Xanadu Philodendron

Xanadu philodendron (Philodendron 'Xanadu') gives you a tropical look that stays low and behaves itself. It forms a mounding clump around 1m tall and 1.5m across, built from deeply lobed glossy leaves on stiff upright stems. It neither climbs nor runs, so a bed planted a metre apart knits into a continuous sweep of foliage and holds that shape.

Why you'll love it

• It stays where you put it. Xanadu is a self heading clump, not a climber. No aerial roots up the wall, no runners through the bed.
• Genuinely low maintenance. Heat, humidity and drought tolerant once established. Removing a few old leaves twice a year is the only job.
• Poolside without the litter. Leathery leaves cope with reflected heat off paving and do not shed the fine litter that clogs a skimmer box.
• Indoors as well as out. In a bright room it holds its compact rosette shape instead of stretching for the window.
• Not one for pet households. Like every philodendron it carries calcium oxalate and is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 1m apart. The clumps meet in about two seasons and read as one low tropical sweep, at a fraction of the upkeep of lawn.

Poolside and paved courtyards. It takes reflected heat off pavers and the humidity around a pool, and stays low enough not to block the view across the water.

Pots, borders and indoors. A 400mm or larger pot suits a mature clump, and a single row makes a knee height edge to a driveway or path.

Growing Xanadu philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade to filtered sun, though it takes morning sun happily. A plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so in cool temperate and frosty inland districts grow it in a pot that can shift under cover, or keep it indoors.

Soil. Free draining and rich in organic matter. Dig compost through the bed first, then mulch 50mm deep, kept clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Twice a week through the first summer, then only in dry spells. Let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings, especially in pots. Controlled release fertiliser in early spring and mid summer keeps the leaves large and dark.

Maintenance. No pruning. Cut yellowing leaves off at the base, and divide a congested clump in warm weather after five or six years.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes in 140mm packs of ten, 180mm and 200mm packs of six, 250mm packs of three, and single 300mm plants. Multipacks are the sensible choice for mass planting, while the 300mm gives you a filled pot straight away. Younger plants arrive with fewer, smaller leaves and will not show the full deep lobing until their second season.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Expect a quiet fortnight after planting, then steady new leaves through the warm months. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor plants for Australian homes
• Compare climbers and groundcovers
• Preparing a new garden bed before planting

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart for a full mass planting. Any closer and the clumps crowd each other without covering the ground any faster.

Will it grow indoors long term?

Yes, in a bright room. Indoor plants stay smaller and grow more slowly than the same plant outdoors, and they need far less water over winter.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. The sap contains calcium oxalate, which irritates the mouth and throat if a pet chews the leaves. Choose a pet friendly alternative instead.