Birkin Philodendron

Birkin Philodendron (Philodendron 'Birkin') earns its place on looks alone and then asks for almost nothing. It grows slowly to about 80cm tall and 60cm across, so it holds a shelf or plant stand for years. Every dark green leaf is drawn with fine cream pinstripes, and because the variegation is unstable no two leaves come out the same.

Why you'll love it

• Variegation you cannot buy twice. The cream pinstriping varies leaf by leaf, so a mature plant looks hand painted.
• It stays a manageable size. Roughly 80cm by 60cm and slow with it, so you repot every few years.
• Self supporting habit. Unlike most climbing philodendrons it holds an upright shape, with no moss pole to hide.
• Forgiving of indoor life. It copes with the moderate light and dry air of a normal Australian home.
• A short care routine. Water when the mix dries, feed twice a year, wipe the leaves occasionally.

Where it works best

Indoors, anywhere in the country. Inside the house your climate stops mattering, which counts with a plant this frost tender. Bright indirect light near an east facing window is ideal.

Pots and containers. A 200mm to 250mm pot suits a well grown plant, and it prefers to be snug rather than swimming in mix. Step it up one size at a time.

Balconies and courtyards in warm climates. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens it lives outside in a sheltered, shaded spot. Cooler southern gardens should treat it as an indoor plant only.

Growing Birkin Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light or partial shade. Deep shade dulls the pinstriping to plain green, and direct sun through glass scorches the pale sections first. Outdoors it needs a frost free, covered position.

Soil. A chunky indoor mix with bark or perlite through it. These roots want air as much as water, so a dense wet mix is the fastest route to root rot. The pot needs a drainage hole.

Water and feed. Water when the top 3cm of mix feels dry, roughly weekly in summer and every two to three weeks in winter, and always tip out the saucer. Feed a half strength liquid fertiliser twice over spring and summer.

Pruning. Almost none. Remove old lower leaves at the base as they yellow. If a stem reverts to all green or all white, cut it back so properly striped growth takes over.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as tube stock and as established 200mm plants in packs of six. Tube stock is young, often three or four leaves, and takes a season or two to fill a decorative pot. The 200mm plants carry a full crown and go straight into position.

A little leaf curl or a dropped lower leaf after transit is normal. Give yours a week in bright indirect light before the first water. 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.
• Variegated plants explained, including why striping fades.
• Browse the wider indoor plant range.
• Pair it with a pot that drains properly.

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Philodendrons contain insoluble calcium oxalates and are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, causing drooling, mouth irritation and vomiting. Keep it above floor level.

Why are the new leaves coming out plain green?

Almost always not enough light. Move it closer to a bright window, out of direct sun, and the next few leaves should return to striping. Cutting back a fully reverted stem helps too.

Can I keep it outdoors?

Only in a frost free, shaded and sheltered position in tropical, subtropical or warm temperate gardens. Anywhere that frosts, it lives indoors.