Philodendron plowmanii is a rare and special species of philodendron with silvery streaks on the leaves.
It originally comes from the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru, where it was discovered by its namesake, the American botanist Timothy Plowman.
It is one of the creeping philodendron species and can therefore cover a large area with a single shoot. A single shoot can grow up to 2.5 meters long!
But due to its extremely slow growth, it takes years to get there.
Philodendron plowmanii has beautiful heart-shaped leaves that always look different. The leaves of young plants are much smaller and more oval, while later they become large and heart-shaped and can reach up to 40cm in diameter.
Its leathery leaves are variegated, which means the rich green is repeatedly broken up by white or cream-colored spots. Depending on how the light falls, the leaves then shimmer mysteriously silver. In addition, the leaves are adorned with deep, slightly lighter leaf veins.
And last but not least, this tree friend has one last special feature: its petioles are also unusual. Small, wavy bands or wings curl along them until they finally flow into the leaf.
Why is this philodendron so expensive?
This beauty is a very rare species that is always sought after. Unfortunately, it grows extremely slowly, so that the plants are rarely available.
Name: silvery tree friend
Botanical name: Philodendron plowmanii
Pot size: 15cm
Total height: about 40-55cm
Origin: Ecuador / Peru
Location: likes it very bright - but without direct sun (morning and evening sun are OK)
if possible not permanently below 18°C
Watering: always keep moist - if possible even in high humidity