Xanadu is native to Brazil and Paraguay but is one of the most popular Philodendrons to grow as a houseplant because of its full, shrubby habit and attractive, deeply lobed leaves. Unlike many other Philodendron, Xanadu isn’t a climber but instead will grow outwards, and although it quite likes to be rootbound, after two to three years you might consider dividing or repotting it into a slightly larger pot. This will give it more room to grow and top up the nutrients in the soil.
You might find that your plant grows aerial roots from its stems to help anchor it into the soil and absorb moisture from the air – that’s completely normal. It’s also completely natural for some of the older, lower leaves of your plant to go yellow and die back as it grows. Just cut them off, they’ll be replaced by new growth that comes from the top of the plant. If your Xanadu is getting too big or too crowded, you can always cut back a few leaves to let in more light and air and create a more open structure. Otherwise, feed it once a month from late spring to early autumn to encourage new healthy roots and shoots.
To keep sap-sucking pests like mealy bug and spider mite at bay, regularly wash down the leaves of your plant with room temperature water and, once it’s dry, give it a good spritz with a natural bug control spray. This will also keep the leaves dust free and glossy so that they can absorb lots of light and generate the energy your plant needs to grow.
If you’re lucky enough your Xanadu might flower some day. If so, you’re in for a surprise – it has flowers similar to a Peace lily, except the spathe (or sail) is red.
Did you know?
In warm temperate, tropical and subtropical parts of the world Philodendron xanadu grows so easily outside that it’s often used in garden and urban landscaping – lucky them!
