Philodendron spiritus-sancti

Endemic to Brazil (Espírito Santo, near Domingos Martins); ~650–800 m, hemiepiphytic in tropical forest

First described by G.S.Bunting. (1987)

Long, narrow, pendent triangular (arrow-shaped) matte dark-green leaves to ~60 cm, with elongated lobes often likened to rabbit ears; held on very long petioles.

Hemiepiphytic climber; develops its distinctive elongated leaf shape with maturity and a support to climb.

Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet is a Latinised form of the Brazilian state Espírito Santo ('Holy Spirit'), where it is endemic.

Philodendron spiritus-sancti (G.S.Bunting, 1987) is endemic to the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, originally known from a single locality near Domingos Martins. It is one of the rarest and most coveted philodendrons — a 'holy grail' plant — severely threatened by habitat loss, with more individuals thought to be in private collections than in the wild (a new wild population was reported in 2024). It bears long, narrow, pendent triangular leaves on long petioles.

Despite its rarity it is grown much like other climbing philodendrons: bright indirect light (never harsh direct sun), an airy well-draining mix kept lightly moist, warmth and good humidity, and a moss pole or board to climb. Reduce watering in winter.

• Root rot if overwatered; slow or stalled growth without a support to climb; spider mites in dry air; very expensive and scarce, so sourcing true plants is the main challenge.

• Often called the 'holy grail' of houseplants — for years it was among the rarest philodendrons in cultivation.
• It's endemic to a tiny area of Espírito Santo, Brazil; for a long time more plants existed in collections than in the wild.
• Its long, narrow leaves with elongated lobes are sometimes compared to rabbit ears.