Philo means ‘’loving’ in Greek, while dendron means ‘tree’. Which makes this the ‘loving tree’. While that could be because it’s just so easy to like, it’s probably because of its big heart-shaped leaves.
In its natural home in Central America and the Caribbean it’s a fast-growing climber, reaching heights of up to six metres. You’ll find it hanging out on the trunks of other trees. In the home it’s grown up a moss pole, to make it a dramatic, very vertical plant. If you like a big plant but don’t have space for one that spreads out, it’s perfect.
It’s a pretty easy plant to take care of, as long as you give it the right light and water. You can also give it a growth boost by feeding it with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.
Did you know?
There are 489 different species of philodendron. Gold star to you if you can list them all.