true philodendron it belongs to the family Araceae, whereas the true philodendrons belong to the family Aroideae. Some could say this is splitting hairs as Aroideae is a sub-family of Araceae. The Aroideae sub-family includes two other very famous tough to kill house plants; Anthurium andraeanum aka Flamingo Flower and Zamioculcas zamifolia or the Zig-Zag plant. Ultimately the mislabeling of Devil’s Ivy is a minor offense because it is still somewhat related and true philodendrons and it go together so well that in terms of care they pretty much want the same things. In the pictured example (sorry, phone photo) I planted four marble queens around two tree philodendrons. The tree philodendrons would provide moderate shade for the marble queens and the marble queens keep anything else from sprouting in the planter. By the way this planter was at Leclairs and sold recently which is why I had to rely on a phone photo I didn’t get to the store with an actual camera in time.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum / selloum – Tree philodendron

            These house plants are nearly indestructible, they have a moderate growth rate and tend to be available in three separate forms (Leclairs offers two).  Normally in the plant trade you will see the variety pictured, a variant with less frilled leaf margins and another with incredible amounts of fills on the leaf margins. The variety that has smaller leaf margin frills is depicted below for reference. 

Philodendron bipinnatifidum / selloum – Tree philodendron

Tree philodendrons are nice because they are more tolerant of cold than most of their species, they can handle some dryness in the soil but are dramatic enough when wilting that it’s hard to miss that they need water and they make plants for containerized arrangements. For note, the word Philodendron comes from the Greek words Philo meaning love or affection and Dendron meaning Tree. Since most philodendrons will climb up any surface they are offered it is no surprise where the name came from.

 

Philodendron hybrid ‘Moonlight’ – Moonlight Philodendron

            This central stem type philodendron is the sole survivor of my collection of varied philodendrons of it’s type. The Duke of Orange and Midnight philodendrons of the same type all were lost in the deep freeze during early January.  As sad as that is, this moonlight philodendron has been vigorous all winter and as you can see is doing quite well in the living room. What makes this plant unique is that it’s new growth emerges bright chartreuse green, then it matures to a darker shade of the same color. In theory it also will bloom in a few years and the bloom is a spadix that emerges white or pink.  I should say that this Philodendron is a moderate to slow grower which is refreshing when compared to a lot of philodendrons. I may have some of these at the market this spring/summer.

 

Philodendron cordatum – Heart Leaf Philodendron

            Don’t mind the dust folks, I’ve had this specimen for years and it’s the most tolerant house plant I’ve ever seen. For those of you who are thinking, ‘why don’t you use leaf polish on those leaves…get that dust off.’ The picture does not accurately show how big this plant is. There are hundreds of leaves that would need that treatment and honestly in nature dust isn’t an issue so why bother in a house setting? If you can get a heart leaf philodendron, then you’ve got your self an air purifier that can also to some extent purify water. While I do not quite understand the mechanism that triggers this response at times heart-leaf philodendrons will exude water from the tips of their leaves. This may be surplus water or a means of increasing humidity, but at times there can be a noticeable amount of it. Unfortunately, I do not know of any scientific studies that have ascertained how clean the water is but since my plant is a house plant it’s not exactly receiving acid rain. Either way, in Heart-leaf philodendron is moderate-somewhat fast growing and its clinging roots can latch on to your walls. Fortunately cutting it back does no real harm and the cuttings can be rooted in water and given away or sold with a relatively quick turnaround. If the plain green foliage isn’t your thing then Philodendron cordatum ‘Brazil’ is your alternative.

Philodendron cordatum ‘Brazil’

Brazil is much more colorful, is a bit slower growing but the random bright green banding on the leaves is quite charming. As a final note to those of you with pets,philodendrons contain insoluble crystals of calcium-oxalate which are released by a chewing action and are mildly or moderately toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by philodendron include drooling, frothing at the mouth, vomiting, lack of appetite and pawing at the mouth. This may also include swelling of the oral cavity and this could lead to respiratory complications if left untreated. But enough on philodendrons, this brings to a close the second post of February 2018 and a look at the biology of Arum and Aroids when grown as house plants. For note this is where the advertising starts because it keeps the Test Garden’s supplied. As always barring terribly wet and cold weather or illness I still manage a vendor’s space at the Fayetteville City Market at 325 Maxwell street between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturdays. I sell four things primarily during the winter months and they are:

Soup Kits - $6.00

Seasoning Packets – $2.00

Whole Garlic – $1.00

Beyond the expected faire I am pleased to announce that the first vegetable plants of 2018 will be offered this weekend. All plants offered are cold hardy, but may need some protection if the weather dips below 35 degrees. This is the start of many good things to come as I can confirm that I will be offering Nobel Spinach and Purple Vienna Kohlrabi in the coming weeks also. Stay tuned for all those garden crops you didn’t know you wanted but suddenly you do.

Parris Island Romaine Lettuce – $3.00

Lacinato/Dinosaur Kale – $3.00

Italian Parsley – $3.00

If the market isn’t your thing or your schedule does not allow you to go there my premium exotic house plants can be purchased in attractive clay pots with unique embellishments at LeClair’s General Store. LeClair’s General Store is located on 1212 Fort Bragg Road in Fayetteville North Carolina.

This is their Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/leclairsgeneralstore/

The Visit NC page’s Listing:

https://www.visitnc.com/listing/leclair-s-general-store

These days I am generally at the store at least twice a week, maintaining stock and/or delivering new materials so if you go to visit the store there is a fair chance I’ll be present to answer your questions. If not, you can always send me questions through this blog or visit the farmer’s market or pay attention to what Sustainable Neighbors is doing at the link below.

https://www.meetup.com/SustainableNeighbors/

            This brings to a close the fourth LITFM post of the new year, stay tuned the next episode which should be posted on the 8th of March. The topic will be: A Profile In Diversity: The Aloe Family.

P.S.

            Hit up LeClair’s General Store and be the first to own a pre-made terrarium with a exotic plant that is guaranteed to be the focus of conversation. Currently in the store there are four terrariums; with a single plant in each. The options are Dwarf Peace Lily, Artillery Plant, Fairy Castle Cactus and a Dwarf Arrowhead vine.

Meet the Houseplants: Part 3

Welcome back to Lost In the Farmer's Market where today the discussion focuses on some house plants you may not be familiar with. This is the third post of a series that could give you that critical gift idea for the gardener in your lives. 

Today we're taking a step away from succulents towards the Philodendrons and Monstera, both of which belong to the Araceae family which respectively is more commonly called the Arum family. For those not familiar with the Arum family, the arums are best known for the Malanga, Taro and Mexican Bread fruit. The family is also known for the staggering variety of plants under it's group of which a significant number are house plants or are famous horticultural curiosities such as the Titan Arum. For note the Titan Arum (Amorphopahllus titanium) by technicality is the largest cluster of flowers in the world, it common name is the 'Corpse Flower' due to it smelling like, well something died. From prior posts you might recall the Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus) and, Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema), both of which are in the Arum grouping. Some other commonly seen relatives include Caladium (Elephant Ear), Calocasia (Taro), Xanthosoma (Malanga), Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia), Skunk Cabbage, Dieffenbachia (Dumb-Cane), Dracunculus (Dragon Arum),  Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant) and finally, Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily).

In short the number of members in the Arum Family is quite incredible but perhaps what is more amazing is that under the same heading both the monstera and philodendron groups are also noted to reside. They look nothing like the above list of plants and yet, there they are under the same family heading, talk about natural selection and adaptability! With all that said Monstera and Philodendron are both here because they are related from several points of perception. Today we will take a brief glance at several philodendrons and a rather unique example of a Monstera.

Philodendron cordatum – Heart Leaf Philodendron

The philodendron itself is best typified by its most common representative, Devil’s Ivy or Epipremnum aureum. Devils Ivy is an incredibly common garden center house plant but talk about that would be far too easy. For today’s post the focus are is on three philodendrons you may not be familiar with. The first and most durable, is the Heart-Leaf Philodendron which is a plain green Philodendron who can tolerate heat drought cold drafts and neglect with ease. Sadly it is not seen in the trade as much is should be given its durable qualities. All you have to remember is to not over water, and should this happen cuttings can be grown in water with ease. A regular potting soil mix and filtered light is all this houseplant asks for and in return you get a neat trailing plant that has deep green heart-shaped leaves and no pest problems. Heart-leaf philodendrons are probably the most forgiving of the philodendron family as they can thankfully can survive in pots long after the soil has become depleted even without extra fertilizer, for years without any sign of distress.

Philodendron erubescens – Blushing Philodendron

The blushing philodendron demonstrates that not all members of this large family are vine-like in growth. In this case the blushing philodendron is roughly upright growing with large arial roots that brace it as it gains height. Perhaps specimens such as this one demonstrate how closely related the Monstera and Philodendrons are as the growth habits of this Philodendron absolutely resemble those of Monstera Deliciosa or the Mexican Bread fruit plant. As far as care goes, regular potting soil is  acceptable with no real provision for special drainage, but you will need a tall pot as the roots dig deep. Cuttings can be had by cutting a 3” long section of stem with one leaf in the middle and the stem ends being dipped in rooting hormone. This cutting should be inserted into a pot preferably about 6” diameter filled with any basic potting medium. Cuttings can be rooted in water also for ease of propagation. The plant in the picture is just a few months old, and was propagated in the stem cutting method. As you can see in the picture it’s decent for a recently propagated plant and will likely make a nice houseplant at some point. This philodendron might be seen in as part of winter time collections of house plants in places like bLowes and Home Despot. No special care is needed and for note this species of philodendron got it’s common name for it’s reddish tinged leaves and red stems.

Philodendron hybrid ‘Duke of Orange’ -  Duke of Orange Philodendron

I got this plant at a supplier near Durham earlier in the year while looking for something else. I admit it was a complete impulse buy but then with such orange tinged leaves on something as easy to care for as a philodendron, it literally put most coleus out of business. I have to repeat that this guy is INCREDIBLY slow growing, having gained less then an inch over about four months, but then considering it’s new leaves are a sort of bronze-electric-orange color the growth speed is irrelevant. Like most philodendrons it seems to be soil insensitive, and is currently growing in basic potting soil.  It turns light green when exposed to a few hours of full sun a day but reverts back to that orange color when brought back inside and given filtered light. I have noticed it does respond somewhat to fertilizer but I would not suggest you go crazy feeding it. I imagine that if paired with the right pot this plant could be exceptional in any indoor setting as a striking centerpiece. In terms of availability I have seen this plant offered by numerous online green houses and though catalogs but surprisingly places like bLowes and Home Despot have not noticed it yet.

Monstera friedrichsthalii – Swiss Cheese Plant

Our last entry in today’s post is the botanical star of this year’s Urban Farm Day and a favorite in the plant giveaway at the Sustainable Neighbor’s Meetings.  Swiss Cheese plant as a common name can refer to a number of plants in the Philodendron and Monstera family however if you are to seek this plant out make sure to use the Latin name. As far as house plants go this one is relatively quick growing and quite respectable as far as durability and ease of propagation are concerned.  The plant pictured is the mother plant for all of the swiss cheese plants sold and or given away, and while it has lost something like 95% of it’s mass by next year it will make a full recovery at which I can take the same quantity if cuttings and let it regenerate itself again. Left to it’s own devices with ample fertilizer and regular water it can grow about a third of an inch a day. Propagation can be accomplished by rooting cuttings in water or by soil layering the stems. Soil layering is when you allow a plant’s stem to come into contact with the soil and weigh the stem down with a stone or pin to promote root formation at the point of contact.  As far as care goes this plant seems to be accepting of all but extreme cold and long dry spells.

As a final biological note for this post, both Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) and Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum ) are both known for the ability to exude excess water from the tips (apex) or edges (margins) of their leaves. From a biological stand point this may be a method to attract insects to protect the plant or a way to counter a long wet season. It is possible this ability developed to increase local humidity. Once thing is certain, if you find droplets of water on the leaf tips of your philodendron, and you also watered recently you are over watering and should ease off for a bit.

This brings another episode of LITFM to a close, I hope you found the plants discussed interesting, maybe they have given you an idea for a gift for someone you know. Next week which is the first of December will hopefully see the continuation of the food security topic and a few more ideas for house plants. As always Keep ‘em Growing and see you here next week!