Philodendron sodiroi
Colombia; wet tropical forest
First described by N.E.Br.. (1883)
Heart-shaped green leaves heavily mottled with metallic silver, on reddish petioles; juvenile foliage most silvery.
Climbing epiphyte; leaves enlarge and silver patterning shifts with maturity and a moss pole.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet honours Italian-Ecuadorian botanist Luis Sodiro.
Philodendron sodiroi (N.E.Br., described 1883) is native to Colombia and named after botanist Luis Sodiro. A climbing epiphyte, it is recognised for heart-shaped leaves heavily mottled with metallic silver over green, on reddish petioles. Juvenile leaves are most strikingly silver; it was once treated as synonymous with P. ornatum.
Bright indirect light keeps the silver mottling vivid; a moss pole encourages larger mature leaves. Use an airy mix, water when the top 2–3 cm dries, and keep moderate-to-high humidity. Avoid harsh direct sun on the silvered leaves.
Airy aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 18–24 months in spring; pair with a moss pole.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot from overwatering; reduced silver in low light; spider mites in dry air; brown tips from low humidity or hard water.
- Its heart-shaped leaves are heavily mottled with metallic silver, brightest when young.
- It's named after botanist Luis Sodiro and was first described back in 1883.
- It was once confused with P. ornatum before being recognised as its own species.