The philodendrons grown for indoors are evergreen, mainly climbing plants, which support themselves by means of aerial roots. They have glossy, leathery leaves which may be heart-, arrow-, or lance-shaped, and which change shape as the plant ages. Growing a philodendron against a moss pole will allow it to use its aerial roots to anchor it in the same way it would use a tree in its native habitat.

This treelike shrub from southeast Brazil is also known as tree philoden­dron. It usually has a single, sturdy, upright stem, which is inclined to fall over and lit horizontally as it ages, with only the tip pointing upward.

The downward-pointing leaves grow to 3 ft. (1 m) long, half of which is the stalk. They are heart-shaped, bright green, and deeply cut, with many narrow, wavy-edged lobes. The flower is a spathe 12 in. (30 cm) long and cream with a red margin. P.b. ‘German Selloum’ has finely cut leaves with wavy, graceful lobes. P.b. ‘Painted Lady’ has golden-colored new leaves, turning green. P.b. ‘Variegatum’ has leaves with light green to yellow blotches.

Size: Height eventually 15 ft. (5 m).

Light: Indirect sunlight or partial shade.

Temperature: Normal room.

Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall. In winter, apply enough water to prevent the soil mix from drying out.

Feeding: Apply standard liquid fertilizer once a month from spring through to summer.

Propagation: Sow fresh seed m spring, or take tip cuttings from shoots at the base of the plant.

Special needs: Variegated plants always need more light than green forms, otherwise the plant compen­sates for the low light by converting the yellow leaf areas to green and any distinctive markings will fade oi be lost altogether.