Philodendron × domesticum
Not definitively known in the wild; long grown across tropical America and likely a cultigen
First described by G.S.Bunting.
Large, glossy, bright green arrow/spade-shaped leaves to ~56 cm long; thin-textured and held on long petioles.
Vigorous climber; produces large arrow-shaped leaves quickly with a moss pole and bright light.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet 'domesticum' ('domestic/cultivated') reflects that it is known chiefly from cultivation.
Philodendron domesticum (G.S.Bunting), the Spadeleaf Philodendron, is a long-cultivated climber whose precise wild origin is uncertain — it may be a cultigen. It has large, glossy, arrow/spade-shaped leaves (to ~56 cm) on a vigorous climbing stem and is one of the easiest large-leaved philodendrons for the home. A variegated form is also grown.
An easy, fast, adaptable climber: bright indirect light, a moss pole, an airy mix kept lightly moist, and average humidity. Tolerant of typical home conditions, making it a good large-leaf beginner philodendron.
Airy aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 12–18 months in spring; pair with a moss pole.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot from overwatering; leggy growth and smaller leaves in low light; spider mites in dry air; brown tips from very dry air.
- Its big, glossy, spade-shaped leaves give it the names 'Spadeleaf' and 'Elephant Ear' Philodendron.
- Its exact wild origin is unknown — it may exist only in cultivation as a cultigen.
- It's one of the easiest large-leaved philodendrons to grow indoors.