Philodendron Super Atom

Philodendron 'Super Atom' (Philodendron 'Super Atom') is the compact, self heading philodendron: a tight rosette of deeply lobed, glossy leaves that stays around 60cm tall and 60cm wide instead of climbing. That habit is the whole appeal. It holds its shape on a shelf or a floor pot for years without a stake, a moss pole or constant trimming.

Why you'll love it

• It stays a neat mound. Self heading growth means new leaves push from the centre, so it fills out rather than running away up a support.
• Thick, sculpted leaves. Deep waves and lobes on heavy glossy foliage give it more presence than its 60cm size suggests.
• Low light is fine. It grows well away from a window, which suits apartments, offices and rooms with one aspect.
• Very little to do. Water when the top of the mix dries, feed occasionally, repot every few years. That is the whole routine.

Where it works best

Indoors, anywhere in the country. Inside, your climate stops mattering, which counts for a plant this frost tender. Bright indirect light gives the fullest rosette; shade slows it without harming it.

Pots and containers. A 250mm to 300mm pot suits a mature plant. Its low, wide shape works at floor level beside a chair or on a wide sideboard.

Balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it is limited to frost free tropical and subtropical gardens in shade. Elsewhere, treat it as a pot that shifts inside before winter.

Growing Philodendron 'Super Atom' in Australia

Position and climate. Medium to bright indirect light, out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves. It wants warmth and humidity, so keep it away from cold draughts, air conditioning vents and unheated rooms in southern winters.

Soil. A chunky aroid or indoor mix with bark and perlite through it, in a pot with a drainage hole. Repot every two to three years, moving up one pot size only.

Water and feed. Water once the top few centimetres of mix are dry, soak it through, then empty the saucer. Roughly weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. Feed a half strength liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn.

Pruning. Almost none. Cut old lower leaves at the base as they yellow, and wipe the foliage occasionally, since dust dulls the gloss and slows growth.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in two sizes: tubes, and 140mm pots in packs of ten. Tubes are young plants with a few leaves, ready to move into a 200mm pot straight away. The 140mm plants are further along and fill a decorative pot faster, which suits a group planting or several rooms at once.

Expect a quiet month while it settles, then new leaves through the warm season, each one larger than the last. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep your indoor plants alive covers watering and light mistakes.
• Browse the wider indoor plants range.
• See more low light indoor plants for darker rooms.
• How to repot your plants when it outgrows its container.

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

No. Like most philodendrons it contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, causing mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep it above pet height, or choose a pet safe plant instead.

Does it climb or need a pole?

Neither. It is self heading, so it grows outward from a central crown rather than up a support. That is why it holds a tidy shape without staking.

Why are the lower leaves yellowing?

One or two old leaves yellowing at the base is normal ageing. Several at once usually means the mix is staying wet, so check the drainage hole and let the top few centimetres dry before the next water.