Philodendron hastatum
Endemic to SE. Brazil; wet tropical forest (IUCN: Least Concern)
First described by K.Koch & Sello.
Elongated spear/arrow-shaped leaves with a silvery blue-green metallic sheen; new growth especially reflective.
Vigorous climber; develops larger, more sharply lobed silver leaves with a moss pole and bright light.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet 'hastatum' means 'spear-shaped', describing the leaf form.
Philodendron hastatum (K.Koch & Sello) is endemic to south-eastern Brazil, where it grows as a climber. It is prized for elongated, spear- to arrow-shaped leaves with a distinctive silvery-blue metallic sheen — hence the trade name 'Silver Sword'. Though Least Concern globally, it is considered threatened in parts of its native range.
Give bright indirect light to maximise the silvery sheen and a moss pole for larger mature leaves. Airy mix, water when the top 2–3 cm dries, moderate-to-high humidity. A fast, rewarding grower.
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; reduced silver and leggy growth in low light; spider mites in dry air; brown tips from low humidity.
- Its silvery blue-green metallic leaves earn it the trade name 'Silver Sword'.
- It's endemic to south-eastern Brazil and is a fast grower in cultivation.
- The metallic sheen is most striking on fresh new growth in bright indirect light.