Philodendron brandtianum
S. Colombia, N. Brazil, Bolivia; seasonally dry tropical forest
First described by K.Krause.
Olive to dark green, elongated heart-shaped leaves overlaid with broad silvery-grey bands between the veins; juvenile foliage most heavily silvered.
Climbing epiphyte that hugs its support; leaves enlarge with a moss pole. More drought-tolerant than most philodendrons.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet honours the surname Brandt.
Philodendron brandtianum (K.Krause) is a climbing epiphyte from southern Colombia, northern Brazil and Bolivia, growing in seasonally dry forest — so it tolerates drier soil better than most philodendrons. It is best known for the heavy silver variegation on its olive-green juvenile leaves, and is sometimes confused with satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) or Philodendron hederaceum.
Coming from seasonally dry forest, brandtianum copes with the soil drying out more than other philodendrons — let the top few cm dry between waterings. Give bright indirect light to keep the silver bold, and a moss pole for larger mature leaves. Avoid soggy soil.
Airy aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 18–24 months in spring; provide a moss pole to climb.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot if kept too wet; faded silvering in low light; spider mites and mealybugs in dry air; often misidentified as satin pothos.
- Its silver-banded juvenile leaves make it look like satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus), but it's a true Philodendron.
- Because it grows in seasonally dry forest, it handles drier soil better than most philodendrons.
- Native to southern Colombia, northern Brazil and Bolivia, it climbs tightly against host trees.