Philodendron domesticum

Philodendron domesticum, sometimes still traded under its older synonym P. tuxtlanum or the trade name 'Spade Leaf Philodendron', is a robust climbing species with elongated, glossy, arrow-shaped leaves. Long in cultivation, it has been a parent or presumed parent of several ornamental selections, most notably its own stable variegated form. 'Whipple Way' (a marble-variegated Philodendron with unpredictable, unique-per-leaf patterning) is commonly described as a sport of this species, though sources are not unanimous on that point.

Native range

South America (long cultivated, precise wild origin obscured by extensive horticultural history)

Classification

Genus

Philodendron

Family

Araceae

Type

Wild

Growth habit

Climbing/vining

Morphology

Leaf shape

Elongated arrow/spade-shaped

Leaf length

25-40 cm

Leaf width

12-20 cm

Petiole colour

Green

Venation

PinnateVeins or lobes arranged like a feather, branching out symmetrically on both sides of a single main central vein., subtle

Texture

Glossy

Variegation

N/A: solid glossy green blade; the stableVariegation that is genetically locked, meaning new leaves will reliably display the variegation pattern. variegated form and the disputed 'Whipple Way' marble sport are both associated with this species

Growth habit

Climbing vine with aerial roots